In Brussels, the European Parliament marks the “International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust” by hosting a commemorative event on its premises. Mairead McGuinness, EP Vice- President, gives an opening speech, followed by statements by Moche KANTOR, European Jewish Congress President, and by Yuli-Yoël EDELSTEIN, Speaker of Knesset. This year's event is focusing on education and children.

Brussels

speech

McGUINNESS, Mairead (EPP, IE)

exhibition

Holocaust remembrance (T)

KANTOR, Moshe (RU)

EDELSTEIN, Yuli

International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust: opening speech by Mairead McGUINNESS (EPP,IE), speech by Moshe KANTOR, President of the European Jewish Congress and statement by Yuli-Yoël EDELSTEIN, Speaker of Knesset

External shot of the EP Parliament (1 shot)

Atmosphere before the opening speeches, Prayer song by El Maleh Rachamin

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS (EPP, IE), Vice-President of the EP , On behalf of the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, it is an honour for me as first Vice-President to welcome you here today, to solemnly remark together the International Holocaust Commemoration Day.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS (EPP, IE), Dedicating one day of the year to recall, remember and commemorate the Holocaust, is also about the future and the role of future generations.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS (EPP, IE), But it is an education that the UN resolution stressed so strongly, it called on EU Member States to develop educational programs that will teach future generations the lessons of the Holocaust, so that it could never happen again. The notion of never again is one deeply ingrained in the psyche of the European Union. It is useful to recall that the European project is at its root a project of peace and reconciliation, of seeking forgiveness for the evils committed on our continent in those terrible dark days.

SOUNDBITE (English), Moshe KANTOR, President of the European Jewish Congress, While personal memories short, our political memory and the lessons that the political class of Europe draws from the Holocaust must remain. Are our education system today doing enough to educate young Europeans about where intolerance can lead? No.

SOUNDBITE (English), Moshe KANTOR, President of the European Jewish Congress, In 2017 the number of antisemitic incidents escalated in the UK, France, Germany and Sweden, because of the constant threat Synagogues in Jewish community centres in many European countries have been put under 24 hour police and military protection. Hard power in the entire Europe was activated. It is needed but it is a shameful fact.

SOUNDBITE (English), Moshe KANTOR, President of the European Jewish Congress, What was previously a taoo has become the norm again in Europe. Racists and anti-Semitic parties filing seats in our Parliaments and Governments. Conspiracy theory about Jewish power and influence, scapegoating of Jews from our right to our left. We welcome that this house took a very important step when it passed its first resolution solely devoted to the fight against anti-Semitism last June.

SOUNDBITE (English), Moshe KANTOR, President of the European Jewish Congress, We all desperately need in the European ideology to serve as a foundation for new European and national legislation. The lessons Shoa should have a strong and effective follow up. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (English), Yuli EDELSTEIN, Speaker of the Knesset , Memorials to vanished Jewish communities have been build, Holocaust education awareness have expanded dramatically throughout Europe. Yet for all the work that has been done I feel that the post war sense of mission has faded leaving the real issues unaddressed.

SOUNDBITE (English), Yuli EDELSTEIN, Speaker of the Knesset , To really mean never again consistent and sincere actions are necessary and Anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head for whatever reason is wrong and must be fought at every turn. Writing off such acts as mere opposition to Israel is absurd.