Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu: “Romania’s role in countering antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Shoah is well recognised”

Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu has stated that “Romania’s regional role in countering antisemitism and preserving the memory of the victims of the Holocaust is well recognised” through the efforts of both Romanian society and the Government.

She participated in the regional conference titled “Holocaust Distortion and Education: Current and Emerging Challenges: National Measures in Force”, which was organised by the Romanian Prime Minister’s Chancellery in collaboration with the US Department of State. The event received support from the Chairpersonship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the UK Chairpersonship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Odobescu highlighted Romania’s extensive experience in research, education, and remembrance of the Holocaust, stating, “We are ready to share our experience, especially with our partners in Central and Eastern Europe. The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry has supported these efforts and will continue to do so. The recently adopted national strategy to combat antisemitism exemplifies this.”

She emphasised the importance of education, explaining that it “involves information, awareness, and critical thinking, as well as prevention.” Additionally, she addressed the influence of artificial intelligence, warning that “narratives” are spreading rapidly and urging caution in this regard.

“The events of October 7 and what followed reminded us of the terrible consequences of distortion, Holocaust denial, and antisemitism. They have also reminded us that we need to do even more to prevent such disastrous events,” Odobescu remarked.

MP Silviu Vexler, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, noted that 145 years have passed since the first Jews were granted Romanian citizenship, reflecting on the significant changes that have occurred over nearly a century and a half.

In reference to the theme of the conference, he quoted from the film “Schindler’s List”: “It’s not about the old anti-Jewish discourse anymore.” He added, “This applies today. This is the first time since the Holocaust that Jewish communities around the world feel truly threatened, and we see how those threats have evolved. In the past, they were organised initiatives; today, we are dealing with radicalised individuals on the internet. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done technologically to stop it. We have seen this recently in Vienna, Italy, and other countries.”

Vexler also drew attention to the propaganda propagated by Russia and Iran, particularly online, following the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, noting that it is accompanied by antisemitism and anti-Zionism. “A significant amount of money is being invested in propaganda by Russia and Iran. While it may sound strange, it is very true. The propaganda linked to antisemitism and anti-Zionism, or propaganda against the state of Israel, seems very effective, primarily occurring on the internet, and one of the main challenges is finding a way to counter this,” Vexler emphasised.

He further asserted that there have been no physical antisemitic incidents in Romania, stating, “The fact that we are proud of something that should be normal is disturbing.”

Dragos Hotea, state adviser and coordinator of the Interministerial Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of the 2024-2027 National Strategy for Preventing and Combating Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Radicalisation, and Hate Speech, presented the progress Romania has made in this field over the past 20 years. He highlighted that since 2002, Romania has had specific legislation penalising Holocaust denial, established National Holocaust Remembrance Day on October 9 in 2004, and designated August 2 as National Roma Holocaust Memorial Day – Samudaripen in 2020.

Hotea underscored the importance of safeguarding historical truth for future generations. “As we engage in discussions about history, truth, and education, we are reminded of the crucial responsibility we have—not only to honour the memories of the victims but also to protect the truth for future generations. For Romania, the establishment of the ‘Elie Wiesel’ National Institute for Holocaust Studies was crucial in this respect. More recently, we have made Jewish history and the Holocaust mandatory subjects for high school students. We are also working on the opening of the new National Museum of the History of the Jews and the Holocaust and continue to support the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania with funding for restoration projects,” he stated.

He also mentioned the overarching goals of Romania’s second National Strategy for Preventing and Combating Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Radicalisation, and Hate Speech for the period 2024-2027, adopted in May this year. These objectives include preventing and combating antisemitism, xenophobia, radicalisation, and hate speech; promoting inclusive education; supporting knowledge of Jewish culture; and fostering international efforts to combat these issues.

“However, while we celebrate our progress, we must also recognise that our work is far from over. Antisemitism persists in various forms, and it is our duty to confront it head-on. Every act of hatred and intolerance is a call to action. Let us pledge to inspire and commit ourselves to a future where such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated, continuing our fight against antisemitism not merely as a policy but as a shared moral obligation. The Romanian government remains dedicated to this cause,” Hotea concluded.

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