The persons who suffered as a result of the Holocaust were commemorated at the Memorial “Victims of Fascism” in Chisinau. The event was organized by the Interethnic Relations Bureau, IPN reports.
Chairman of the Jewish community in Moldova Alexandru Bilinkis said a large number of Jews were killed with cruelty during World War II in the place where the memorial is now situated. “These persons weren’t killed on the battlefield. They worked, created, developed the region, gave birth to and educated children. One day, things changed and sadness, pain and despair came to their homes. They paid a too high price – the human life,” said Alexandru Bilinkis. According to him, in the modern history of mankind, there is no similar tragedy and a museum of the Holocaust should be created in Moldova.
Attending the event, Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu said that for the Republic of Moldova, it is important to accept the lessons of the past because, learning the historical lesson, one can build a better future. In February or March, Parliament will mount an exhibition dedicated to the Holocaust. “It is important to find all the necessary actions to struggle against tolerance, discrimination, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism,” stated Andrian Candu.
Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau Jose Luis Herrero said the victims of the Holocaust should be further rendered homage. Mankind should try and prevent such events. “Regrettably, the dangers haven’t yet passed and we continue to witnesses crimes against humanity,” he stated.
Oleg Babenco, director of the Interethnic Relations Bureau, stated that the people should remember the tragedy of the Holocaust not only on the day the victims are commemorated, but throughout the year. “We must do our best for the young generation to know about this tragedy. Regrettably, this is a problem that hasn’t been yet solved. Unfortunately, in our history books, this subject is not treated appropriately, while the historical data are denatured,” he said.
Chairman of the public association “Association of Jews of the Republic of Moldova – Former Nazi Detainees” Mihail Gordin noted that the Holocaust started with the coming to power of Adolf Hitler in Germany in 1933. He wanted to create a nation with blue blood. Teaching the Holocaust two lessons a year is not enough. They should speak about the Holocaust day and night.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Day was instituted by the resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2005 and has been annually marked on January 27 following the liberation of the largest concentration camp in Auschwitz-Birchenau in 1945.
