Oleg Kudrin: The Holocaust in Latvia and Ukraine – A Pan-European Tragedy
The author reminds that the extermination of Jews during World War II was a pan-European tragedy, specifically highlighting events in Latvia and Ukraine, emphasizing the guilt of Nazis and local collaborators, as well as the heroism of the Righteous Among the Nations.
In his article on the Holocaust tragedy, Oleg Kudrin emphasizes that the extermination of Jews carried out by the Third Reich during World War II is a horrifying crime that is difficult to comprehend. In the mid-20th century, on a continent that called itself civilized, a program for the complete annihilation of an entire people was declared and meticulously executed. This tragedy also affected Latvia and Ukraine, where the Holocaust was an integral part of the overall process.
The main guilt for these crimes lies with the occupiers – the German Nazis with their insane theories put into practice. However, as the author points out, local collaborators are also to blame. Even greater respect is due to the Righteous Among the Nations – those who, at great risk to themselves and their families, saved Jews from death.
