74 years after the Holocaust, policies in BiH still embrace Nazi legacy

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - We gathered here today to mark a significant historical date and pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, the greatest and most brutal crime of the last century that human civilization remembers, said BiH Presidency member Željko Komšić during a commemoration in Sarajevo dedicated to January 27th, the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Besides Komšić, the commemoration was also attended by BiH Presidency member Šefik Džaferović. 

Komšić recalled that January 27th is observed across Europe, and today, 74 years later, "reminds us of the day in 1945 when the Red Army liberated seven and a half thousand prisoners left behind by the Nazis in the concentration camp 'Auschwitz'." 

 

 

"Allow me to greet and express my deep respect to the Holocaust survivors who are here with us today. Those who are witnesses to the dark side of history that has left deep consequences on them, and on all of us, the obligation to oppose all forms of evil and violence. The obligation not to allow something like that to happen ever again," said Komšić.

Unfortunately, added Presidency member Komšić, what happened during the Nazi regime in World War II was not a lesson for some. 

"We are witnesses that genocides and grave crimes that claimed many victims have occurred even in recent history. They are happening today as well; genocide was committed here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Also, the fact that 74 years after the Holocaust, political options still exist in our country that do not renounce the Nazi legacy is devastating. Thus, in Mostar, thanks to these policies, streets are named after participants in the Holocaust.

Therefore, for all these victims to have meaning, I want to believe that the memory of the suffering of the victims of 'Auschwitz', and all other victims of monstrous minds, will serve as a lesson to new generations to reject ideologies based on segregation, intolerance, disrespect, and indifference towards others and the different.

As part of modern civilization, we must not forget what happened; on the contrary, we have an even greater obligation to work on improving mutual relations and building a future where the rule of law, moral values, the freedom of every individual, and empathy will be paramount. A future where there will be no place for wars, extremism, mutual conflicts, and where every person will have the opportunity for a dignified life," concluded Komšić.