Skopje, 12 March 2023 (MIA) - Today we remember the 7,144 Macedonian Jews, they are not a number but a light that illuminates our path. Today, the voice of reason, light, acceptance, humanity and democracy must be loud and clear, so that everyone hears it, said Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi at Sunday's observance of the 80th anniversary from the deportation of the Macedonian Jews to Treblinka death camp in occupied Poland.

"On this day 80 years ago, 7,144 Jews were forever gone, swiftly and cruelly. Their lives ended because of the ludicrous and bloodthirsty idea of a few who were supported by many others. This is how easy it is for evil to reign. That is why the voice of reason, light, acceptance, humanity and democracy must be loud and clear, so that everyone hears it. Their lives ended but their spirit is here with us, to remind us and encourage us," said Deputy PM Bytyqi on behalf of the Government.

Bytyqi said the Holocaust evil must never repeat.

"Before being ruthlessly killed in Treblinka, their body and human dignity was broken, weakened, starved, defeated, freedom and identity captured. But the spirit doesn't die. It lives with and for those who remember, who stand before evil and say 'enough'. This disobedience gives birth to hope for future and freedom, equality, justice. Today we remember all of them, they are not a number but the light that illuminates our path. We remember so that is never repeats," said Bytyqi.

The Government delegation also included Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski.

The event that took place at the memorial honoring the deported Jews from Macedonia, located in the yard of the former Tobacco Combine in Skopje, was also addressed by chair of the Israeli Knesset's North Macedonia friendship group Hamad Amar, Ernest Herzog of the World Jewish Congress, Maria Bagdasarova of the European Jewish Congress, and Macedonian Jewish Community president Pepo Levi.

The observance of the 80th anniversary from the Holocaust of the Macedonian Jews is organized by the Jewish Community in North Macedonia and the Holocaust Fund, under the Government's auspices.

Photo: Government of RNM