Key Note Speech by Minister Elina Valtonen, Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region

Key Note Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Chairperson-in-office of the OSCE, Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region, 10 February 2025

Excellencies, distinguished Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

“Never again”

Two simple words, yet carrying an unfathomably heavy historic meaning. 

80 years ago, Europe witnessed history’s most extreme form of anti-Semitism: The Holocaust. It was the systematic murder or persecution of 6 million Jews, including 1,5 million children.

A couple of weeks ago, world leaders gathered in Auschwitz-Birkenau to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp.

In 1945, the Soviet Army liberated the camps. The Soviet soldiers cried like children at the sights of piles of corpses and people resembling skeletons. The horrors are truly unimaginable.

80 years is a long time. The average life expectancy in Europe is around 80 years. As the living memory of the Holocaust fades, we have a profound responsibility to commemorate the victims of this atrocity.

“Never again.”

These two powerful words are not just about commemoration of the past. They must define the present and guide us in future policy-making decisions.

Distinguished guests,

Anti-Semitism did not start with the Holocaust, nor has it ended with the Holocaust. Anti-Semitic incidents have increased globally since the brutal attack by Hamas against Israel in October 2023. Since 2023, we have seen a significant increase, in some countries up to 1000%, of anti-Semitic incidents.

In recent years, Holocaust denial and distortion has become common. This is not just an attack on history, but a form of anti-Semitism.

Every incident is one too many.

I want to bring to your attention Principle 7 of the Helsinki Final Act: “[t]he participating States will respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion”

These Principles adopted 50 years ago, are at the heart of the Finnish Chairpersonship of the OSCE. Combatting Anti-Semitism and any other forms of racism or xenophobia is a key priority for us, which is illustrated by the fact that this conference is the first one of our Chairpersonship.

Our task as Chair is to ensure that our shared principles are not merely memories of the past but continue to live and guide us through these difficult times. The people of the participating States deserve to live in freedom, peace and security, working together to build Europe’s future.

As Chair of the OSCE, support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian illegal war of aggression is our priority.

Anti-Semitism has many faces and forms. I strongly condemn allegations of neo-Nazism as a pretext for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This is not only an affront to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust but also harmful propaganda in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Distinguished guests,

Anti-Semitism is defined by the act of hate or discrimination against Jews. But this is not a Jewish issue.

Every anti-Semitic act is an attack on human dignity, democracy and human rights. It is an attack on the Helsinki Principles, which we have jointly agreed upon 50 years ago. It is an attack on the very idea of freedom.

We have an obligation to stand up against any kind of intolerance and discrimination.

ODIHR does valuable work in combating intolerance and discrimination, including anti-Semitism and other forms of racism or xenophobia.

I extend my gratitude to ODIHR for their contribution in organizing this event. Thank you Director Telalian, Representative of Freedom of The Media Ambassador Braathu and High Commissioner Ambassador Kamp for being here today.

Finding strategies to counter anti-Semitism requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that brings us all together: governments, civil society, faith communities, the private sector, and educational institutions. I am glad to see such a wide range of different actors here today.

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Seminars are for politicians, scholars, civil servants and civil society. Combating Anti-Semitism does not happen in this room only. It happens in the schools, on the streets, in the work places and in homes. Strategies are the first step, appropriate implementation is the second step.

Holocaust survivor Primo Levi wrote “It happened, it can happen again”. Which is why, we cannot become complacent.

Never again.

Let this phrase be more than words, let us keep on working to make it true today and in the future.

Thank you for your attention.