The House of Representatives yesterday commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day, paying tribute to the six million European Jews who died during World War II in a programme of systematic state-sponsored extermination by Nazi Germany. Two-thirds of the population of nine million Jews who had resided in Europe before the Holocaust were killed.
Government Whip David Agius said the holocaust was still relevant today and society had to strive to prevent such a genocide through media indoctrination. Pluralism was positive but one had to have the skills to be critical. This showed the importance of democracy, values and education.
When one understood what happened as a result of the holocaust one could foresee what could happen where democracy was absent. Leaders shoulder a great responsibility and one had to be wary of certain ideas which were cropping up.
The holocaust taught everyone that nothing was value-free and neutral. One should, therefore, teach the values of tolerance, equality, respect, inclusion and love.
Mr Agius listed three principles in the National Minimum Curriculum, specifically the development of ethical and moral values, stimulus for creative skills and inclusion leading to full participation by everyone. These principles would also find their way in the new curricular framework.
Anġlu Farrugia (PL) said the holocaust showed the atrocities that were committed when the rights of the Jews were trampled upon. The world was facing other types of holocausts because there were governments which adopted policies where millions of people died of starvation and malnutrition.
People’s rights were also trampled upon in certain countries like Vietnam and Cambodia where about three million people were killed or disappeared. Certain governments which could have used their influence to prevent these killings did nothing.
Malta always voiced and enhanced the principle of people rights. The Holocaust Memorial Day should serve as a moment of national reflection, Dr Farrugia said.
Mr Speaker Michael Frendo joined the two sides in expressing these sentiments. He said that many Maltese were killed in the war against Nazism, showing that the Maltese cherished the truth.
The House observed a minute’s silence as a sign of respect.