Adas Israel: Garden of the Righteous Ceremony
April 22, 2001Thank you for the warm introduction Rabbi Wohlberg. Ambassador Ronis, Mayor Williams, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be with you today as we honor a righteous and remarkable man, Bruno Rozental. Earlier this week, we commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day, and solemnly paid tribute to those who perished at the hands of the Nazis. While we remember the innocent victims of the Holocaust, it is also important to honor those who through heroic deeds contributed to our survival. Without these brave souls, many of us might not have been here today.
During World War II, Bruno Rozental performed extraordinary acts of courage, conscience, and compassion. As a young boy, he witnessed the implementation of the Final Solution. Unlike the majority of his fellow men, however, Mr. Rozental was not simply a bystander who, through silence, allowed genocide to unfold.
Rather, he acted upon his moral obligation to combat the forces of evil. At the young age of sixteen, Mr. Rozental understood the inhumane atrocities surrounding him, and chose to take a stand, at a great risk to himself and his family.
Bruno Rozental was not alone in his brave mission. Israel has recognized over eight thousand non-Jews who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Through their actions, these "righteous among the nations" proved that rescue was possible. Their efforts helped preserve the dignity of humanity at its darkest hour.
In a newspaper interview, Mr. Rozental spoke about his visit to Israel. Observing the faces of Israeli children, he wondered if any were related to Jews he helped save. We have an answer for you, Mr. Rozental. They are descendents of the Jews you saved. As we are all connected- both to each other and to the land of Israel. By ensuring the continuation of even one Jewish life, you have contributed to the vitality of our people.
Israel was created from the ashes of the Holocaust. After the War, the remnants of worldwide Jewry rose to rebuild. With a renewed sense of purpose and fervor, our people returned to their historic homeland.
The establishment of Israel in the aftermath of the Holocaust has created a necessary safehaven for Jews worldwide. It guarantees Jewish continuity, and provides Jews the ability to defend themselves.
No one understood the necessity of Israel more than the two hundred and fifty thousand Holocaust survivors who reached our shores after the War.
The survivors played a central role in building the Jewish State. Their very presence contributed dramatically to the existing population at the time, and to successive generations.
During the War of Independence, many survivors volunteered for the young IDF and trained in the displaced persons camps in Europe. In a true illustration of tragedy and triumph, many of them were rushed to the front lines upon their arrival in Israel.
Israel treasures the righteous individuals who assisted our brothers and sisters during their most desperate time. You have inspired us to uphold the dignity, security and freedom of all people. Your voices call out to us to fight for the betterment of humanity, so that our children may live in a more peaceful and secure world.
On behalf of the State of Israel, I thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Jewish people. You represented a glimmer of light in the darkest days of humanity, and your efforts paved the way for future generations. For this, your legacy and heroism will be treasured forever.
