More than 60,000 people marched in Lima on Saturday to participate in the March of Life, an international movement that brings together Jewish and Christian communities to honor the memory of the Holocaust, express support for Israel, and condemn antisemitism.
The Lima event was organized in partnership with the Worldwide Missionary Movement (MMM) and was attended by Israel's Ambassador to Peru, Gali Dagan, as well as other key figures. The audience members predominantly wore white T-shirts, and most carried Israeli flags. As part of the same event, there was also a march of more than 3,000 young people.
Speaking to the crowd, Ambassador Dagan encouraged people to commit to fighting Jew-hatred as a way of honoring the memory of those who died in the Holocaust.
"Tonight, we remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, victims of antisemitic hatred and centuries of incitement. We must also remember those who, amid that darkness, chose to help and save lives."
Among them, he highlighted two Peruvian diplomats, José Gambetta and José Barreto, who facilitated passports so that persecuted Jews could escape Europe and find refuge in Peru.
'Reject indifference before it's too late'
"Remembering the Holocaust obliges us to honor its victims, but also to recognize the warning signs of hatred, reject indifference and act before it is too late," he continued, adding that "this responsibility is more urgent today than ever."
"The memory of the Holocaust demands consistency from us: we cannot remain indifferent when intolerance and antisemitism manifest themselves again," he said, before encouraging the audience to express their support for Israel on social media, share information, "defend the truth" and raise their voices against antisemitism.
He noted that, since the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, the world has seen an "alarming" escalation in antisemitism. He encouraged people to stand up for Jews, and said "The best response to hate speech is a firm, courageous and supportive voice."
Ambassador expresses gratitude to Peruvian government
Dagan also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Peru for its decision to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, adding that the decision "constitutes an important signal of commitment to the historical memory of the Holocaust and to the fight against antisemitism."
Peru adopted the non-binding working definition just over a week ago on October 26, 2026. It marks a shift in policy towards Israel and Jews under President Keiko Fujimori, the right-wing leader who entered power in July.
Dagan ended his address by speaking of the shared values and roots of Jews and Christians and thanking the Peruvian Christians for their friendship and support.
"Knowing that we have friends who publicly express their solidarity gives us strength and hope. It reminds us that we are not alone," he said, before inviting them to visit Israel.
This was met with applause, cheering, and a standing ovation.