Isaac Herzog said the world must never allow acts of evil and rhetoric of hatred to pass without a response, warning that otherwise such crimes could be repeated.
His message was read by Israeli Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Galit Peleg during the commemoration marking the victims of genocide in the Independent State of Croatia at Donja Gradina.
“It is an honor, though in sad circumstances, to address you once again on the eve of this difficult anniversary of evil committed in the beautiful place of Donja Gradina. The Nazis and their devoted collaborators murdered our ancestors — Jews, Serbs, Roma, and others. Their only ‘crime’ was daring to exist,” Herzog said.
He described the site as a harsh reminder of the horrific brutality carried out in the name of hatred.
“It also points to the urgent need to fight all forms of baseless hatred, as well as regimes that openly incite it. History has taught us that we must never allow acts of depravity and hate rhetoric to go unanswered, because otherwise they may be repeated,” he stated.
Herzog added that the world is currently facing a very real and dangerous regime threatening peaceful nations.
“As it has repeatedly demonstrated, the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran prioritizes the destruction of the State of Israel over the needs of its own citizens. For decades they have built an empire of evil and terror, and we must stand against them and their forces of darkness,” he said.
He emphasized that one of his most sacred duties as president of Israel is preserving the memory of all those murdered in the Holocaust.
“We also have a duty to secure the future of the Jewish people by taking action against those who threaten our state today, both in words and deeds. Let us use this occasion to renew our commitment to joint efforts in combating all forms of baseless hatred and discrimination,” Herzog added.
The Israeli president concluded by saying that by joining forces to preserve the memory of the past, nations can help build a safer and more tolerant future for all.
Source: RTRS
