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First UN General Assembly Special Session Convened at Israel's Initiative
(Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) * This is the first time that the UN General Assembly is convening to commemorate the Holocaust, and the first time that the General Assembly is convening a Special Session at Israel's initiative. * The Israeli initiative is intended to strengthen international awareness of the Holocaust and the struggle against anti-Semitism, and the related significance of the rebirth of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. * Israel enlisted the assistance of 30 countries (the U.S., the 25 EU states, Russia, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) in presenting a joint request to the UN Secretary General to convene the special session. * The Special Session will open with a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, to be followed by addresses from the UN Secretary General, Israel's Foreign Minister, representatives of the liberated countries, representatives of the countries that initiated the Special Session, spokespeople of the regional UN groups, and Eli Wiesel, who will speak on behalf of Holocaust survivors. * On the day of the Special Session, Foreign Minister Shalom and the UN Secretary General will inaugurate an exhibit organized by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority about the Auschwitz death camp.