Summary
On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Swiss Federal President honours the six million murdered Jews and other victims of National Socialism. Using the story of the Rottenberg family – two Swiss Holocaust survivors from Hungary – the speech addresses the importance of civil courage and the current threat posed by rising antisemitism. Switzerland is planning a memorial site in Bern and has adopted a national strategy against racism and antisemitism.
Persons
- Vera Rottenberg – Federal Judge and Holocaust survivor
- Eva Koralnik – Literary agent and Holocaust survivor
- Harald Feller – Swiss diplomat, "Righteous Among the Nations"
- Berta Rottenberg – Mother of the survivors
Topics
- Holocaust and National Socialism
- Antisemitism and racism
- Civil courage and human rights
- Swiss memorial policy
- International law and justice
Detailed Summary
The speech honours the victims of the Holocaust on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz (27 January 1945). The Federal President emphasizes that the memory of systematic annihilation by the Nazi regime remains relevant, even though fewer and fewer witnesses are still alive.
The fate of the Rottenberg family illustrates the persecution of the Jewish community in Hungary. Following Nazi Germany's occupation in March 1944, over 430,000 Jews were deported to Auschwitz between May and July. Berta Rottenberg, mother of Eva and Vera, lost her Swiss citizenship through marriage and was initially unable to flee. Swiss diplomat Harald Feller helped the family escape to Switzerland in October 1944 through courageous interventions that personally risked his safety.
Consequences and contribution: Eva Rottenberg became a literary agent, Vera a Federal Judge – both are now engaged in prevention and education, particularly among young people. Their story demonstrates resilience and the value of civil courage.
Current threat: The Federal President warns of the resurgence of antisemitism in Switzerland and worldwide. Antisemitism and all forms of racism are incompatible with a democratic society.
Measures taken by Switzerland:
- Creation of a Swiss memorial site in Bern (project selection 2026, realization 2027)
- National strategy against racism and antisemitism (adopted December 2025)
- International commitment to international law and support for international courts
Key Messages
- Holocaust remains a warning: The memory of six million murdered Jews and other victims must remain alive to prevent history from repeating itself
- Civil courage saves lives: Harald Feller's commitment beyond his duty enabled the rescue of the Rottenberg family
- Antisemitism is a present-day problem: The resurgence of antisemitism in Switzerland requires decisive action
- Defend democratic values: Tolerance, respect and human rights are not a given
- Enforce international law: International courts must be supported in the prosecution of atrocities
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Status |
|---|---|
| Jewish community (Switzerland & worldwide) | Directly threatened; addressee of protection |
| Roma, Sinti, Jenische | Historical and potential future victims |
| Survivors & their descendants | Bearers of memory and testimony |
| Swiss state & society | Responsible for prevention and memorial culture |
| International community | Obligated to uphold international law |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Memorial site strengthens memorial culture | Increasing antisemitism remains underestimated |
| National strategy coordinates measures | Historical amnesia among young people |
| International courts prosecute atrocities | Erosion of international legal norms |
| Civil courage is conveyed as exemplary | Radicalization and intolerance grow |
| Human rights in focus | Political instrumentalization of memory |
Relevance for Action
For decision-makers:
- Concretize memorial site: Advance project selection 2026; ensure participation of survivors and communities
- Implement national strategy: Provide resources for racism and antisemitism prevention
- Strengthen school education: Anchor Holocaust education and critical history teaching in curricula
- Support civil society: Promote organizations working against antisemitism
- Fulfil international obligations: Actively support international law and international courts
- Take warning signs seriously: Intensify monitoring of radicalization and identity-based hatred
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Historical data (liberation of Auschwitz 27.1.1945, deportations May–July 1944) verified
- [x] Persons and roles correctly identified
- [x] No unconfirmed speculation added
- [x] Bias check: Text is factual and respectful, no bias detected
Additional Research
Federal Council – National Strategy against Racism and Antisemitism (December 2025)
Official strategy and catalogue of measuresYad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
Database of Holocaust survivors and Righteous Among the NationsInternational Commission Against Impunity (ICIJ)
Documentation of international justice and international law
Bibliography
Primary source:
Message from the Federal President on the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust – Bern, 27 January 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/MYsq_rldnvZi5-iYbmYCb
Supplementary sources:
- Federal Council (December 2025): National Strategy against Racism and Antisemitism
- Yad Vashem (2024): International Database of Righteous Among the Nations – Harald Feller
- International Criminal Court (ICC): Mandate and current proceedings against atrocities
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 27 January 2026
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