Minister of Internal Affairs Catalin Predoiu believes that Holocaust Remembrance Day takes on a new symbolism in the current context, where extremist manifestations are becoming an obvious reality.

„Recourse to history, to this tragic chapter, must give food for thought to all those who, in absence of the cultural, social or ideological benchmarks that should have been provided through education, rally their support to tendencies contrary to freedom and fundamental human rights,” Predoiu said on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, stressing that this is a moment of deep historical and symbolic significance, an invitation to reflection and prudence, to taking responsibility regarding the dangers of hatred, discrimination, intolerance, but, above all, the tragic consequences indifference and a superficial understanding of social realities can have.

„The Holocaust is part of universal history, an unprecedented tragedy that had over six million Jews, along with other communities – Roma, people with disabilities, political opponents and other marginalized groups – systematically exterminated. We must have the courage to take responsibility and understand that the Holocaust is about criminals and victims, about the concrete manifestation of a totalitarian regime and about the possibilities of perverted human nature. It is our duty, in the spirit of tolerance and respect for human dignity, to do everything in our power to make sure that such acts do not happen again,” Predoiu said.

The Interior minister stated that Romania, as a European state, shares values that promote respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, dialogue and harmony between nations, and that Romania’s historical path must not be overshadowed by a public rhetoric that encourages division, and implicitly manifestations in the sphere of discrimination, racism, intolerance, xenophobia, radicalism or violence.

„On this solemn day, I am honored to reaffirm Romania’s commitment to promoting the memory of the Holocaust, a promise materialized in respect for and the reinforcement of legislation that sanctions any form of hatred, but especially in promoting and owning up to historical realities. In order to understand the realities of the world we live in, in order not to fall victim to propaganda and manipulation, education is needed. I believe in the necessity of education in the family and in school, as I am convinced that education and knowledge are the key to the well-being of any nation,” Predoiu concluded.

AGERPRES