Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo warned against rising anti-Semitism and extremism in times of economic crisis, during a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, in front of a crowd of 1,000 students from across Europe.
As part of an international memorial ceremony at the Birkenau camp, Di Rupo recalled the 1930s “when an economic crisis threatened German society.”
“Today, we are confronted by a new economic crisis and the threat continues,” stressed the Belgian premier, alluding to the rise of extremist parties in Europe.
For Mr Di Rupo, who was accompanied by an Auschwitz survivor and Belgian Interior Minister Joelle Milquet, “it is unacceptable that people feel unable to be themselves for fear of attack as a result of their origin, the colour of their skin, or their faith.”
“The youth are often at the root of change for a better future,” he added, inviting the student attendees to commit “everywhere and always” to fighting extremism and to educate others of the crimes it perpetuates.
Belgium is currently in charge of the Presidency of the international Taskforce for the Memory of the Shoah.
The Committee for the Coordination of Jewish Organisations in Belgium (CCOJB) has welcomed the initiative of a train bringing the 1,000 students to the Auschwitz commemoration.
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