We have received and are publishing the appeal of Luigi Montano, physician and great-grandnephew of H.E. Monsignor Gennaro Verolino who, in 1944, at the risk of his own life, contributed to the rescue of over 30,000 Jews by placing them under his diplomatic protection and providing them with false passports. To join the initiative, please write to: [email protected]
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We, the direct descendants of the “Righteous Among the Nations,” join our voices in an appeal of protest and civic engagement against the reprehensible actions of the Israeli government toward the Palestinian people.
In this context, the official recognition of the right of citizenship of the State of Israel, granted to our direct relatives who have been awarded the title of “Righteous Among the Nations,” takes on an even deeper and more painful meaning today.
When, during the ceremony of awarding the parchment and medal, the ritual phrase “Whoever saves one life saves the world” is pronounced, the inconsistency of this statement becomes all too evident in light of the crimes repeatedly committed against defenseless, helpless people, especially children.
Ours is not only an unconditional condemnation of the despicable and inhuman actions of the Israeli government, which is dragging the entire Jewish people into isolation and the abyss, but also a strong appeal to the consciences of Jews around the world.
In particular, we extend an invitation to Yad Vashem, a symbol of memory and justice for the Jewish people.
It is unacceptable that it has not yet spoken out to condemn political choices aimed at systematically and indiscriminately inflicting death and suffering on an entire people. As outrage mounts around the world over what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank, it is legitimate to expect this body, which is responsible for defining who is and how the “Righteous” are represented, to clearly state whether it is “righteous” to act in such a manner.
The silence of Yad Vashem, which should represent the values of justice and humanity, is unacceptable at such a grave moment for the Jewish people themselves.
The memory of the Righteous Among the Nations requires us not to remain silent in the face of injustice, not to allow the painful past to become complicit with the violent present, and that is why we urge this body to take a clear and unequivocal public stance condemning the policies of the current Israeli government.
The reaction to Hamas's brutal actions on October 7, 2023, cannot exceed the limits of human behavior and fall into the same ethical abyss. This is not the behavior of the Righteous! What is happening in Gaza at the hands of the current Israeli government is a betrayal of the memory of the Shoah!
The most recent events, which see the Israeli government's aggression towards the Palestinians manifesting itself even more, with the clear intention of permanently burying the prospect of a Palestinian state; the recent official declaration of a “state of famine” by the UN in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing offensive in Gaza City with the flight of about 1 million hungry and destitute people, make it even more urgent to respond firmly, decisively, and collectively.
And we, as direct descendants of those who were examples of justice and solidarity, feel more than others the moral duty to make our voices heard in order to fuel the global network of outrage and condemnation that is involving not only international institutions but also civil society around the world.
United in a strong show of solidarity both with the people of Israel, who should no longer have to fear the barbarity of the events of October 7, 2023, and with the Palestinian people, we condemn the wicked and criminal aggression against Gaza and the West Bank, we demand justice and peace, and we reaffirm that true humanity is recognized in the respect for the rights of all peoples. Only in this way can we contribute to building a different future, based on brotherhood, justice, and freedom for all.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)