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PRESS RELEASE
Remember, reflect, imagine peace ...
The International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism
Today is the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. It is a day to remember a horrible event that took place in Germany 73 years ago. On November 9, 1938, Kristallnacht, or the Night of the Broken Glass, occurred. On this day - known to many as the beginning of the Holocaust - in a series of attacks against the Jewish people, their communities, shops and synagogues were destroyed, ransacked and burned.
On this day, the IOTC would like to create awareness about this historical event and inspire people to join in the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. This is a day to reflect on what happened, not only on the night of November 9, 1938, but during the many weeks and months after, during days filled with racism, violence and destruction.
Dr. Constantinos Filis, Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre said, "If people took the time to reflect on their similarities with others, instead of focusing on the differences between them, they would open a window for dialogue, friendship and understanding and a platform for the resolution of conflict.”
The story of the Olympic Truce is closely interwoven with the story of the Olympic Games. This ancient peace accord enabled the original Olympic Games to take place in 776 BC enabling athletes and spectators to participate in friendly athletic competition.
"Truce is a culture of understanding,"
-ends-
Editor’s Notes:
The International Olympic Truce Centre is an international non-governmental organization that operates within the framework of the Olympic Movement. Its mission is to promote the Olympic Ideal, to serve peace, friendship and international understanding, and to uphold the Olympic Truce. It promotes a global Culture of Peace through a combination of local and global initiatives, mobilizing leaders, athletes and young people of the world behind the cause of sport and peace.
For further information please contact:
Mrs. Eleni Pavlou at press@olympictruce.org
Or visit http://www.olympictruce.org
Images are available for download at http://www.olympictruce.org/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
