Rasi: Extremism, Hatred and Anti-semitism Growing around World and in Slovakia

Banska Bystrica, 29 August (TASR) - Extremism, hatred and anti-Semitism are growing around the world, in Europe and in Slovakia, with the past being relativised and the crimes of fascism trivialised, said House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) in a speech that he delivered at celebrations to mark the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in Banska Bystrica on Friday. According to Rasi, doubts are appearing regarding the SNP heroes, who gave freedom to Slovaks. It is the duty of future generations to defend them so that Slovakia will be a place of peace and cooperation, he said. "The Slovak National Uprising was an act of immense courage by Slovaks. We must always recall it truthfully and with deep humility, as only knowing the truth and respecting historical events will open the way to our future," said Rasi. He pointed out that the SNP was an anti-fascist uprising. It was part of a global fight against Nazism and fascism and at the same time part of the struggle for democracy, freedom and human dignity. According to Rasi, the uprising isn't just one chapter in history textbooks; it is the story of a whole nation, and so it must remain a national memory and part of Slovak identity. "It was the result of a society-wide anti-fascist consensus and the decision of thousands of ordinary people not to remain silent. They were aware that the enemy was stronger and that victory wasn't sure, but at the same time of the fact that it was worth fighting for the freedom of Slovakia," noted Rasi. The House chair stated that the legacy of the SNP is still alive and isn't just an empty phrase. He claimed that freedom isn't a matter of course and it needs to be earned, valued and defended. "Our freedom wasn't born easily and was won by people who often sacrificed their lives for it and passed it on as a heritage for future generations," stated Rasi. Rasi called on Slovaks to listen to who is saying what. He also encouraged them to pay attention to what is happening on social networks. "Let's realise that for the sake of a different perception, one opinion group is capable of verbally destroying a person," he said. In this regard, he called on young people to bear in mind that the generation of their grandparents had the courage to stand up to evil. "It's important to continue to nurture this legacy," said Rasi. The House chair believes that Slovaks must stand up for freedom, democracy and human dignity. They must also say "no" to injustice, extremism and hatred. "Freedom only makes sense if everyone can use it," he stressed. ko/df