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Europe marks Holocaust Memorial Day as Steven Spielberg warns of growing antisemitism
January 27, 2015 09:29
Steven Spielberg has led Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, warning of growing antisemitism in Europe.
Speaking to Holocaust survivors in Krakow, Poland, ahead of an official service at the concentration camp, he said there were renewed attempts to “banish” Jews from the continent.
The Oscar-winning film-maker said: "If you are a Jew today, in fact if you are any person who believes in the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom in free expression, you know that like many other groups, we are once again facing the perennial demons of intolerance."
“There are Facebook pages identifying Jews and their geographic locations with the intention to attack, and the growing efforts to banish Jews from Europe," said Spielberg.
European leaders are expected to join hundreds of survivors at the ceremony for what is likely to be the last major commemoration attended by those who lived through the horrors of the camp.
In New York, Israeli president Reuven Rivlin met United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and is due to address a special session to mark HMD.
Mr Rivlin said: “Understanding the lessons of the past is so important for our ability to face the challenges of today, in the Middle East and across the world.
“Religious hatred is on the rise, the poison of fundamentalism and terrorism has left no corner of the globe immune, and the need to fight this threat is a primary international interest.”
Mr Ban said he had been moved by his own visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau last year.
“It terrified me to see the horror with my own eyes, and I have no doubt that the visit made me even more committed to the fight for human rights,” he said.
British teenager Charlotte Cohen will also address the UN session. She was chosen as the youngest member of David Cameron’s Holocaust Commission last year.
She will explain the importance of remembering the victims of the Shoah and educating younger generations.
Events are taking place across Britain today. The Prime Minister’s commission is due to publish its recommendations on the future of Shoah education ahead of a service at Westminster Abbey.
A series of 70 candles, designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor, will be lit across Britain. One will be lit at Auschwitz itself.
