Media release - Senate marks Auschwitz anniversary

Senator for Victoria, Senator David Van, today called upon the Senate to acknowledge the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. 

“I am pleased that the motion moved in my name, alongside three other Senators, acknowledging the 75th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, passed the Senate with bipartisan support,” said Senator Van.

“Auschwitz was the largest concentration and extermination camp during World War II, and it was a world in which people were robbed of their human dignity.” 

Senator Van noted that more than 1.1 million men, women and children killed at Auschwitz, and urged for the continuation of vigilance against anti-semitism.

“11 million people killed during the Holocaust including 6 million people of Jewish faith. The Senate also supported Pope Francis’ condemnation of a “barbaric resurgence” of anti-Semitism across the globe, including Australia.

“What happened during the Holocaust should serve as a reminder to all Australians not to be indifferent, to practise acceptance, and show compassion for others.

“We must remember.”