Pellegrini: State Must Preserve Holocaust Legacy for Future Generations

Sered/Bratislava, 27 January (TASR) - It is the duty of the state and society to preserve the legacy of the Holocaust for generations that will no longer be able to meet its direct witnesses, President Peter Pellegrini told TASR at the Holocaust Museum in Sered on Tuesday. The president's visit marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. "It is the duty of the state to do everything to ensure that the message of the horror experienced by millions of people is preserved and passed from generation to generation. We are still fortunate that today here in Sered there were 20 survivors with us, that is, direct witnesses to that horror," he said. Pellegrini added that it is essential to seek ways to preserve the legacy of the Holocaust at a time when direct witnesses are gradually passing away. He warned of the risks associated with the relativisation of history and the rise of extremist manifestations in society. "Huge mistakes are being made when, in the interest of gaining political attention or more likes or followers on social networks, aggressive behaviour is tolerated, as is the denial or questioning of the Holocaust or the horrors of the Second World War," he emphasized. In this context, he also criticised efforts to soften penalties for extremist acts. "Today I do not know how those MPs who proposed reducing penalties for expressions of extremism or even deleting some criminal offences of this type from the Criminal Code would stand here. This is a path that can lead us to hell," he added. At the end of his speech, he called on public figures to act responsibly with their messaging. "At least out of respect for the victims, so that we lead society in the right direction and do not open the door to extremism, Nazism and neo-Nazism," he said. International Holocaust Remembrance Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the basis of a resolution adopted on 1 November 2005. The date of commemoration was set as 27 January, referring to the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Red Army liberated the camp on 27 January 1945, 81 years ago. mf