Auschwitz anniversary: MEPs mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Ceremony at the European Parliament to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

Speaking in Prague, on 27 January, to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Parliament's president Martin Schulz i said: "Too many allowed hatred to grow, too many turned a blind eye, too many stood silent. We must never allow this to happen again." Meanwhile in Brussels MEPs and members of the Belgian Jewish community gathered to observe a minute's silence in memory of the millions of victims of the Holocaust.

Events are being held across Europe to mark 70 years since the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau. More than one million men, women and children lost their lives at the extermination camp before it was liberated on 27 January 1945.

Speaking at Prague Castle where he made the closing speech at a special session of heads of state Parliament's president Martin Schulz promised Holocaust survivors that their legacy would never be forgotten: "It is upon us to fight for freedom and justice, democracy and human dignity; today and every day."

Addressing a Holocaust remembrance event at the Parliament in Brussels vice-president Antonio Tajani (EPP, Italy) said that "No Jewish person should be obliged to leave Europe, their Europe, as a result of terrorism. Without the European Jews, Europe would no longer be Europe." Attacks against Europe's Jewish community are "threats to our own values and identity," he added.

During his address Tajani also referred to Simone Veil, the first president of the directly-elected European Parliament, who is herself an Auschwitz survivor.

Click here to see a video of today's ceremonies.

REF. : 20150127STO16101