JERUSALEM — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, September 3, visited Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center here as part of his four-day official visit in the Jewish state.
The President toured Israel’s largest Holocaust memorial expressing hope that the world would learn the lessons of the “horrific and benighted period of human history.”
“Never again,” Duterte said as he wrote in his dedication when he signed the guest book of the Yad Vashem at the Children’s Memorial Hall referring to the persecution and murder of six million Jews during World War II by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.
“May the hearts of peoples around the world remain ever open. And may the minds of all men and women learn to work together towards providing a safe haven for all who are being persecuted,” he added.
In his brief remarks while touring the Hall of Names, the Chief Executive said people should not let despots to rule a country that might lead to another holocaust.
“I hope that this will not happen again. There is always a lesson to be learned and that despots and leaders who show insanity should be disposed of at the first instance,” he said.
“I would like to say that we are one in saying that it will not happen again and my country will be the first to voice that such a massacre of a race (will not happen again) just because of hate,” he added.
He described war as “insanity” that should not be repeated again.
“I could not imagine of a country obey an insane leader. And I could not ever fathom the spectacle of a human being going into a killing spree, murdering old men, women, men, children, mother,” he said.
He then thanked the Israel government for inviting him to tour the Holocaust memorial museum.
During the visit, the President also toured the Memorial Hall Venue. He likewise led the ceremonial wreath laying at the Hall of Remembrance, the first Holocaust commemoration site established at Yad Vashem.
Duterte was joined by his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Zimmerman Duterte and several Cabinet members during the tour.
