Together against hatred and exclusion – Commemorating the victims of the Holocaust

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the millions of victims who were persecuted and killed because of their origin and religion. On January 25, following the commemoration in the European Parliament, Fidesz MEP Lívia Járóka, together with the Liszt Institute in Brussels, organised an exhibition titled Porajmos and a round table discussion about the Holocaust with the participation of Roma artists and speakers. “We must say no to hatred and exclusion. We need to talk about its causes, understand how it works, and come together to fight against it together” the MEP recalled.

The evening was opened by EU Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, Ambassador Dr. Tamás Iván Kovács and MEP Lívia Járóka. “It is more important than ever that the next generation does not forget the painful lessons of history. Never again is not only a commitment but also a warning” highlighted Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

“The most profound and sometimes unspoken question at any commemoration is how we can prevent such a tragedy from happening again. The answer is partly given by commemoration, which is not only respect for our past, but also commitment to our future, the recognition that there is always hope for reconstruction and rebirth” the ambassador pointed out.

“What happened in Europe in the 1940s was not without precedent in our world. Centuries of anger and hatred fuelled the violence that eventually led to the Holocaust and the deaths of millions of Jews and at least 500,000 of our fellow Roma. This hatred consumed everything that came in its way, crossing borders, languages and cultures” Járóka expressed. “This hatred has not died out to this day. We need to talk about its causes, understand how it works, and come together to fight it in all its forms. I am standing here today because of the courage and strength of the people who said no to hate and exclusion. They want security, love and acceptance for themselves and their children. I believe that there is no future without it,” emphasised the MEP.

During the evening, MEP Lívia Járóka held a panel discussion on the impact of the Holocaust with anthropologist Irén Kertész and linguist Gyula Vámosi, the event was closed by the singer and pianist duo Renáta Damu and Tibor Kónyai.