Holocaust Survivors’ Descendants Honor Cypriot Closure

Descendants of Holocaust survivors gathered in Cyprus to mark the 76th anniversary of the closure of British internment camps where thousands of Jewish refugees were held after World War II according to AP reports.

The ceremony took place at a National Guard base in Nicosia which once served as a British military hospital. This location is poignant as it was where many survivors including children like Snunith Shoham were born while detained.

The camps held around 52000 survivors with conditions described as harsh especially for the young. The British authorities granted some families with newborns permission to leave for “the homeland” — a reference to what would become Israel.

Snunith Shoham now a professor spoke of the support from local Cypriots who helped detainees in small but meaningful ways. This event underscores a lesser-known chapter of post-war history where Cyprus became a temporary refuge for these displaced individuals.

The remembrance included a photo exhibition and speeches highlighting the enduring bonds formed between Cypriots and Jewish survivors. Cyprus Defence Ministry officials and the Israeli Ambassador emphasized the historical significance of these camps in shaping relations between their nations.

The ceremony also shed light on the broader narrative of Jewish migration post-Holocaust often overshadowed by other stories of survival and resettlement. It serves as a reminder of the diverse paths taken by survivors seeking safety and a new beginning.

The event was not just about remembrance but also about education. By commemorating this anniversary the descendants aim to educate newer generations about the Holocaust’s far-reaching effects and the resilience of those who lived through it.

This gathering also reflects on the current global rise in antisemitism and the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. It’s a call to action for vigilance and support for all those who continue to fight against hatred and intolerance.