“In the Republic there is no place for the poison of racial hatred, for the seeds of discrimination, for antisemitism which still emerges dangerously, for those who preach violence, for those who cultivate ideologies of oppression, of domination, for those who cultivate hatred." Clear words pronounced by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during the ceremony at the Quirinale on the occasion of the Memorial Day, celebrated on January 27, 2026. The Head of State drew attention to the return of anti-Semitism and the need for constant vigilance against all forms of hatred.
Memory as a warning for the present
In his speech, Mattarella recalled that the Republic , Constitution They were born as a response to the totalitarian ideologies that marked the twentieth century. "The Italian Republic and its Constitution were born against the inhuman and bloodthirsty ideologies that had poisoned the first half of the twentieth century, leaving behind mourning, devastation, and indelible memories of horror," he emphasized, recalling the sacrifice of the deportees and freedom fighters, "annihilated solely for who they were, for what they thought, for what they believed."
Shoah: the darkest moment in human history
In his speech the President then underlined how the Shoah was born from a "big lie” powered by the propaganda and by the 'racial hatred. “The system of extermination, of death, of depravity, which has its culmination in the terrifying killing machine of Auschwitz, was the poisoned fruit of a great, ruinous lie. A lie that has developed throughout history and of which the Shoah was the most serious and monstrous consequence. The lie that there can be inequalities, rankings, classifications of superiority and inferiority among human beings.”
And again: “Thus it was that the alleged racial inferiority, theorized, proclaimed, taught and, finally, translated into law, led inevitably to the identification of the Jews… as a danger to the survival of the people, of the nation.”
Anti-Semitism still feeds on lies
In his speech, Mattarella wanted to underline that antisemitism it is not a phenomenon of the past, but a threat still alive"Racism and anti-Semitism are still fueled by them today. Despots and aggressors today draw on these lies," he warned.
And he added a call to Europe“The resurgence and spread of manifestations of racism and anti-Semitism is a sign of great danger and calls for rigorous action by authorities throughout the European Union.”
The role of fascism and Italian responsibility
Mattarella also drew attention to the racial laws complicity of fascism: “As Italians, we recall with anguish the discrimination, persecution, deportation, and death of our Jewish fellow citizens, betrayed by the racial laws enacted by fascism; and by so many of its followers who were sold to the Nazi executioners, with the complicity of the monarchy, and of so many who considered themselves intellectuals, and of part of the population.”
A crucial step, which recognizes the historical wound of the country and invites us to don't deny the truth, to prevent remembrance from becoming merely a formal rite. "We cannot limit ourselves to this sentiment, however sincere and dutiful: it would be a missed opportunity. It would be a mistake," said the president.
Recognition of Liliana Segre and condemnation of the attacks
Mattarella also greeted and thanked the senator for life Liliana Segre, emphasizing her testimony as a civic asset. "Dear Senator, on this solemn occasion, I wish to express to you, on behalf of the Republic, our solidarity, esteem, and affection in the face of attacks filled, at once, with vulgarity and imbecility."
