Under tight security measures, the construction of a memorial park in Eleftheria Square began alongside a Memory March to mark the 83rd anniversary of the first train that transported thousands of Jews from Thessaloniki to Auschwitz. During the event, David Saltiel, president of the Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece, spoke about the profound impact of the Holocaust on the city, noting that almost 96% of the Jewish community was lost, which radically changed Thessaloniki's dynamics and identity.

He brought to light the tragic events of July 11, 1942, when approximately 9,000 Jewish men aged 18 to 45 were gathered by the Nazis for public humiliation under the scorching sun, enduring physical violence and humiliation. This event was a pivotal moment that epitomized the acceptance of exclusion and violence by society, with many Thessalonians remaining silent witnesses, and some even mocking the situation.

As the city continues to grapple with its painful past, the inauguration of the memorial park serves as an important step in honoring the memory of the victims and addressing the historical injustices faced by the Jewish community. The significance of this remembrance is not only crucial for the Jewish population but also plays an essential role in the collective memory and democratic values of Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole.