Romanian President calls for Holocaust museum in Romania

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has expressed his support for establishing a Holocaust and Jewish Museum in Romania, and has stated that he will speak to the government on this issue.

According to Mr Iohannis, the museum would be a source of important questions about how it was possible for such atrocities to take place and the parties responsible, and as such would serve as an educational tool that would improve democracy.

“My project for the country — an educated Romania — also has implications for the Holocaust topic. Education is the first step to a better understanding of the Holocaust and for reconciliation with the past,” the President said after visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Israel.

He also noted that the museum would explore such topics as freedom, human rights, and European values, and would be located in Bucharest.

“This kind of museum is not an institution of the past, but of the future because it educates and shows what diversity, tolerance and civic responsibility mean. Any form of intolerance, racism, hatred and discrimination are threats to democracy,” Iohannis said.

Romania took over the chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance from Hungary on 8 March 2016, a responsibility it will hold for one year.

Source: Romania Insider