This Friday, Nagasaki will commemorate the 79th anniversary of the detonation of the atomic bomb over that city on 9th August,1945.
An estimated 40,000 people were killed instantly, with tens of thousands more dying in the ensuing years from their injuries and radiation poisoning.
The memorial ceremony, usually held at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan, aims at honouring the victims while advocating for peace and abolition of nuclear weapons.
The Park features memorials and monuments which serve as a focal point for the remembrance and reflection during the annual event.
According to The Japan Times, the commemorative event, in support of peace and deterrence of nuclear armament, has in the past been apolitical, with representatives from across the world invited to participate. This year is different.
Nagasaki’s Mayor Shiro Suzuki explicitly disinvited Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen, citing security concerns.
The mayor claims his decision is not based “on political considerations, but rather on our desire to hold the ceremony to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombings in a peaceful and solemn atmosphere and to ensure that the ceremony goes smoothly.”
“To suggest that the Japanese police cannot provide sufficient security for the event and control whatever demonstrations may occur is impossible to believe and the mayor knows it.
“The irony of this decision is apparent when one sees the list of who was invited to the event. Among them are representatives of nations with recognized gross human rights violations and long records of oppressing their citizens.
“Most galling is that while Israel is excluded, the Iranian ambassador is welcome.
The ceremony should be a time to send an unequivocal message of peace on such a significant date,” the paper wrote. – TJT
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