This year’s peace memorial ceremony in Hiroshima on Aug. 6 is set to welcome representatives from a record 115 countries and the European Union, marking the 79th anniversary of the city’s atomic bombing. Last year’s record of 111 countries plus the EU is expected to be surpassed.
Notable attendees include nuclear weapons states like Britain, France, India, and Israel, with the United States yet to confirm participation and China, Pakistan, and North Korea yet to respond. Russia has not been invited for the third consecutive year.
The increase in participants is attributed to the ongoing wars globally, emphasizing the significance of Hiroshima’s history and the yearning for peace.
Despite opposition from some atomic bomb survivors, Israel has been extended an invitation with a plea to honor the hibakusha’s message of peace, especially in light of current conflicts in Gaza. The Hiroshima official remains hopeful for Israel’s attendance, believing they will heed the call for peace.