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President Klaus Iohannis stated on Monday that the existence of the National Museum of Jewish History and Holocaust is vital.
"I am glad to notice that the political forces have reached a consensus and I hope that this project becomes a reality in a relatively short time. I am convinced that this museum will be more than just a symbolic space, it will run as an important educational resource, especially for the younger generations. Education is the most powerful weapon that a society has to withstand the attempts to poison democracies through extremist, populist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic manifestations. The existence of this museum, alongside the other measures that I brought to mind, is vital for a genuine fight against this latent negationist trend and all the tendencies that still threaten the European states," Iohannis said at the decoration ceremony of the Holocaust survivors.
He mentioned that Romania has made notable progresses in the direction of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and fighting anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and intolerance, bringing to mind the upgrade and strengthening of the relevant legislation and the support for the establishment of the Holocaust Museum.
"I advise the authorities and the citizens, not to stop here, but to continue! We need to persevere all these efforts because there is still, unfortunately, an alarming growth of nationalist and extremist currents, at European level, we are confronted with an intensification of violent manifestation, hatred feelings, anti-Semitic and xenophobic tendencies. All these slippages are unequivocally contrary to a culture based on the fundamental European values and they are the consequences of a lack of knowledge and information," Iohannis showed.
At the head of state's proposal, a moment of silence was held in the memory of the Holocaust victims.
Sandra Segal, decorated by President Iohannis stated that the distinction is, among others, a symbol which represents a huge step in mankind's consciousness.
On Sunday, President Klaus Iohannis signed the decree for the decoration of several survivors of the Holocaust.
Thus, as a sign "of special respect for the suffering endured during the World War II, for high moral character proved throughout life, as well as for the efforts put in for maintaining alive the memory of the Holocaust victims - a tragedy that mankind ought not to ever know," the head of state bestowed the National Order of 'Faithful Service' in rank of Knight upon Davidovits Rachel, Pardau Lea, Schwartz Paul, Segal Sandra, Shai Meir, Szinetar Judith Agneta and Vainer Anette.
Moreover, President Klaus Iohannis decorated Andrei Klein with the "Faithful Service" National Medal 3rd Class.
