Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery held an appeal during the celebration of Crystal Night on Saturday.
It is 86 years since Kristallnacht, also called the November pogrom, when approximately 7,000 Jewish businesses and homes in Germany were destroyed. Officially, 91 people were killed, according to Store Norske Leksikon.
Kristallnacht was the prelude to the Nazis’ systematic persecution of Jews, which only a few years later developed into the Holocaust, the genocide of six million Jewish children, women and men.
– It’s getting dark now, too
– It is a day to look back, in sorrow. And to look at our time – our Europe and the world. Even now it’s getting dark, Jaffery said in his appeal.
She recalled that Kristallnacht happened in peacetime. It was not war when synagogues burned, when Jewish shops and homes were razed and looted, when the first Jews were sent to concentration camps.
– We must never forget this: Kristallnacht did not come out of nowhere. Years of anti-Semitic propaganda and dehumanization of Jews lay behind them. Several were exempted: Roma, gypsies, queers, the disabled. Superhumans. Subhumans. Us. And them.
Reason to be vigilant
Jaffery stated that, unfortunately, anti-Semitism and racism have not subsided.
– On the contrary. Far right and anti-democratic movements are on the rise. We hear rhetoric that gives every reason to be wary, even in countries we think we are similar to. At the same time, we are in a difficult world situation. Climate change. War. The Middle East – Gaza – is on fire. It is terrible, so much inhuman suffering!
Hatred, vandalism and threats
– But acts of war in the Middle East in no way justify the fact that Jews here at home are now reporting increased hatred, vandalism, threats and fear.
Jaffery said that “Jew” is used as a slur.
– People here no longer dare to wish each other shabbat shalom in the street. This is unacceptable. Everyone should be safe and have their place in our society, Jaffery stated.
– This is the day when we stand together and say never again. Never again!
#Highlighted #Crystal #Night #people #pitted
**Interview with Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery on Kristallnacht Remembrance**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Jaffery. This past Saturday, you held an appeal during the celebration of Kristallnacht. What was the significance of this event for you personally and for the community?
**Lubna Jaffery:** Thank you for having me. Kristallnacht is a deeply poignant moment in history, marking 86 years since the November pogrom. It represents a turning point that led to the horrific persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. For me, it’s a reminder of our collective responsibility to remember the past and to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. The event allowed us to come together as a community to honor those who suffered and to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and equality.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of remembrance. How do you think we can best educate future generations about the impacts of Kristallnacht and the Holocaust?
**Lubna Jaffery:** Education is key. We must integrate comprehensive and engaging historical lessons in our schools that address not only the facts of the Holocaust but also the broader implications of hate and discrimination. It’s also crucial that we encourage discussions about diversity, inclusion, and the dangers of indifference. By fostering open dialogue, we can empower young people to stand against bigotry in all forms.
**Interviewer:** In your appeal, what messages did you convey to the attendees regarding tolerance and community resilience?
**Lubna Jaffery:** I emphasized that our strength lies in unity. I encouraged attendees to reflect on the past, to honor the lives lost during Kristallnacht, and to stand together against all forms of hate. It’s essential that we build resilient communities where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background. We must learn from history to create a future where diversity is celebrated, not persecuted.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Jaffery, for your insights. It’s vital that we continue these conversations.
**Lubna Jaffery:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak about this important topic. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and understanding society.