Sirens sounded across Israel today as the Jewish nation marks Holocaust Remembrance Day. Thousands of Israelis have gathered at the Auschwitz death camp for the annual "March of the Living", commemorating the Jewish people's victory over their Nazi oppressors. The Vatican's Ambassador to Israel has changed his mind about attending the ceremony in the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Monsignor Antonio Franco had objected to visiting the Museum, which is critical of Pope Pius' conduct during the Second World War. He will now attend the event.

Quote: "Every year, marchers walk three kilometres (two miles) from the infamous Auschwitz gateway with its chillingly-false "Arbeit macht Frei" (Work Brings Freedom) sign to the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria of Birkenau, where they hold a memorial service. The aim, organisers say, is not only to mourn for those who were massacred but also to "bear witness to the undying spirit of the Jewish people." The march marks "Yom HaShoah" or Holocaust Remembrance Day, which began in Israel at sunset on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was the Prime Speaker at a ceremony in Yad Vashem last evening. He said that not everyone had learned the lesson of the Holocaust, that anti-Semitic views were rife in many respectable academic institutions, and that the world needed to do more to prevent another Holocaust from happening.

Quote: "Olmert, a keynote speaker at the ceremony, warned of those who "had not yet learned the lesson the Holocaust. Many gather at respectable academic institutions, with hatred of Israel blinding them." "Most of the world population is aware of the Holocaust and aware of the evil agenda of Holocaust deniers," he said, "they withhold from the Jewish people the right to a sovereign state. They are the first to find an excuse for any atrocity committed against Israeli civilians and the loudest in censuring defensive operations of the State of Israel." Yad Vashem Committee Chairman Tommy Lapid echoed these sentiments, noting "(Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad thinks six million Jews are not enough."

His views reflect those of the Israeli public, of which a third fear the possibility of another Holocaust taking place. Two thirds believe that another Holocaust will not take place. Those are interesting statistics, for the Bible states that another Holocaust will occur - during the tribulation period, and two thirds of Israel will be wiped out.

Zechariah 13:8 
And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

I have decided to go to Israel for a holiday this year, God willing. I have been thinking this way for some time, but if all goes to plan, hopefully I will be able to go. I was praying yesterday about it, and asked God for a sign if it was His will, and He gave me a verse in Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 11:1-2
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Source Turkish Press, YNet News, YNet News, YNet News