FIFA President Blatter has written to Avi Luzon, the President of the Israel FA to assure him of FIFA’s commitment to fight all forms of racism and discrimination as his country marks its annual Holocaust memorial day.

Sunday night’s ceremony at the Yad Vashem memorial began 24 hours of commemorations to remember the six million who were killed in the Holocaust.

The annual event is one of the most solemn on Israel’s calendar. Restaurants, cafes and places of entertainment are shut down and on Monday morning, Israel came to a standstill as sirens wailed for two minutes.

“On this very special day for your country and nation, I would like to express my deepest sympathy on behalf of the international football community to the families of the victims of the Holocaust as well as my admiration for those who so bravely stood up and resisted against this evil,” wrote President Blatter.

“Seventy years on from the terrible crimes committed against your people, FIFA and its President remain committed to fighting against all forms of racism and discrimination, a position which is enshrined in our Statutes.

“It is my firm belief that football – and its unique ability to break down barriers and connect people – is one of the most powerful forces for good in this world, which is why I am equally committed to developing the game across the globe in order to unlock this immense potential among all the peoples of the world.”