President Jean-Claude Juncker on the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019 - Main contents

“On 27 January we commemorate the six million Jewish women, men, and children as well as all other victims murdered during the Holocaust. On this day, 74 years ago, the Allied Forces liberated the extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where they discovered unspeakable horrors. Hatred against “the other” was translated into killing “the other”.

On this day, I am deeply worried. I would never have thought that during my lifetime Jews would be afraid to practice their faith in Europe. It saddens me that nearly 40% of them are considering leaving Europe. Holocaust denial is still alive in Europe. One in three Europeans declares to know ‘just a little' about the Holocaust and one out of 20 has never heard of it.

Ignorance is dangerous. As time goes on and memories fade, it is our moral duty, more than ever, to remember. We cannot change history but we can make sure that future generations do not witness this intolerable horror again.

We will not tolerate any form of Antisemitism from everyday hate speech, offline and online, to physical attacks. The European Commission is working hand-in-hand with all Member States to combat this menace and guarantee the security of Jewish communities in Europe.

Our Union was built on the ashes of the Holocaust. Remembering it and fighting Antisemitism is our duty towards the Jewish community and indispensable to protect our common European values.”

For More Information

Q&A on EU actions against Antisemitism

Eurobarometer - the Perception of Antisemitism (January 2019)

Fundamental Rights Agency Antisemitism survey (December 2018)

Statement on the Council's Declaration on the fight against Antisemitism

EU actions against Antisemitism

STATEMENT/19/541