The International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January enjoins us to keep alive the memory of the tragic destiny of the millions of victims of the Holocaust during the Second World War.

This day of remembrance gives us the opportunity to remember that at this crucial moment in the history of Europe, which fell victim to the Nazi brutality, Swiss citizens had the courage to act honourably and do what was necessary: to lend their aid to the downtrodden.

Whatever their motivation, these men and women who have had the title of the “Just among the Nations” conferred on them showed human solidarity. They let their conscience be their guide and acted out of a deep sense of what was right.

By demonstrating great dignity and all that is most noble in the human condition during those tragic times, they send us and our children a message of hope.

They show us that the triumph of evil is not inevitable as long as there are men and women who choose not to swim with the tide but rather to base their choices on a sense of ethics even though this means putting their lives at risk.

We are happy to share in the homage that will be paid to them on Monday in Geneva not only for what they have done in the past but also because they are an example for people today and for future generations.

Publisher:

General Secretariat FDHA

Internet: http://www.edi.admin.ch