4. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 3:44 pm on 27 January 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 3:44, 27 January 2021

Thank you very much, Minister. Item 4 on our agenda this afternoon is the 90-second statement. I call on David Melding. 

Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. This year, we are called to be a light in the darkness, and at 8 p.m. to light a candle and display it carefully. The Senedd will be lit purple to mark the memorial. To be a light in the darkness, we are called to remember those who were murdered for who they were and stand against hatred and prejudice today. As a Senedd, it is our duty to ensure that all people in Wales recognise the shared responsibility we have to prevent genocide in the future. We must be a light in the darkness, in public, in the workplace, at home and online. 

On this day in 1945, Primo Levi wrote the following, while at Auschwitz:

'Dawn. On the floor, the shameful wreck of skin and bones, the Sómogyi thing. There are more urgent tasks: we cannot wash ourselves, so that we dare not touch him until we have cooked and eaten.... The Russians arrived while Charles and I were carrying Sómogyi a little distance outside. He was very light. We overturned the stretcher on the grey snow.

'Charles took off his beret. I regretted not having a beret.'

Dirprwy Lywydd, we are all called to be a light in the darkness.