President Underlines Importance of Remembering Holocaust Past

Bratislava, 20 April (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini underlined the importance of remembering the past during the presentation of the Righteous Among the Nations awards, highlighting the courage, humanity and moral stance of people who, during the Holocaust, risked their own lives to save the persecuted, TASR learnt from the President's Office press department on Monday. Together with the Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities in Slovakia and Parliament, he took auspices over the event organised by the Israeli Embassy. "We commemorate these tragic events so that they do not fade from our memory, so that they do not disappear from our minds or our hearts. So that we honour the memory of the victims, innocent people who died violent deaths. And above all, so that we express gratitude to those who found the courage to help despite exposing themselves and their loved ones to mortal danger," Pellegrini said. The president pointed to the specific forms of assistance provided by rescuers, who supplied food, medical aid, arranged false identities and hid people. "They knew that their decision would mean a life of discomfort and constant fear. Many were subjected to brutal interrogations and threats," the head of state noted. According to Pellegrini, these heroic acts continue to provide inspiration even today. He also accentuated the message of the award — the opportunity to summon humanity and tolerance within ourselves and change the course of history that way. mf