Renzo Gattegna at the Garden of the Righteous of Milan

Following is the statement by Renzo Gattegna, UCEI President, on the meaning and importance of 6 March, European Day of the Righteous.

"Humiliations, violence, bloodsheds. The denial of rights, the contempt for the other led to the most extreme consequences. Human history, more and less recent, teaches us that indifference all too often paves the way to unspeakable suffering and grief. A deliberate, aware choice, not a neutral attitude, indifference is above all a threat that still pollutes our most advanced societies. 

European Day of the Righteous, the fruit of the work and the passion of  Gabriele Nissim, Gariwo Chairman, in this sense represents a precious moment to work through these realities.

By recounting the tales of those who have opposed and go on opposing all kinds of abuse, we in facts reflect on the deep significance of the mission to which we all are called, especially in our tormented and complex times. 

May the outstanding figures celebrated every year on this Day enlighten our pathway, helping us build a future of freedom, democracy and rights for all people.