US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Yad Vashem

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, accompanied by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. Rubio’s visit was highlighted by his signing of the Survivors' Declaration, a document first read in 2002 by Holocaust survivor Zvi Gil, and his viewing of the Book of Names, which holds the names of over 4.8 million Holocaust victims.

During the visit, Rubio attended a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, and in his speech, he addressed the growing issue of antisemitism worldwide. He emphasized that this "ancient poison," which has persisted through centuries, is once again on the rise. Rubio pointed out how antisemitism is hiding behind geopolitics, infiltrating international organizations, and spreading through social media and academic institutions. He stressed the importance of challenging this hatred before it escalates into more horrific events, referencing the Holocaust as a tragic reminder of the consequences of ignoring such hate.

In his remarks, Rubio made it clear that antisemitism cannot be ignored and must be confronted wherever it surfaces. He concluded his speech with a powerful statement: "This must be challenged everywhere it rears its head, for if history teaches us anything, an evil that goes unchallenged does not simply vanish—it either gets defeated, or it will grow and do horrific things."

Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan also addressed the resurgence of antisemitism, calling it not only a test for the Jewish people but for global leaders as well. Foreign Minister Sa’ar added that the new form of antisemitism is evident in the persecution of Israel, where the State of the Jewish people faces demonization, delegitimization, and double standards. Sa’ar condemned the attempt to deny Israel’s right to self-defense as "horrific."