Toespraak van minister Rosenthal bij de herdenkingsceremonie van Raoul Wallenberg in het Vredespaleis op 30 oktober 2012

Toespraak | 01-11-2012

Raoul Wallenberg was an exceptionally courageous man. He risked his own life to save the lives of thousands of Jews in Hungary, by giving them Swedish protective passports. And by offering them refuge in so called safe houses. A courageous act.

Raoul Wallenberg had the courage to face the personal consequences of his actions. To Wallenberg, though, it was the natural thing to do. Or, as he put it: ‘To me there’s no other choice.’

Raoul Wallenberg’s legacy shows that a single man can transform the fate of many people. It is all about keeping in mind what’s right, even in difficult and life struggling circumstances.

This legacy stands on its own. Wallenberg’s acts were unique and the situation he dealt with was truly exceptional, there in Hungary. Let’s also notice that more civil servants have tried to change the destiny of those whose fate was at stake.

Take, here in this country, the Dutch consul in Lithuania during the Second World War, Jan Zwartendijk. He helped Jews looking for safety in Lithuania.

Jan Zwartendijk understood how grim the situation was for the Jews. He provided as many of them as possible with a visa to Curacao. And then, on his part, the Japanese Consul helped the refugees with a transit visa. Within three weeks, 2,400 Jews escaped from Lithuania to Japan, from where they were able to seek safety.

Excellenties, ladies and gentlemen,

It is our obligation to help people in critical situations. In those circumstances it is needed to raise our voices, against injustice and violence. We have this obligation whether we are civil servants, citizens or government people. And indeed we need to do so as nations.

In the hundred years since Wallenberg was born we have established the United Nations. Signed many human rights agreements. And together fought against inequality and poverty.

But, we are still confronted with crimes against humanity. Human rights are still violated. And people are still denied their freedom and liberty. And for that matter we have to continue the fight.

When crimes against humanity take place, nations need to get together. And they need to take a stand against atrocities.

Citizens, civil servants and governments must all keep in mind what is right. We all need to keep in mind that courage eventually is about attitude and preparedness to take action even in critical, if not, dangerous, life threatening situations.

I do hope, ladies and gentlemen, people will continue to have the courage to stand up for the rights of others. This is not always easy. But we can start by honouring those who paid with their lives. And that is why today, and always, we remember Raoul Wallenberg. May his courage be an inspiration to us all.

Thank you