CAM Honors Greek IHRA Chair Ambassador Chris Lazaris for His Commitment to Combating Antisemitism

Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Combat Antisemitism Movement Senior Advisor and CEO of the Center of Jewish Impact Robert Singer gave a special tribute to Ambassador Christ J. Lazaris, the chair of the 2021 Greek Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for his steadfast commitment to combating all forms of contemporary antisemitism during the digital event, “‘There Is Neither Greek Nor Jew’: The Heroic Duo Who Saved an Entire Island From the Holocaust,” which honored Greek “Righteous Among the Nations” Zakynthos Mayor Loukas Karrer and Metropolitan Dimitrios Chrysostomos.

At the event, which was hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), along with B’nai B’rith International, the National Hellenic Society, the Hellenic American Women’s Council, and the European March of the Living, Ambassador Lazaris highlighted the achievements of the Greek IHRA Presidency while celebrating the heroes of Zakynthos.

Ambassador Lazaris commented, “The mayor and the metropolitan are not the only heroes to celebrate for this courageous action. Until the departure of the German troops, no one betrayed the Jews in hiding. Those people protecting the Jews risked their lives to save others. Without them, Zakynthos would not be known as the ‘Island of the Just,’ as they call it in Israel.”

Following Ambassador Lazaris’ keynote remarks, Singer presented him with an award, thanking him on behalf of the more than 430 partner organizations that make up the Combat Antisemitism Movement, noting, “The presidency of Greece for the IHRA during the last year was outstanding. During your presidency countries like Cyprus and Brazil joined as observers, and North Macedonia joined as a member and many important actions took place — especially in the field of education.”

“Please receive this award and know that people in Israel and Jewish people around the world appreciate very much the history of Jews in Greece the acts that were taken by the Greek community during the war.”

The full award presentation can be viewed below: