Zagreb - Paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust with government representatives on Monday at Zagreb's Mirogoj cemetery, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said that it was one of the most shameful periods in human history and that it is extremely important to preserve the memory of that time.
Alongside Jandroković, wreaths were laid in front of the "Moses" sculpture at the Jewish section of the cemetery by the Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, and the Prime Minister's Special Advisor on Holocaust Issues, Sara Lustig.
On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jandroković recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
"It was one of the most shameful periods in human history. It was a time of suffering, torment, something no person should ever have to go through. And all of this was caused by a terrible ideology that wanted to eliminate all those who were different by their nation, religion, and various forms of affiliation," he said.
Jandroković emphasised that it is extremely important to preserve the memory of that time, especially since there are fewer and fewer living witnesses of that period.
"It is up to us to explain to the generations that follow how such evil could even occur and what caused it. Likewise, to explain to the younger generation that one must fight for freedom, democracy, and peace," he said.
He pointed out, "We live in very complex and challenging times. Horrible evils are happening again, but I believe that there will be enough wisdom, intelligence, and reason to avoid scenarios like the one from World War II."
Obuljen Koržinek emphasised the importance of teaching about the Holocaust
She highlighted that she and the prime minister will participate in the central commemoration at Auschwitz marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of that largest death camp.
The minister recalled that two years ago, Croatia presided over the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
"In Croatia, we are doing everything we can through the education system, through musealisation, and generally through education to raise awareness, as well as to promote tolerant coexistence among all our citizens," she concluded.