Remembering the Past, Embracing Responsibility: Germany Commemorates European Holocaust Remembrance Day for Sinti and Roma
Berlin, Germany – August 1, 2025 – On the occasion of the European Holocaust Remembrance Day for Sinti and Roma, Wolfram Weimer, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, issued a powerful statement titled “Remembering means Responsibility.” The address, delivered on August 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, underscores Germany’s commitment to honoring the victims of the Nazi regime’s persecution of Sinti and Roma and emphasizes the ongoing responsibility to learn from this dark chapter of history.
Commissioner Weimer’s statement serves as a poignant reminder of the systematic persecution and annihilation of Sinti and Roma people during the Holocaust, an event often referred to as the Porajmos, meaning “devouring” in the Romani language. The Nazi regime’s ideology of racial purity led to the brutal suppression, deportation, and murder of hundreds of thousands of Sinti and Roma individuals across Europe. Their suffering and the injustice they endured continue to resonate deeply.
In his address, Commissioner Weimer highlighted that commemorating this solemn day is not merely an act of remembrance but a profound commitment to responsibility. He stressed that understanding the historical context of the Porajmos is crucial for fostering a society that actively rejects all forms of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. The legacy of this genocide demands continuous vigilance and a proactive approach to safeguarding human rights and dignity for all.
The European Holocaust Remembrance Day for Sinti and Roma, observed annually on August 2nd, provides a vital platform to amplify the voices of survivors and to ensure that their stories are never forgotten. Commissioner Weimer’s message reinforces Germany’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote the cultural heritage and rights of Sinti and Roma communities within Germany and across Europe.
This significant commemoration underscores Germany’s unwavering commitment to confronting its past and actively working towards a future where such atrocities are unthinkable. The Federal Government, through the efforts of Commissioner Weimer and other stakeholders, continues to invest in educational programs, memorial sites, and cultural projects aimed at fostering understanding, reconciliation, and lasting remembrance. By acknowledging and learning from the horrors of the Porajmos, Germany reaffirms its responsibility to build a more inclusive and just society for all.
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Die Bundesregierung published ‘„Gedenken heißt Verantwortung“ – Der Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien, Wolfram Weimer, zum Europäischen Holocaust-Gedenktag für Sinti und Roma’ at 2025-08-01 14:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.