“We watch with concern the rise of anti-Semitism in the world, especially in Europe, and we stand firmly with you in the Knesset in the uncompromising fight against anti-Semitism and Holocaust denigration. We must work together to ensure a safer, freer, more inclusive world, so that this unspeakable tragedy never happens again,” Ohana said.
The head of the Knesset addressed the Seimas with an image on Thursday during the commemoration of the anniversary of the destruction of the Vilnius ghetto in the 80s.
In a video message, A. Ohana recalled the rich tradition of Lithuanian Jews, which was formed over hundreds of years, but was destroyed by the Nazis and their collaborators.
“Lithuania was home to intellectuals, cultural figures, artists and philosophers whose influence was global, and all that was cut short when the Nazis and their local collaborators destroyed most of the Jewish community,” said the head of the Israeli parliament.
In his address, he also mentioned the changes that took place in Lithuania in response to the Holocaust, which he said were signs of the commemoration of the victims of genocide, the law passed by the Seimas on the compensation of expropriated Jewish property, and the commemoration of the World Day of the Righteous.
“These steps demonstrate bold, values-based leadership, and we appreciate it.” The relations between Lithuania and Israel are strong and sincere, based not only on the tragic past, but also on common values and work in many areas,” noted A. Ohana.
The chairman of the World Holocaust Remembrance Center Danis Dayanas, who participated in the commemoration, said that Lithuania must recognize the collaboration of some of its compatriots with the Nazis, and tolerance for anti-Semitism must be zero – also in the parliament.
“Lithuania must also constantly recognize that the majority of Lithuanian Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, also by the hands of fellow citizens of Lithuania, and that Lithuanians also participated in the extermination of Jews and the extermination of their neighbors in neighboring countries. We owe such recognition to the Jewish victims,” said D. Dayan.
“Forgetting is a bad example when it comes to learning for young people. We should not tolerate anti-Semitism in this House either. Such zero tolerance must also be applied to the glorification of war criminals, criminals who are involved in the massacre of Jews,” said the chairman of the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
The Vilnius Jewish ghetto, founded on September 6, 1941, was destroyed on September 23, 1943. Out of 57 thousand After the end of the Second World War, about two thousand Vilnius Jews remained alive.
September 23rd is declared the day of commemoration of the victims of the Genocide of the Jews of Lithuania, intended to honor the victims of the liquidation of the Vilnius ghetto in 1943.
During World War II, the Nazis and their local collaborators killed approximately 94 percent of the population. from more than 200 thousand Lithuanian citizens of Jewish nationality.
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#address #Seimas #Knesset #called #people #unite #fight #rising #antiSemitism
Holocaust Remembrance Day May 6
**Interview with A. Ohana, Head of the Knesset**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, A. Ohana. As Holocaust Remembrance Day has recently passed, many are reflecting on its significance as anti-Semitism resurfaces. What motivates your commitment to combatting anti-Semitism today?
**Ohana**: Thank you for having me. We watch with deep concern the increasing tide of anti-Semitism not only in Europe but also globally. My commitment is driven by the painful lessons of history. We stand firmly with those fighting against this form of hatred, ensuring that atrocities like the Holocaust never happen again. It’s crucial to foster a world that is safer and more inclusive for all.
**Interviewer**: You recently spoke about the rich Jewish culture that existed in Lithuania before the Holocaust. Why do you think it’s essential to remember this history?
**Ohana**: Remembering is vital because the Jewish community in Lithuania contributed immensely to its cultural and intellectual landscape. They were not only a part of Lithuanian society but a significant part of its identity. Acknowledging this history honors their legacy and helps foster understanding, allowing us to learn from the past to combat intolerance today.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the steps Lithuania has taken regarding Holocaust commemoration, such as laws for compensating Jewish property. How do these actions impact relations between Israel and Lithuania?
**Ohana**: These steps are commendable and reflect a bold leadership committed to values-based governance. They play a crucial role in building sincere relationships between our nations, rooted in addressing the tragic history while looking forward to collaborative efforts in various sectors.
**Interviewer**: The chairman of the World Holocaust Remembrance Center emphasized the need for Lithuania to confront its past, including collaboration with Nazi forces. How important is this recognition for current and future generations?
**Ohana**: Acknowledgment of the past is essential, not only for justice but for healing. It allows future generations to grasp the complexity of history and the consequences of prejudice. By confronting uncomfortable truths, societies can foster a culture of tolerance and work actively against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate today.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, A. Ohana, for your insights. Your commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and preserving the memory of those lost in the Holocaust is crucial as we strive for a better future.
**Ohana**: Thank you for shedding light on these important issues. Together, we can honor the past and build a more inclusive world.
