by EH
Regional leaders across Friuli Venezia Giulia marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day with solemn ceremonies and speeches reflecting on the importance of memory, respect, and combating antisemitism.
Sebastiano Callari, the Regional Councillor for Assets and State Property, led a ceremony in Gorizia, emphasizing the city’s role as a symbol of peaceful coexistence. “Gorizia, as a European Capital of Culture alongside Nova Gorica, stands as a beacon for the culture of non-discrimination, promoting values such as freedom, democracy, and respect for others,” Callari stated. He also attended a ceremony in Monfalcone, where he spoke of the region’s diverse cultures and the importance of combating rising antisemitism.
In Trieste, Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, underscored the need to separate Holocaust remembrance from current geopolitical issues. “The remembrance of the victims of the Shoah must remain a beacon for the entire world,” Scoccimarro said, stressing the importance of reflecting on history without trivializing its lessons.
Stefano Zannier, the Regional Councillor for Agri-Food Resources, participated in ceremonies in Pordenone, where he highlighted the moral duty to remember the Holocaust and fight against all forms of hatred. “Memory is not an empty exercise; it is a compass for the present and future,” Zannier remarked, urging vigilance against the resurgence of antisemitism.
Barbara Zilli, the Regional Councillor for Finance, attended the ceremony in Udine, marking the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. Zilli called the occasion a moment of historical truth and restitution, recognizing the sacrifices of Italian military internees and deportees during World War II. “Holocaust Remembrance Day restores the rightful value to the sacrifices of the men and women who were victims of the Shoah,” Zilli noted.
Across the region, these leaders emphasized the ongoing need to educate future generations on the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of upholding democratic values in the fight against discrimination.
