**Holocaust Survivor Warns of Threat to Europe**
Roman Shvartsman, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor and chairman of the Odesa Association of Jews, spoke at a gathering in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 24, 2025. He commemorated the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**”Never Again” Falls Short**
Shvartsman reminded those present that 80 years ago, the German Bundestag marked the liberation of Auschwitz. He spoke about the suffering of Jews and Ukrainians under German occupation and how there were over 2,000 sites in Ukraine where people were killed. Shvartsman pointed out that Germany now does a lot to remember the Holocaust, but simply saying “never again” is not enough.
**A Second Part is Needed**
Shvartsman emphasized that “never again” needs a second part: “defending defenseless victims” and “crimes against humanity.” He warned that the world must learn from the horrors of the 20th century. Shvartsman also mentioned that Ukraine has been under attack from Russia for 11 years, not three.
**Freedom is Not Free**
Shvartsman stressed that freedom is not free and that Ukraine wants to be part of a free Europe, not a Russian colony. He criticized some countries’ lack of military support for Ukraine and warned that the war will come to them if they do not help Ukraine now.
**The Devil Must Be Defeated**
In his final words, Shvartsman told the democratic world: “don’t be afraid of him” (the devil). He emphasized that standing together and overcoming fear can defeat evil. Shvartsman ended by saying that Ukrainians are protecting Europe every day, year after year.
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