Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said Wednesday, Jan. 24, that the threat of antisemitism cannot be ignored as he noted an increase in the number of attacks on the Jewish people and establishments in various parts of the world.

Speaking at the commemoration of the International Holocaust Day at the Department of Education (DepEd), Fluss expressed alarm that there were growing voices of denial of the Holocaust as well as the increasing case of antisemitism.

It became more apparent in 2023, when there were cases of "the denial of the right of Israel, the homeland of the Jews, to exist."

"I can't ignore the murderous attack of the terror organization Hamas against Israel last October 7. That day, more than 1200 Israelis were murdered, the biggest number of Jews murdered in one day since the Holocaust," he said.

What Hamas did in October, Fluss said, brought trauma of the past to the Jewish people as it called for "the murder of Jews and the annihilation of the State of Israel."

​"The threat of antisemitism makes Jews fear wearing Jewish symbols in public, like this kipa I’m wearing today. Just imagine fearing wearing a cross and being prosecuted because you are Christian​," he said.

​Fluss said action is now imperative as we ​"cannot ignore​" what is happening.

​Actions could be done "through legislation, political processes, awareness, education, public condemnation, and increased security at Jewish institutions.​"

​"We must unite in saying, ​'Never again​' to the Holocaust, antisemitism, racism, and genocide​," he added.

​Fluss also expressed his gratitude to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte for hosting the event, just like what she did last year.

He said the event was so important for Jews and he recognized and appreciated her "efforts to teach and educate future generations about the Holocaust and the lessons of this genocide."