EVERYBODY IN Irish society has a role to play in tackling racism and promoting diversity, Taoiseach Brian Cowen told those gathered to commemorate National Holocaust Memorial Day at the Mansion House last night.
Referring to the Holocaust as having left “an indelible blemish on the landscape of history”, Mr Cowen said yesterday’s ceremony served as a reminder of the dangers of racism and discrimination. “We remember so that future generations will never ignore history and, in turn, repeat its mistakes.”
Such commemorations provided lessons from the past that remain relevant today, the Taoiseach continued. “In spite of all we know, in spite of all the horror, there are still people who share the same murderous, hate-filled mindset that characterised the Holocaust,” he said.
“We can never turn our back on the Holocaust, if for no other reason than that the evil behind it lives on. As we in Ireland know from the Troubles, hatred of the other is never very far from the surface in any country.”
Mr Cowen said the Government was actively committed to promoting an inclusive society and eliminating all forms of racial intolerance. “We in Ireland are very conscious of the need to learn the lessons,” he noted.
“Tackling racism and promoting diversity is, of course, not just the responsibility of Government. Everybody in Irish society – including individuals, organisations, businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations – has a role to play.”
Acknowledging the presence of several Ireland-based Holocaust survivors at the ceremony, Mr Cowen praised their efforts to raise awareness of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and intolerance.
“They are a testament to the resilience, courage and generosity of the human spirit,” he said.
The Taoiseach also commended the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust of Ireland, particularly its Crocus Project which encourages national school children to plant crocus bulbs in memory of the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust. More than 400 Irish schools participated in the initiative last autumn and some 25,000 bulbs were planted.
He also paid tribute to Helen Lewis, an Auschwitz survivor who became the first teacher of modern dance in Northern Ireland, and Miep Gies, who stood by Anne Frank’s family during their time in hiding and saved Anne’s diary for posterity. Both women died earlier this month.