In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended a commemoration ceremony at the Recife synagogue, the oldest Jewish house of worship in the Western Hemisphere.

The Argentine ministries of foreign affairs, education, justice, security, and human rights, as well as the Human Rights Secretariat, also partnered with B’nai B’rith International to host an event to commemorate the Holocaust in Buenos Aires. Additionally, at the city’s U.N. Plaza, six trees will be planted as a tribute to the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

The legislative branches of the governments of Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama each held solemn sessions in commemoration of the Holocaust, events that were co-sponsored by B’nai B’rith and the local Jewish communities. During the session in Uruguay, the Uruguayan Congress voted to install a Committee of Parliamentarian Friendship with Israel, including members of each of the country’s three political parties.  

In Chile, Foreign Minister Mariano Fernandez hosted a Holocaust remembrance ceremony, which was organized by B’nai B’rith Chile and the local Jewish community. At the event, the co-sponsors awarded Chief of Staff Jose Viera Gallo the Light and Memory honor and it was announced that a Holocaust memorial will be built in Chile.

Costa Rica commemorated the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by releasing 30,000 stamps (right) in honor of the occasion.

On Jan. 31, a major exhibit on the Holocaust will open in the Human Rights Secretariat Hall in Mexico City, beginning a month-long engagement. The exhibit has been organized by B’nai B’rith Mexico and the local office of the United Nations. Additionally, B’nai B’rith Mexico will host lectures by Spanish journalist Pilar Rahola.