The speaker of the Canadian Parliament issued an apology after lawmakers, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, honoured a war veteran and a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

The incident happened on Friday during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Ottawa.

Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers in the House of Commons.

The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis.

Hunka was invited by Speaker Anthony Rota— an MP from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada—who introduced him.

"I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming," Rota, said.

"He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service."

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Friday, Canadian Parliament honored a 98 year old Ukrainian immigrant who fought the Russians in WW2, Yaroslav Hunka. 
 
He fought with the Nazis during the Third Reich as part of the 14th Waffen, aka SS Galincha. 
 
Standing ovations for literal Nazis… <a href="https://t.co/dgc8jWGSYH">pic.twitter.com/dgc8jWGSYH</a>
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1705929609022189614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Jewish community enraged </h2>

The incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada who demanded an apology.

In a statement on Sunday, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies said the division "was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable."

"An apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis, and an explanation must be provided as to how this individual entered the hallowed halls of Canadian Parliament and received recognition from the Speaker of the House and a standing ovation," the statement said.

Canada's Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre pointed out Trudeau’s “appalling error in judgement”.

In his post on social media platform X, Poilievre said Liberals arranged for a Nazi veteran to be recognised on the floor of the House of Commons during Zelensky's visit.

Also read &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-cancel-dozens-of-oci-cards-in-crackdown-on-khalistani-activities-report-639289">India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities</a>

He said that it was an "appalling error in judgement" on Trudeau's part, as the prime minister's office is responsible for arranging and vetting all guests and programming for state visits.

<h2>Speaker apologises </h2>

Rota on late Sunday afternoon apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he has "subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nijjar-row-canadian-defence-min-says-ties-with-india-important-will-continue-indo-pacific-strategy-639278">Nijjar row: Canadian defence min says ties with India 'important'</a>

"I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them," he wrote.

"I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world."

He, however, did not make clear what he is apologising for, and did not name Hunka or give any details about what information Rota learned about him since Friday.

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The speaker of the Canadian Parliament issued an apology after lawmakers, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, honoured a war veteran and a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

The speaker of the Canadian Parliament issued an apology after lawmakers, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, honoured a war veteran and a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. The incident happened on Friday during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Ottawa. Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers in the House of Commons. The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. Hunka was invited by Speaker Anthony Rota— an MP from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada—who introduced him. "I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming," Rota, said. "He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service." Friday, Canadian Parliament honored a 98 year old Ukrainian immigrant who fought the Russians in WW2, Yaroslav Hunka. He fought with the Nazis during the Third Reich as part of the 14th Waffen, aka SS Galincha. Standing ovations for literal Nazis… pic.twitter.com/dgc8jWGSYH — Clandestine (@WarClandestine) September 24, 2023 × Jewish community enraged The incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada who demanded an apology. In a statement on Sunday, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies said the division "was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable." "An apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis, and an explanation must be provided as to how this individual entered the hallowed halls of Canadian Parliament and received recognition from the Speaker of the House and a standing ovation," the statement said. Canada's Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre pointed out Trudeau’s “appalling error in judgement”. In his post on social media platform X, Poilievre said Liberals arranged for a Nazi veteran to be recognised on the floor of the House of Commons during Zelensky's visit. Also read | India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities He said that it was an "appalling error in judgement" on Trudeau's part, as the prime minister's office is responsible for arranging and vetting all guests and programming for state visits. Speaker apologises Rota on late Sunday afternoon apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he has "subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so." Also read | Nijjar row: Canadian defence min says ties with India 'important' "I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them," he wrote. "I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world." He, however, did not make clear what he is apologising for, and did not name Hunka or give any details about what information Rota learned about him since Friday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau under fire after parliament honours Nazi soldier

The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament.&nbsp;

The statement comes a day after the speaker of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-under-fire-after-parliament-honours-nazi-soldier-639349">Canadian Parliament</a> issued an apology over&nbsp;the incident which happened on Friday (Sept 22) during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa.

<h2>Belarus expects an ‘official apologies’</h2>

“Belarus, where one in three people was killed in WWII, is outraged and deeply insulted by the photos of members of the Canadian House of Commons honoring a Nazi veteran,” said the Belarusian foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement.&nbsp;

It added, “We demand that international and public organizations, as well as associations and foundations created in memory of World War II victims, give a proper legal and moral assessment to this incident. We expect official apologies from the Canadian leadership.”&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Canadian parliament?</h2>

Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers by lawmakers including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis.

“I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming,” said Speaker Anthony Rota who introduced him.&nbsp;

He added, “He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.”

<h2>Rota's apology</h2>

It was not until late Sunday afternoon that Rota – who had also invited Hunka – apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he had “subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.”

“I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them,” added the Member of Parliament from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada.&nbsp;

“I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.” However, he did not mention what he was apologising for and did not name Hunka or give any details about the information learned since Friday.

The apology on Sunday also came after the incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament.

The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament. The statement comes a day after the speaker of the Canadian Parliament issued an apology over the incident which happened on Friday (Sept 22) during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa. Belarus expects an ‘official apologies’ “Belarus, where one in three people was killed in WWII, is outraged and deeply insulted by the photos of members of the Canadian House of Commons honoring a Nazi veteran,” said the Belarusian foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement. It added, “We demand that international and public organizations, as well as associations and foundations created in memory of World War II victims, give a proper legal and moral assessment to this incident. We expect official apologies from the Canadian leadership.” What happened in Canadian parliament? Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers by lawmakers including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the House of Commons. The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. “I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming,” said Speaker Anthony Rota who introduced him. He added, “He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.” Rota's apology It was not until late Sunday afternoon that Rota – who had also invited Hunka – apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he had “subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.” “I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them,” added the Member of Parliament from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada. “I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.” However, he did not mention what he was apologising for and did not name Hunka or give any details about the information learned since Friday. The apology on Sunday also came after the incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belarus expects ‘official apologies’ from Canada after parliament honours Nazi soldier

The Speaker of Canada's House of Commons has apologised for praising a World War II veteran, who fought for the Nazis and this comes after two days earlier House Speaker Anthony Rota has recognised 98-year-old Nazi veteran as a Ukrainian hero.

Canada: Nazi veteran honoured by Canada Parliament, House Speaker issues apology later

A previously undisclosed correspondence showed that World War II-era Pope Pius XII had detailed information about the mass killings of Jews by the Nazis, AP news agency reported. The documents, found in the Vatican archives, challenge the Holy See's claim that it could not confirm Nazi atrocities reports in order to condemn them. This has revived the age-old debate over Pope Pius XII's legacy. His actions during World War II have long been a subject of contestation among historians.

His supporters argue that he used quiet diplomacy to save Jewish lives. However, critics contend that he remained silent in the face of the Holocaust.

<h2>What does the newly uncovered letter say?&nbsp;</h2>

The newly uncovered letter, dated December 14, 1942, was written by a trusted German Jesuit priest named Rev. Lothar Koenig to Pope Pius XII's secretary, Rev. Robert Leiber, who was also a German Jesuit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-aid-groups-warn-of-disease-risk-as-country-struggles-to-recover-from-flood-636487">Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood</a>

This letter is included in an upcoming book by a researcher and archivist in the Vatican’s Apostolic Archives, Giovanni Coco. This letter is now published in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, sparking the debate over&nbsp;Pope Pius XII's legacy.&nbsp;

Koenig's letter, written in German, reported that the Nazis were killing up to 6,000 Jews and Poles daily in Rava Ruska, a town in pre-war Poland (now in Ukraine), and transporting them to the Belzec death camp.

Coco told Corriere that the letter is important because it places the correspondence within the same timeframe when Pope Pius XII was receiving diplomatic notes from British and Polish envoys to the Vatican, reporting that as many as 1 million Jews had been killed in Poland.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sydney-teenager-in-coma-after-allegedly-being-dragged-2-km-by-car-636550">Australia: Sydney teenager in coma after allegedly being dragged 2 km by car)</a>

While it cannot be definitively established whether Pope Pius XII saw the letter, Rev. Robert Leiber was his top aide and had previously served as the Vatican's ambassador to Germany during the 1920s. Media reports said that this suggested a close working relationship, particularly regarding matters related to Germany.

<h2>Revelation</h2>

Historian Giovanni Coco stressed the significance of the document, stating that it provides certainty that Pope Pius XII was receiving detailed information about crimes against Jews from the German Catholic Church. However, Coco said that the priest Koenig also urged the Vatican not to disclose the information due to concerns for his safety and the safety of his sources.

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Pope Pius XII's legacy and the revelations from the newly opened Vatican archives will be the subject of discussion at a forthcoming conference at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University.

The conference has received support from various institutions, including the Vatican, Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Research Institute, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Israeli and US embassies.

The conference will feature scholars like Pulitzer Prize-winning anthropologist David Kertzer, Giovanni Coco, and Johan Ickx, the archivist at the Vatican secretariat of state. This gathering is notable as it might shed light on this contentious period in history.

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A previously undisclosed correspondence showed that World War II-era Pope Pius XII had detailed information about the mass killings of Jews by the Nazis, AP news agency reported.

A previously undisclosed correspondence showed that World War II-era Pope Pius XII had detailed information about the mass killings of Jews by the Nazis, AP news agency reported. The documents, found in the Vatican archives, challenge the Holy See's claim that it could not confirm Nazi atrocities reports in order to condemn them. This has revived the age-old debate over Pope Pius XII's legacy. His actions during World War II have long been a subject of contestation among historians. His supporters argue that he used quiet diplomacy to save Jewish lives. However, critics contend that he remained silent in the face of the Holocaust. What does the newly uncovered letter say? The newly uncovered letter, dated December 14, 1942, was written by a trusted German Jesuit priest named Rev. Lothar Koenig to Pope Pius XII's secretary, Rev. Robert Leiber, who was also a German Jesuit. Also Read | Libya: Aid groups warn of disease risk as country struggles to recover from flood This letter is included in an upcoming book by a researcher and archivist in the Vatican’s Apostolic Archives, Giovanni Coco. This letter is now published in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, sparking the debate over Pope Pius XII's legacy. Koenig's letter, written in German, reported that the Nazis were killing up to 6,000 Jews and Poles daily in Rava Ruska, a town in pre-war Poland (now in Ukraine), and transporting them to the Belzec death camp. Coco told Corriere that the letter is important because it places the correspondence within the same timeframe when Pope Pius XII was receiving diplomatic notes from British and Polish envoys to the Vatican, reporting that as many as 1 million Jews had been killed in Poland. Also Read | Australia: Sydney teenager in coma after allegedly being dragged 2 km by car) While it cannot be definitively established whether Pope Pius XII saw the letter, Rev. Robert Leiber was his top aide and had previously served as the Vatican's ambassador to Germany during the 1920s. Media reports said that this suggested a close working relationship, particularly regarding matters related to Germany. Revelation Historian Giovanni Coco stressed the significance of the document, stating that it provides certainty that Pope Pius XII was receiving detailed information about crimes against Jews from the German Catholic Church. However, Coco said that the priest Koenig also urged the Vatican not to disclose the information due to concerns for his safety and the safety of his sources. Watch | Mahsa Amini Death Row: Iran's brutal crackdown continues × Pope Pius XII's legacy and the revelations from the newly opened Vatican archives will be the subject of discussion at a forthcoming conference at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University. The conference has received support from various institutions, including the Vatican, Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Research Institute, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Israeli and US embassies. The conference will feature scholars like Pulitzer Prize-winning anthropologist David Kertzer, Giovanni Coco, and Johan Ickx, the archivist at the Vatican secretariat of state. This gathering is notable as it might shed light on this contentious period in history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Newly unearthed letter reveals Pope Pius XII knew of Nazi killings of 6,000 Jews and Poles

Some relatives of the six Italian civilians who were hanged by occupying German soldiers during Second World War are set to get share of 12 million euros (USD 13 million) 80&nbsp;years after the incident. The civilians were hanged as a collective punishment for killing of a soldier who was foraging for food.

The compensation has been awarded by an Italian court for the families' trauma.

"We still mark the event every year. It hasn't been forgotten," said Mauro Petrarca, the great-grandson of one of those killed, Domenico Lancellotta, a 52-year-old Roman Catholic father of five daughters and a son.

All but one of the family members alive at the time of the killings are now dead. However, under Italian law, damages owed can still be passed on to the heirs. This means that Petrarca will receive about 130,000 euros (USD 142,000) under the terms of the court ruling which came in 2020.

The compensation would, however, be paid by Italy and not Germany as Italy has lost a battle in International Court of Justice over whether Germany could still be held liable for damages related to World War Two crimes and atrocities.

Jewish organisations in Italy have opined in past that Germany should pay to fulfill its historic responsibility. Victims groups also fear that Italy is dragging its feet while dealing with deluge of compensation claims that could eventually be burdensome to state accounts.

"This is a very tormented issue, both from a political and a legal perspective," said Giulio Disegni, the vice president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), which has been following the issue on behalf of Jewish victims of Nazi horrors.

German government funded a study, published in 2016, which estimated that 22,000 Italians were victims of Nazi war crimes. These included up to 8000 Jews who were deported to death camps. Thousands of more people in Italy were forced to work as enslaved labourers in Germany.

The six men were hanged in Italian village of Fornelli. Their descendents are likely to be first to be benefitted from the new government fund set up to deal with compensation claims.

The killing of the six men came a month after Italy signed armistice with the Allied forces thus ending their participation in the World War. This meant that Italy's alliance with the Nazis was at an end. Nazi forces then began to occupy Italy.

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Some relatives of the six Italian civilians who were hanged by occupying German soldiers during Second World War are set to get share of 12 million euros (USD 13 million) 80 years after the incident.

Some relatives of the six Italian civilians who were hanged by occupying German soldiers during Second World War are set to get share of 12 million euros (USD 13 million) 80 years after the incident. The civilians were hanged as a collective punishment for killing of a soldier who was foraging for food. The compensation has been awarded by an Italian court for the families' trauma. "We still mark the event every year. It hasn't been forgotten," said Mauro Petrarca, the great-grandson of one of those killed, Domenico Lancellotta, a 52-year-old Roman Catholic father of five daughters and a son. All but one of the family members alive at the time of the killings are now dead. However, under Italian law, damages owed can still be passed on to the heirs. This means that Petrarca will receive about 130,000 euros (USD 142,000) under the terms of the court ruling which came in 2020. The compensation would, however, be paid by Italy and not Germany as Italy has lost a battle in International Court of Justice over whether Germany could still be held liable for damages related to World War Two crimes and atrocities. Jewish organisations in Italy have opined in past that Germany should pay to fulfill its historic responsibility. Victims groups also fear that Italy is dragging its feet while dealing with deluge of compensation claims that could eventually be burdensome to state accounts. "This is a very tormented issue, both from a political and a legal perspective," said Giulio Disegni, the vice president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), which has been following the issue on behalf of Jewish victims of Nazi horrors. German government funded a study, published in 2016, which estimated that 22,000 Italians were victims of Nazi war crimes. These included up to 8000 Jews who were deported to death camps. Thousands of more people in Italy were forced to work as enslaved labourers in Germany. The six men were hanged in Italian village of Fornelli. Their descendents are likely to be first to be benefitted from the new government fund set up to deal with compensation claims. The killing of the six men came a month after Italy signed armistice with the Allied forces thus ending their participation in the World War. This meant that Italy's alliance with the Nazis was at an end. Nazi forces then began to occupy Italy. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Families of Italian victims of Nazi crime to finally get compensation, after 80 years

After a series of racism scandals within the new Finnish government there are calls to ban the swastika and the hammer and sickle. Ben Zyskowicz, a Finnish MP has suggested ban the Nazi symbol as PM Petteri Orpo sets up a new working group to fight discrimination and racism. Molly Gambhir brings you the story.

Gravitas: Finland mulls banning Nazi symbol of hate as racism scandal rocks new govt

Almost three days after&nbsp;Auschwitz Museum slammed X, formerly known as Twitter, for keeping up a post denying Holocaust, the social media platform has taken it down. X initially said the post did not break its rules.&nbsp;

Last week, the museum posted an image of a three-year-old Jewish girl who was murdered in the concentration camp's gas chambers. In reply to the post, one user posted the&nbsp;black-and-white photo of the child with a cartoon of a hook-nosed man with gold coins and a prayer shawl, stating, "I'll make trillions off this fairytale!"

While X's policies clearly state that Holocaust denial is prohibited, the platform took no action, despite the museum's complaint.

"After reviewing the available information, we want to let you know [the account]&nbsp;hasn't broken our safety policies. We know this isn't the answer you're looking for. If this account breaks our policies in the future, we'll notify you," read the reply by X to the museum's complaint.&nbsp;

Afterwards, the controversy snowballed, attracting media attention as well as social media chatter. Seeing the backlash, X said it had removed the post. However, according to multiple reports, the account which posted the image was still up and hadn't been removed.&nbsp;The company says it is reviewing whether the account should be permanently suspended.

Earlier, the museum had not taken well to X owner Elon Musk's newly proposed idea of killing the block button. The museum criticised the move and said&nbsp;blocking “provides a way to protect the memory of people who suffered and were murdered” at the Nazi concentration and extermination camp.&nbsp;

“Failing to address the antisemitic and Holocaust denial comments that appear under our posts commemorating the victims of Auschwitz would be a disservice to their memory,” the museum said.

“We’ve chosen to block users who promote denial and hatred. This decision stems from our deep dedication to our mission. We need a secure space to do this.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adolf-hitlers-ancestry-in-focus-russia-says-hitler-had-jewish-roots-476411">WATCH |&nbsp;Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots</a>

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<h2>The horrors of concentration camps</h2>

From mid-1942, the Nazis systematically deported Jews from all over Europe to six camps -- Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor and Treblinka. While Nazis were able to destroy evidence of their barbarity from most camps, they could not do so at Auschwitz.&nbsp;

Before the Nazis sent people to the gas chambers on the compound, they were told to undress and leave everything, including their shoes outside. They were sent into the gas chamber on the pretext of being taken to the shower to be disinfected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auschwitz-museum-starts-work-of-conserving-8000-children-shoes-who-were-murdered-in-the-camp-592786">Also read |&nbsp;Auschwitz museum starts work of conserving shoes of 8,000 murdered children</a>

However, the world only learned about the horrors of the Auschwitz camp after the Soviet Red Army forcefully entered the camp on 27 January&nbsp;1945.&nbsp;

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Almost three days after Auschwitz Museum slammed X, formerly known as Twitter, for keeping up a post denying Holocaust, the social media platform has taken it down.

Almost three days after Auschwitz Museum slammed X, formerly known as Twitter, for keeping up a post denying Holocaust, the social media platform has taken it down. X initially said the post did not break its rules. Last week, the museum posted an image of a three-year-old Jewish girl who was murdered in the concentration camp's gas chambers. In reply to the post, one user posted the black-and-white photo of the child with a cartoon of a hook-nosed man with gold coins and a prayer shawl, stating, "I'll make trillions off this fairytale!" While X's policies clearly state that Holocaust denial is prohibited, the platform took no action, despite the museum's complaint. "After reviewing the available information, we want to let you know [the account] hasn't broken our safety policies. We know this isn't the answer you're looking for. If this account breaks our policies in the future, we'll notify you," read the reply by X to the museum's complaint. Afterwards, the controversy snowballed, attracting media attention as well as social media chatter. Seeing the backlash, X said it had removed the post. However, according to multiple reports, the account which posted the image was still up and hadn't been removed. The company says it is reviewing whether the account should be permanently suspended. Earlier, the museum had not taken well to X owner Elon Musk's newly proposed idea of killing the block button. The museum criticised the move and said blocking “provides a way to protect the memory of people who suffered and were murdered” at the Nazi concentration and extermination camp. “Failing to address the antisemitic and Holocaust denial comments that appear under our posts commemorating the victims of Auschwitz would be a disservice to their memory,” the museum said. “We’ve chosen to block users who promote denial and hatred. This decision stems from our deep dedication to our mission. We need a secure space to do this.” WATCH | Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots The horrors of concentration camps From mid-1942, the Nazis systematically deported Jews from all over Europe to six camps -- Auschwitz-Birkenau, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor and Treblinka. While Nazis were able to destroy evidence of their barbarity from most camps, they could not do so at Auschwitz. Before the Nazis sent people to the gas chambers on the compound, they were told to undress and leave everything, including their shoes outside. They were sent into the gas chamber on the pretext of being taken to the shower to be disinfected. Also read | Auschwitz museum starts work of conserving shoes of 8,000 murdered children However, the world only learned about the horrors of the Auschwitz camp after the Soviet Red Army forcefully entered the camp on 27 January 1945. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

X removes Holocaust-denying post three days after Auschwitz Museum complaint

Days after announcing plans&nbsp;to melt down a bronze eagle recovered from a sunken Nazi ship dating back to World War II, Uruguayan authorities have abandoned the initiative. The plan drew concern from both cultural and political spheres.

President Luis Lacalle Pou last Friday announced that the 350-kilogram (770-pound) "symbol of violence and war" will be recast into a "symbol of peace and union." The eagle, with a Nazi hakenkreuz, clutched in its talons, once adorned the stern of the Admiral Graf Spee, a renowned battleship involved in a significant naval encounter during the early stages of the war, as reported by AFP.

However, on Sunday, the president said,&nbsp;"There is an overwhelming majority that does not share this decision" to melt and recast the eagle.

The Admiral Graf Spee's captain, Hans Langsdorff, made the decision to scuttle the battleship on December 17, 1939, following the Battle of the River Plate. Thirteen years ago, the sculpture of the two-meter-tall (6.5-foot-tall) bird was discovered after a decade-long search in the River Plate off the coast of Montevideo.

In 2019, a court ruling determined that the bronze eagle should be sold, with the proceeds to be divided equally between the government and the salvage team. This distribution was stipulated in an agreement signed by the salvagers and the Uruguayan navy in 2004. However, the treasure hunters later filed a lawsuit, alleging that the government had not honoured the agreement. Last year, Uruguay's Supreme Court ruled that the bronze eagle belonged to the state, settling the ownership dispute.

President Lacalle Pou had announced that renowned Uruguayan artist, Pablo Atchugarry was selected to create the peace dove using the melted bronze from the eagle. The transformation was expected to be completed by November, turning a once-controversial symbol of war into a powerful emblem of peace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surfboards-stuffed-with-cocaine-bound-for-europe-seized-in-uruguay-604360">Surfboards stuffed with cocaine bound for Europe seized in Uruguay</a>

This initiative, prior to the shelving, attempted to show Uruguay's commitment to promoting harmony and unity, as it repurposes a historical artifact with deep ties to a turbulent period in human history. The transformation of the bronze eagle into a peace dove represents a tangible symbol of hope and serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards a more peaceful future.&nbsp;

<h2>Historical significance</h2>

In 1939, the massive statue that once adorned the prow of the Nazi battleship Graf Spee met its watery grave off the coast of Uruguay. However, more than seven decades later, a private salvage company successfully retrieved the bronze symbol from the seabed in 2006, reported the Mirror.

The impressive artifact, weighing between 300 to 400 kilograms and measuring nine feet in width, had remained in the custody of Alfredo Etchegaray, who led the recovery effort. During this time, it was stored in a heavily guarded military warehouse as authorities deliberated its fate.

After enduring a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court recently rendered its verdict, declaring that the Uruguayan state is the rightful owner of the salvaged statue. The ruling brought closure to the dispute and paved the way for determining its future.

Also watch |&nbsp;Uruguayans pray for rain as reservoir left with 10 days of water

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While the next steps for the recovered piece remain undecided, the Uruguayan government now holds the authority to determine its fate. The statue's historical significance and potential display as a symbol of remembrance or education are among the possibilities under consideration.

The long journey of this remarkable artifact, which lay hidden beneath the sea for over 75 years, serves as a testament to the efforts of salvagers and the preservation of history. Its recovery and legal resolution mark a significant milestone, ensuring that the statue will find a new place in Uruguay's historical narrative.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after announcing plans to melt down a bronze eagle recovered from a sunken Nazi ship dating back to World War II, Uruguayan authorities have abandoned the initiative.

Days after announcing plans to melt down a bronze eagle recovered from a sunken Nazi ship dating back to World War II, Uruguayan authorities have abandoned the initiative. The plan drew concern from both cultural and political spheres. President Luis Lacalle Pou last Friday announced that the 350-kilogram (770-pound) "symbol of violence and war" will be recast into a "symbol of peace and union." The eagle, with a Nazi hakenkreuz, clutched in its talons, once adorned the stern of the Admiral Graf Spee, a renowned battleship involved in a significant naval encounter during the early stages of the war, as reported by AFP. However, on Sunday, the president said, "There is an overwhelming majority that does not share this decision" to melt and recast the eagle. The Admiral Graf Spee's captain, Hans Langsdorff, made the decision to scuttle the battleship on December 17, 1939, following the Battle of the River Plate. Thirteen years ago, the sculpture of the two-meter-tall (6.5-foot-tall) bird was discovered after a decade-long search in the River Plate off the coast of Montevideo. In 2019, a court ruling determined that the bronze eagle should be sold, with the proceeds to be divided equally between the government and the salvage team. This distribution was stipulated in an agreement signed by the salvagers and the Uruguayan navy in 2004. However, the treasure hunters later filed a lawsuit, alleging that the government had not honoured the agreement. Last year, Uruguay's Supreme Court ruled that the bronze eagle belonged to the state, settling the ownership dispute. President Lacalle Pou had announced that renowned Uruguayan artist, Pablo Atchugarry was selected to create the peace dove using the melted bronze from the eagle. The transformation was expected to be completed by November, turning a once-controversial symbol of war into a powerful emblem of peace. Also read | Surfboards stuffed with cocaine bound for Europe seized in Uruguay This initiative, prior to the shelving, attempted to show Uruguay's commitment to promoting harmony and unity, as it repurposes a historical artifact with deep ties to a turbulent period in human history. The transformation of the bronze eagle into a peace dove represents a tangible symbol of hope and serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards a more peaceful future. Historical significance In 1939, the massive statue that once adorned the prow of the Nazi battleship Graf Spee met its watery grave off the coast of Uruguay. However, more than seven decades later, a private salvage company successfully retrieved the bronze symbol from the seabed in 2006, reported the Mirror. The impressive artifact, weighing between 300 to 400 kilograms and measuring nine feet in width, had remained in the custody of Alfredo Etchegaray, who led the recovery effort. During this time, it was stored in a heavily guarded military warehouse as authorities deliberated its fate. After enduring a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court recently rendered its verdict, declaring that the Uruguayan state is the rightful owner of the salvaged statue. The ruling brought closure to the dispute and paved the way for determining its future. Also watch | Uruguayans pray for rain as reservoir left with 10 days of water While the next steps for the recovered piece remain undecided, the Uruguayan government now holds the authority to determine its fate. The statue's historical significance and potential display as a symbol of remembrance or education are among the possibilities under consideration. The long journey of this remarkable artifact, which lay hidden beneath the sea for over 75 years, serves as a testament to the efforts of salvagers and the preservation of history. Its recovery and legal resolution mark a significant milestone, ensuring that the statue will find a new place in Uruguay's historical narrative. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Uruguay reverses plan to transform Nazi bronze eagle into peace dove

The organisation that handles claims on behalf of Jews who endured torture at the hands of the Nazis, said on Thursday (June 15) that Germany has agreed to extend another monetary support of $1.4 billion overall to Holocaust survivors all over the globe for the year 2024.&nbsp;

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The compensation was a result of negotiations with Germany's finance ministry and entails $888.9 million to provide housing care and supportive services for weak and the most vulnerable Holocaust survivors.

“Every year these negotiations become more and more critical as this last generation of Holocaust survivors age and their needs increase," Greg Schneider, the Claims Conference’s executive vice president told the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Increases of $175 million to symbolic payments of the Hardship Fund Supplemental program have also been achieved, impacting more than 128,000 Holocaust survivors globally, as per the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference.

"Being able to ensure direct payments to survivors in addition to the expansions to the social welfare services is essential in making sure every Holocaust survivor is taken care of for as long as it is required, addressing each individual need,” Schneider added.

The Hardship Fund Supplemental payment was originally set to be a one-time payment, negotiated during the COVID-19 lockdowns and eventually resulted in three supplemental payments for eligible Holocaust survivors.&nbsp;

In 2023, Germany again agreed to offer the hardship payment, which was set to expire in December 2023, through 2027.

Also watch |&nbsp;Germany to buy Israeli missile defense system for $4.3 billion

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The amount for each of the additional years was set at approximately $1,370 per person for 2024, $1,425 for 2025, $1,480 for 2026 and $1,534 for 2027, reported the Associated Press.

&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-set-to-impose-national-ban-on-nazi-symbols-602291">Australia set to impose national ban on Nazi symbols</a>

<h2 dir="ltr">Who are the survivors receiving aid?</h2>

The survivors getting these payments largely are Russian Jews who weren't in camps or ghettos, and aren't eligible for pension programs, the Claims Conference said.

They fled the so-called Einsatzgruppen — Nazi mobile killing units charged with murdering entire Jewish communities as juveniles.&nbsp;More than one&nbsp;million Jews lost their lives in these units, which worked&nbsp;largely by shooting hundreds and thousands of Jews at a time and burying them in mass pits.

“For those who were able to flee and survive — they are some of the poorest in the survivor community; the loss of time, family, property and life cannot be made whole,” the group said.

“By expanding payments to these survivors, the German government is acknowledging that this suffering is still being felt deeply, both emotionally and financially,” the group said in a statement. “While symbolic, these payments provide financial relief for many ageing Jewish Holocaust survivors living around the world,” it added.

At present, the Holocaust survivors are all elderly and many suffer from various medical issues because of the lack of proper nutrition in their growing years.

As the number of survivors plummets, the Claims Conference also negotiated continuing funding for Holocaust education, which has been extended for two more years and puffed up every year by $3.3 million. The newly negotiated funding amounts stand at approximately $41.6 million for 2026 and $45 million for 2027.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The organisation that handles claims on behalf of Jews who endured torture at the hands of the Nazis, said on Thursday (June 15) that Germany has agreed to extend another monetary support of $1.

The organisation that handles claims on behalf of Jews who endured torture at the hands of the Nazis, said on Thursday (June 15) that Germany has agreed to extend another monetary support of $1.4 billion overall to Holocaust survivors all over the globe for the year 2024. The compensation was a result of negotiations with Germany's finance ministry and entails $888.9 million to provide housing care and supportive services for weak and the most vulnerable Holocaust survivors. “Every year these negotiations become more and more critical as this last generation of Holocaust survivors age and their needs increase," Greg Schneider, the Claims Conference’s executive vice president told the Associated Press. Increases of $175 million to symbolic payments of the Hardship Fund Supplemental program have also been achieved, impacting more than 128,000 Holocaust survivors globally, as per the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference. "Being able to ensure direct payments to survivors in addition to the expansions to the social welfare services is essential in making sure every Holocaust survivor is taken care of for as long as it is required, addressing each individual need,” Schneider added. The Hardship Fund Supplemental payment was originally set to be a one-time payment, negotiated during the COVID-19 lockdowns and eventually resulted in three supplemental payments for eligible Holocaust survivors. In 2023, Germany again agreed to offer the hardship payment, which was set to expire in December 2023, through 2027. Also watch | Germany to buy Israeli missile defense system for $4.3 billion The amount for each of the additional years was set at approximately $1,370 per person for 2024, $1,425 for 2025, $1,480 for 2026 and $1,534 for 2027, reported the Associated Press. Also read | Australia set to impose national ban on Nazi symbols Who are the survivors receiving aid? The survivors getting these payments largely are Russian Jews who weren't in camps or ghettos, and aren't eligible for pension programs, the Claims Conference said. They fled the so-called Einsatzgruppen — Nazi mobile killing units charged with murdering entire Jewish communities as juveniles. More than one million Jews lost their lives in these units, which worked largely by shooting hundreds and thousands of Jews at a time and burying them in mass pits. “For those who were able to flee and survive — they are some of the poorest in the survivor community; the loss of time, family, property and life cannot be made whole,” the group said. “By expanding payments to these survivors, the German government is acknowledging that this suffering is still being felt deeply, both emotionally and financially,” the group said in a statement. “While symbolic, these payments provide financial relief for many ageing Jewish Holocaust survivors living around the world,” it added. At present, the Holocaust survivors are all elderly and many suffer from various medical issues because of the lack of proper nutrition in their growing years. As the number of survivors plummets, the Claims Conference also negotiated continuing funding for Holocaust education, which has been extended for two more years and puffed up every year by $3.3 million. The newly negotiated funding amounts stand at approximately $41.6 million for 2026 and $45 million for 2027. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany to extend $1.4 billion to Holocaust survivors across the world in 2024

Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin.

As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen.

On Friday (26 May), Berlin police released a statement saying that they were investigating Waters for incitement to hatred.

As per the images circulated on social media, Waters could be seen wearing a long, black coat with red armbands on stage at the Mercedes-Benz arena last week.

"We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace," police spokesman Martin Halweg told AFP, confirming an earlier report by Jewish News.

"The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer," Halweg added.

Waters is known to be a pro-Palestinian activist and has also been condemned for holding anti-Jewish views.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, the singer has performed in several German cities as part of his "This Is Not A Drill" tour.

The crooner has denied the anti-Semitism condemnations arguing that he was demonstrating against Israeli policies and not the Jewish people.

As per AFP reports, at the controversial Berlin concert, Waters flashed the names of several deceased people on a large screen, including that of Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager who died in a Nazi concentration camp.

<h2>Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Roger Waters</h2>

What drew particular outrage from social media users in Israel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh being listed immediately before Holocaust victim Anne Frank.

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Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. <a href="https://t.co/4tcrV6f8mt">pic.twitter.com/4tcrV6f8mt</a>
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1661272469238435840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Good morning to everyone but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust," Israel's foreign ministry tweeted earlier this week.

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre also took to Twitter and criticised the event further calling for the German authorities to officially charge Waters for invoking and distorting Holocaust images.

"Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community," the centre tweeted.

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Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerWaters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerWaters</a> this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community. <a href="https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h">https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h</a>
— SimonWiesenthalCntr (@simonwiesenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonwiesenthal/status/1661144197578248193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Will Germany prosecute #RogerWaters for Holocaust distortion or will promoters rush to book the anti-Semite for more lurid 3-D anti-Israel + #Antisemitic hatefests masquerading as concerts?" it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

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Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin. As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen.

Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin. As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen. On Friday (26 May), Berlin police released a statement saying that they were investigating Waters for incitement to hatred. As per the images circulated on social media, Waters could be seen wearing a long, black coat with red armbands on stage at the Mercedes-Benz arena last week. "We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace," police spokesman Martin Halweg told AFP, confirming an earlier report by Jewish News. "The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer," Halweg added. Waters is known to be a pro-Palestinian activist and has also been condemned for holding anti-Jewish views. In recent weeks, the singer has performed in several German cities as part of his "This Is Not A Drill" tour. The crooner has denied the anti-Semitism condemnations arguing that he was demonstrating against Israeli policies and not the Jewish people. As per AFP reports, at the controversial Berlin concert, Waters flashed the names of several deceased people on a large screen, including that of Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager who died in a Nazi concentration camp. Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Roger Waters What drew particular outrage from social media users in Israel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh being listed immediately before Holocaust victim Anne Frank. Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/4tcrV6f8mt — Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) May 24, 2023 × "Good morning to everyone but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust," Israel's foreign ministry tweeted earlier this week. The Simon Wiesenthal Centre also took to Twitter and criticised the event further calling for the German authorities to officially charge Waters for invoking and distorting Holocaust images. "Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community," the centre tweeted. Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community. https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h — SimonWiesenthalCntr (@simonwiesenthal) May 23, 2023 × "Will Germany prosecute #RogerWaters for Holocaust distortion or will promoters rush to book the anti-Semite for more lurid 3-D anti-Israel + #Antisemitic hatefests masquerading as concerts?" it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Berlin police to investigate Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters for inciting hatred by donning ‘Nazi-style’ uniform

The United States Secret Service has arrested a 19-year-old they believe might have “intentionally” crashed a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House on Monday night (May 22). No injuries were reported following the incident.

Indian-origin teen crashes into White House barriers, wanted to kill Joe Biden

Passengers on an Austrian train travelling from Bregenz to Vienna were surprised to hear a tape of an Adolf Hitler speech&nbsp;played over the railway's loudspeaker system on&nbsp;Sunday (May 14).

Several passengers on the train reported hearing Nazi chants such as "Heil Hitler" and "Sieg heil" over the train's intercom.

Vienna Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister, who was aboard the train, tweeted that he was "shocked" after hearing Hitler's speech and the locomotive's inability to come to a complete stop.

“DISTURBING I felt above all, when some passengers began to laugh, when the voice of Hitler &amp; the words “Sieg Heil!” boomed from the loudspeakers and the train didn’t provide any explanation or reassurance, but all this was ignored!,” Hofmeister wrote.

About 25 minutes before arriving in Vienna, in the town of St. Pölten, Hofmeister claimed it all started with "strange music, snippets of conversation, and laughter, which suddenly turned into a Hitler speech played louder and louder," the Rabbi told CNN on Monday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-help-greece-reclaim-historical-artefacts-from-uk-reports-british-media-592664">India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK, reports British media</a>

He initially believed it was a mistake, then a poor joke, and "suddenly he felt queasy" since it was unclear whether simply the public speaker system had been hijacked or the entire train. He said that some of the other passengers panicked, while others laughed at his discomfort.

“Someone has illegally opened the intercom with a duplicate key and played a Hitler speech over a loudspeaker,” a spokesperson for the rail operator ÖBB told CNN on Monday.&nbsp;

The incident has been reported to Austrian police, who are investigating, according to the spokeswoman.

The train's video surveillance revealed two persons who were reportedly engaged in the attack.

“It is absolutely clear that any abuse should be punished, especially the illegal use of Nazi symbols is absolutely unacceptable,” the spokesperson added.

Following the airing of Hitler's speech, Austrian upper house member David Stögmüller posted a video of himself expressing his surprise.

Stögmüller captured the final moments of Hitler's speech, with the Nazi shout "Sieg heil" audible in the background.

He said that a train attendant felt "completely helpless" after hearing "Sieg Heil" multiple times. He demanded "a report and quick clarification."

Journalist Colette Schmidt, who was also on the train, asked for an explanation in a tweet on Sunday. “Could you please enlighten us as to why an entire train” heard Hitler’s speech, she asked. “Including fervent Sieg Heil shouts? Have they been hacked? What’s going on?” she wrote.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/unsereOEBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unsereOEBB</a> könnten Sie uns bitte darüber aufklären, warum ein gesamter Zug mit Hitler-Reden über die Durchsage beschallt wird? Samt inbrünstiger Sieg-Heil-Rufe? Sind sie gehackt worden? Was ist los?
— Colette Schmidt @ColetteMSchmidt@chaos.social (@ColetteMSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColetteMSchmidt/status/1657834732636327936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Quite apart from the fact that I and other Austrians were completely shocked: what does a guest from abroad think when Hitler speeches are played over loudspeakers in our trains? Supposedly it came from “the technology.”&nbsp;What?!,” Schmidt said in the tweet.

Schmidt told CNN that Hitler's speech was roughly 20 seconds long, followed by Nazi chants, and that the audio&nbsp;was played on repeat.

The journalist described herself as "frightened" after hearing Hitler's speech&nbsp;on the train.

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Passengers on an Austrian train travelling from Bregenz to Vienna were surprised to hear a tape of an Adolf Hitler speech played over the railway's loudspeaker system on Sunday (May 14).

Passengers on an Austrian train travelling from Bregenz to Vienna were surprised to hear a tape of an Adolf Hitler speech played over the railway's loudspeaker system on Sunday (May 14). Several passengers on the train reported hearing Nazi chants such as "Heil Hitler" and "Sieg heil" over the train's intercom. Vienna Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister, who was aboard the train, tweeted that he was "shocked" after hearing Hitler's speech and the locomotive's inability to come to a complete stop. “DISTURBING I felt above all, when some passengers began to laugh, when the voice of Hitler & the words “Sieg Heil!” boomed from the loudspeakers and the train didn’t provide any explanation or reassurance, but all this was ignored!,” Hofmeister wrote. About 25 minutes before arriving in Vienna, in the town of St. Pölten, Hofmeister claimed it all started with "strange music, snippets of conversation, and laughter, which suddenly turned into a Hitler speech played louder and louder," the Rabbi told CNN on Monday. ALSO READ | India to help Greece reclaim historical artefacts from UK, reports British media He initially believed it was a mistake, then a poor joke, and "suddenly he felt queasy" since it was unclear whether simply the public speaker system had been hijacked or the entire train. He said that some of the other passengers panicked, while others laughed at his discomfort. “Someone has illegally opened the intercom with a duplicate key and played a Hitler speech over a loudspeaker,” a spokesperson for the rail operator ÖBB told CNN on Monday. The incident has been reported to Austrian police, who are investigating, according to the spokeswoman. The train's video surveillance revealed two persons who were reportedly engaged in the attack. “It is absolutely clear that any abuse should be punished, especially the illegal use of Nazi symbols is absolutely unacceptable,” the spokesperson added. Following the airing of Hitler's speech, Austrian upper house member David Stögmüller posted a video of himself expressing his surprise. Stögmüller captured the final moments of Hitler's speech, with the Nazi shout "Sieg heil" audible in the background. He said that a train attendant felt "completely helpless" after hearing "Sieg Heil" multiple times. He demanded "a report and quick clarification." Journalist Colette Schmidt, who was also on the train, asked for an explanation in a tweet on Sunday. “Could you please enlighten us as to why an entire train” heard Hitler’s speech, she asked. “Including fervent Sieg Heil shouts? Have they been hacked? What’s going on?” she wrote. @unsereOEBB könnten Sie uns bitte darüber aufklären, warum ein gesamter Zug mit Hitler-Reden über die Durchsage beschallt wird? Samt inbrünstiger Sieg-Heil-Rufe? Sind sie gehackt worden? Was ist los? — Colette Schmidt @ColetteMSchmidt@chaos.social (@ColetteMSchmidt) May 14, 2023 × “Quite apart from the fact that I and other Austrians were completely shocked: what does a guest from abroad think when Hitler speeches are played over loudspeakers in our trains? Supposedly it came from “the technology.” What?!,” Schmidt said in the tweet. Schmidt told CNN that Hitler's speech was roughly 20 seconds long, followed by Nazi chants, and that the audio was played on repeat. The journalist described herself as "frightened" after hearing Hitler's speech on the train. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hitler speech, Nazi slogans played on Austrian train's loudspeaker, two charged

Every year on May 9, Russia marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II with a parade of troops and sophisticated military hardware and public celebration. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the gathering evoking nationalism and stating that the nation is at war.

Nazis across the world want to destroy us, says Russian President Putin

Benjamin Ferencz, a Romanian-born American lawyer, and the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, passed away Friday in Florida at the age of 103. He is best known for his trials of Nazis for genocidal war crimes.&nbsp;

Former Nazi officials were indicted and convicted as war criminals in the Nuremberg trials by International Military Tribunal in Nurnberg, Germany, between 1945 and 1946. Ferencz was one of the first non-Nazi witnesses to describe the horrors of Nazi labour and concentration camps.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uae-envoy-abdulnasser-alshaali-praises-indias-g20-leadership-says-honored-by-new-delhis-invitation-580566">UAE envoy Abdulnasser Alshaali praises India's G20 leadership, says honoured by New Delhi's invitation</a>

Ferencz was born on 11 March 1920, in Transylvania, Hungary (now Romania).

The news of his passing away was confirmed by St. John's University law professor John Barrett. Barrett runs a blog on the Nuremberg trials. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington also confirmed the death.

"Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes," the museum tweeted.

Ferencz emigrated&nbsp;from Transylvania to New York with his parents when he was a little child to escape the region's pervasive anti-Semitism.&nbsp;

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He received his law degree from Harvard.

During World War II, Ferencz served in the US Army and was later assigned to the War Crimes Branch of the US Army in Germany, where he was tasked with gathering evidence and prosecuting Nazi war criminals.

In 1947, he became the chief prosecutor for the United States in the Einsatzgruppen Case, a series of trials in which 22 Nazi officers were tried for their roles in the mass murder of over one million Jews and other minorities in Eastern Europe.

Ferencz, in an account of his life, wrote that he discovered bodies "piled up like cordwood" and "helpless skeletons with diarrhoea, dysentery, typhus, TB, pneumonia, and other ailments, retching in their louse-ridden bunks or on the ground with only their pathetic eyes pleading for help" at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp and Ohrdruf labour camp in Germany.&nbsp;

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"The Buchenwald concentration camp was a charnel house of indescribable horrors," Ferencz wrote. "There is no doubt that I was indelibly traumatised by my experiences as a war crimes investigator of Nazi extermination centres. I still try not to talk or think about the details."

After the trials, Ferencz continued his legal career, working as a lawyer and advocate for international justice.&nbsp;

He played a key role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court and has been a vocal advocate for the prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ferencz is also the author of several books, including "Lessons of Nuremberg: A Message for Today's World" and "An International Criminal Court: A Step Toward World Peace." He had received numerous honours and awards for his work.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Benjamin Ferencz, a Romanian-born American lawyer, and the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, passed away Friday in Florida at the age of 103. He is best known for his trials of Nazis for genocidal war crimes.

Benjamin Ferencz, a Romanian-born American lawyer, and the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg trials, passed away Friday in Florida at the age of 103. He is best known for his trials of Nazis for genocidal war crimes. Former Nazi officials were indicted and convicted as war criminals in the Nuremberg trials by International Military Tribunal in Nurnberg, Germany, between 1945 and 1946. Ferencz was one of the first non-Nazi witnesses to describe the horrors of Nazi labour and concentration camps. Also Read | UAE envoy Abdulnasser Alshaali praises India's G20 leadership, says honoured by New Delhi's invitation Ferencz was born on 11 March 1920, in Transylvania, Hungary (now Romania). The news of his passing away was confirmed by St. John's University law professor John Barrett. Barrett runs a blog on the Nuremberg trials. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington also confirmed the death. "Today the world lost a leader in the quest for justice for victims of genocide and related crimes," the museum tweeted. Ferencz emigrated from Transylvania to New York with his parents when he was a little child to escape the region's pervasive anti-Semitism. Also Read | Three injured in shooting at Christiana Mall in US state of Delaware: Police He received his law degree from Harvard. During World War II, Ferencz served in the US Army and was later assigned to the War Crimes Branch of the US Army in Germany, where he was tasked with gathering evidence and prosecuting Nazi war criminals. In 1947, he became the chief prosecutor for the United States in the Einsatzgruppen Case, a series of trials in which 22 Nazi officers were tried for their roles in the mass murder of over one million Jews and other minorities in Eastern Europe. Ferencz, in an account of his life, wrote that he discovered bodies "piled up like cordwood" and "helpless skeletons with diarrhoea, dysentery, typhus, TB, pneumonia, and other ailments, retching in their louse-ridden bunks or on the ground with only their pathetic eyes pleading for help" at the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp and Ohrdruf labour camp in Germany. Watch | Russia welcomes Finland's NATO membership with nuclear Iskander missiles × "The Buchenwald concentration camp was a charnel house of indescribable horrors," Ferencz wrote. "There is no doubt that I was indelibly traumatised by my experiences as a war crimes investigator of Nazi extermination centres. I still try not to talk or think about the details." After the trials, Ferencz continued his legal career, working as a lawyer and advocate for international justice. He played a key role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court and has been a vocal advocate for the prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ferencz is also the author of several books, including "Lessons of Nuremberg: A Message for Today's World" and "An International Criminal Court: A Step Toward World Peace." He had received numerous honours and awards for his work. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'In quest for justice': Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor of Nazis, dies at 103

Pro-transgender rights activists clashed with a far-right Neo-Nazi organization in the city of Melbourne in Australia outside the Parliament building. Several men belonging to the Neo-Nazi group were seen dressed in black and performing a Nazi salute outside the building.

Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne

Republican Matt Rosendale gives explanation after he posed with members of far-right neo-Nazi movement last week, which resulted in a huge hue and cry on social media with netizens condemning the actions by the GOP leader.&nbsp;

Rosendale was seen posing with neo-Nazi movement members, Ryan Sanchez and Greyson Arnold. Sanchez who was associated with a white supremacist street-fighting gang Rise Above Movement whereas Greyson Arnold is a Nazi sympathizer &nbsp;and a podcaster.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-visits-iraq-vows-defence-support-against-daesh-569575">US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh</a>

In a photo op, the GOP leader on 1 March was posing with Sanchez and Arnold in front of the Capitol. Arnold was one of the many who was at the 6 January, 2021 insurrection.&nbsp;

The photo went viral on social media where users were seen criticising the leader so much so that it made him come out and defend himself.&nbsp;

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In an email statement to the newspaper The Billings Gazette, Rosendale said, “I absolutely condemn and have zero tolerance for hate groups, hate speech, and violence. I did not take a meeting with these individuals."&nbsp;

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“I was asked for a photo while walking between hearings, accommodating as I do for all photo requests, and was not aware of the individuals’ identity or affiliation with these hate groups that stand in stark contrast to my personal beliefs.”

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Republican Matt Rosendale gives explanation after he posed with members of far-right neo-Nazi movement last week, which resulted in a huge hue and cry on social media with netizens condemning the actions by the GOP leader.

Republican Matt Rosendale gives explanation after he posed with members of far-right neo-Nazi movement last week, which resulted in a huge hue and cry on social media with netizens condemning the actions by the GOP leader. Rosendale was seen posing with neo-Nazi movement members, Ryan Sanchez and Greyson Arnold. Sanchez who was associated with a white supremacist street-fighting gang Rise Above Movement whereas Greyson Arnold is a Nazi sympathizer and a podcaster. Also Read | US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh In a photo op, the GOP leader on 1 March was posing with Sanchez and Arnold in front of the Capitol. Arnold was one of the many who was at the 6 January, 2021 insurrection. The photo went viral on social media where users were seen criticising the leader so much so that it made him come out and defend himself. Also Read | Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper In an email statement to the newspaper The Billings Gazette, Rosendale said, “I absolutely condemn and have zero tolerance for hate groups, hate speech, and violence. I did not take a meeting with these individuals." Watch | Why is Estonia's election result important for Ukraine? “I was asked for a photo while walking between hearings, accommodating as I do for all photo requests, and was not aware of the individuals’ identity or affiliation with these hate groups that stand in stark contrast to my personal beliefs.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

GOP congressman Matt Rosendale defends himself after photo op with neo-Nazis draws flak

Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday.&nbsp;The now 40-year-old Perrottet, who is New South Wales (NSW) premier, revealed the years-old incident after he received a call two days earlier from a colleague about the controversial uniform.&nbsp;

"I am truly sorry for that terrible decision," Perrottet told the media, confessing, "When I was 21, I had my 21st fancy dress party. I wore a Nazi uniform."&nbsp;He said the party's theme was "uniforms".&nbsp;"It was stupid," Perrottet added. 
 
"I am deeply ashamed of what I did and I am truly sorry for the hurt and the pain that this will cause people right across our state and particularly members of the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and their families," he said.&nbsp;

In his apology, the politician said that he was naive at the time and did not understand the significance. He mentioned that he was unaware of the pain that the uniform represented in light of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust.&nbsp; 
 
"It was just a terrible mistake where I, at that age in my life, I just did not understand the gravity and the hurt of what that uniform means to people, not just in our state, but around the country and around the world."

He added that the incident that happened almost 20 years ago is something that has caused him "anxiety" throughout his life.&nbsp;

After his confession, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which represents the Jewish community in the state: "Nazi symbolism is not to be taken lightly and dressing as a Nazi is not a joke."&nbsp;

The statement added: "This incident, no matter how old, is a reminder of the need to continually educate all Australians - and particularly our youth - about the abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime."&nbsp;

Perrottet will face state-wide elections in March and the leader of the state's conservative coalition is facing a tough battle after being in power for 12 years.&nbsp;

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Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday.

Australian politician Dominic Perrottet apologised on Thursday (January 12) and said that he was "deeply ashamed" over wearing a Nazi uniform on his 21st birthday. The now 40-year-old Perrottet, who is New South Wales (NSW) premier, revealed the years-old incident after he received a call two days earlier from a colleague about the controversial uniform. "I am truly sorry for that terrible decision," Perrottet told the media, confessing, "When I was 21, I had my 21st fancy dress party. I wore a Nazi uniform." He said the party's theme was "uniforms". "It was stupid," Perrottet added. "I am deeply ashamed of what I did and I am truly sorry for the hurt and the pain that this will cause people right across our state and particularly members of the Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and their families," he said. In his apology, the politician said that he was naive at the time and did not understand the significance. He mentioned that he was unaware of the pain that the uniform represented in light of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust. "It was just a terrible mistake where I, at that age in my life, I just did not understand the gravity and the hurt of what that uniform means to people, not just in our state, but around the country and around the world." He added that the incident that happened almost 20 years ago is something that has caused him "anxiety" throughout his life. After his confession, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which represents the Jewish community in the state: "Nazi symbolism is not to be taken lightly and dressing as a Nazi is not a joke." The statement added: "This incident, no matter how old, is a reminder of the need to continually educate all Australians - and particularly our youth - about the abhorrent nature of the Nazi regime." Perrottet will face state-wide elections in March and the leader of the state's conservative coalition is facing a tough battle after being in power for 12 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian politician apologises, says it was ‘terrible’ decision to wear Nazi uniform on 21st b’day party

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday laid the foundation for the construction of Iconic Bridge with a 170-meter long pylon over river Krishna.

The 3.2 km long bridge will connect Amaravati with Vijayawada-Hyderabad national highway.

The bridge will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1387 crore.

There will be six lanes on the bridge and 2.5 meters wide pavements on both sides for pedestrians. With this bridge, Amaravati will be directly connected to Hyderabad and Jagadalpur.

The distance from Amaravati to those two cities will be reduced by 40 km. Further, this bridge will minimise traffic problems in Vijayawada.

Along with the bridge, a water treatment plant will be constructed on the Krishna river with an estimated expenditure cost of Rs 745.65 crores, the foundation of which was also laid today by Naidu.

This system will provide round the clock drinking water facility in the Amaravati as per the international standards. As part of the project, two intake wells, 190 MLD capacity water treatment plant, partially underground purified water reservoir will also be built.

For distribution of the water, a much elaborate system has been planned to be built. From this treatment plant, purified water will be supplied to domestic, industrial, commercial and institutional needs.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday laid the foundation for the construction of Iconic Bridge with a 170-meter long pylon over river Krishna.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday laid the foundation for the construction of Iconic Bridge with a 170-meter long pylon over river Krishna. The 3.2 km long bridge will connect Amaravati with Vijayawada-Hyderabad national highway. The bridge will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1387 crore. There will be six lanes on the bridge and 2.5 meters wide pavements on both sides for pedestrians. With this bridge, Amaravati will be directly connected to Hyderabad and Jagadalpur. The distance from Amaravati to those two cities will be reduced by 40 km. Further, this bridge will minimise traffic problems in Vijayawada. Along with the bridge, a water treatment plant will be constructed on the Krishna river with an estimated expenditure cost of Rs 745.65 crores, the foundation of which was also laid today by Naidu. This system will provide round the clock drinking water facility in the Amaravati as per the international standards. As part of the project, two intake wells, 190 MLD capacity water treatment plant, partially underground purified water reservoir will also be built. For distribution of the water, a much elaborate system has been planned to be built. From this treatment plant, purified water will be supplied to domestic, industrial, commercial and institutional needs.

NYT faces backlash for crossword resembling Nazi symbol on first day of Hanukkah

US President Joe Biden on Friday appealed to the country's political leaders to denounce anti-Semitism, in the wake of Donald Trump hosting a Holocaust denier and rapper Kanye West declaring his admiration for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

US President Joe Biden on Friday appealed to the country's political leaders to denounce anti-Semitism, in the wake of Donald Trump hosting a Holocaust denier and rapper Kanye West declaring his admiration for Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. The warning was issued by Biden at a time when concerns are being raised over anti-Semitic discourse's normalisation in the United States. "I just want to make a few things clear: The Holocaust happened. Hitler was a demonic figure. And instead of giving it a platform, our political leaders should be calling out and rejecting antisemitism wherever it hides,” tweeted Biden. "Silence is complicity," he added. Biden made the statement a day after West, who is now known by the name Ye, was thrown out of Twitter after he tried to incite violence with his post which displayed a Nazi swastika interlaced with a Star of David. ALSO READ | Twitter suppressed Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020, internal emails reveal This Twitter ban was immediately followed by another unhinged interview taken by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, in which West was seen covering his complete face with a black mask and professing his "love" for the Nazis and strongly stating "I like Hitler." Previously, Donal Trump faced backlash from the White House for hosting the Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes and West at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last week. In his defence, Trump said that West brought along several of his friends uninvited, among which one was Fuentes, who is an outspoken anti-Semite and a white supremacist and whose YouTube channel was suspended permanently over hate speech in 2020. West has not been the only celebrity to have caused an uproar with an anti-Semitic statement of late, another such celebrity is NBA star Kyrie Irving who recently faced suspension and apologised for linking to a movie, which was labelled as anti-Semitic. White supremacist ideology Elon Musk's decision to cut back moderation after he bought Twitter has led to an exacerbation of unease about the spread of hate speech. The Anti-Defamation League published data on Friday which said that there has been a surge of more than 60% in anti-Semitic tweets which are related to Judaism and Jews in the past two weeks after Musk's takeover of Twitter. The rhetoric matches the steady increase in the occurrence of hateful incidents targeted towards Jews. It was discovered by the Anti-Defamation League that reports related to vandalism, harassment and violence against Jews increased drastically, reaching an all-time high, in the United States in 2021. In 2019, the country had to deal with a shocking incident of deadly shootings which targeted synagogues in Pittsburgh and California. ALSO READ | Trump knew about tax fraud in his company, says prosecution in closing arguments In both scenarios, the attackers belonged to the far-right that supports hate against African Americans, Jews, Muslims and immigrants and advocates for a Christian, Caucasian society which is based on European culture. After the twin attacks, concerns were reinforced about anti-Semitic hatred becoming a rallying point for resurged white supremacists, who had received encouragement after Trump had failed to condemn their ideology unequivocally. The former president's critics, which include Republican rebels like Liz Cheney, have slammed the party for enabling anti-Semitism and white supremacy under Trump's sway. Biden, who has himself claimed that he decided to run for president after hearing Trump's refusal to denounce a neo-Nazi rally organised in Charlottesville in 2017, has spoken repeatedly against the ideology which he believes "tears at the soul" of the nation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden says 'silence is complicity' in his call to denounce anti-semitism

Fast food giant KFC has apologised after it asked its customers in Germany to 'commemorate Kristallnacht,' a Nazi atrocity that is seen as the beginning of systematic Nazi attempts to annihilate Jewish population. KFC on Wednesday (October 9) asked customers to commemorate the atrocity by ordering Chicken and Cheese from the fast food chain. It was a push notification sent by KFC on customers' mobile phones.

“Commemorate Kristallnacht – treat yourself to more soft cheese and crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!” said the notification.

KFC appeared to be in damage control mode as it sent another notification just an hour later and apologised for the previous one. KFC said that the previous notification was sent due to “a fault in our system”

84 years ago, 'Kristallnacht' or 'night of the broken glass' saw Nazi-led gangs vandalising and even setting on fire, shops and businesses owned by Jews in Germany. Even Synagogues were not spared.

It is being believed that the KFC push notification was auto-generated, with automated systems linking any anniversary&nbsp;to notifications to boost sales. But a blunder such as an appeal to commemorate an anti-Jew pogrom in Germany has drawn sharp reactions.

German news outlet Bild termed the blunder "tasteless". It said it was “fast-food advertising at the cost of the remembrance of the victims of the Nazi regime”.

On Kristallnacht, the night between November 9 and 10, 1938. Nazi-led mobs went on rampage to intimidate the Jewish population.

According to the official reports at the time, 91 people were killed, 7500 businesses were destroyed along with 267 synagogues. However, it is believed that the real figure was much higher. It is said that at least 1300 people lost their lives and at least 1400 synagogues were destroyed in Germany and Austria.

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Fast food giant KFC has apologised after it asked its customers in Germany to 'commemorate Kristallnacht,' a Nazi atrocity that is seen as the beginning of systematic Nazi attempts to annihilate Jewish population.

Fast food giant KFC has apologised after it asked its customers in Germany to 'commemorate Kristallnacht,' a Nazi atrocity that is seen as the beginning of systematic Nazi attempts to annihilate Jewish population. KFC on Wednesday (October 9) asked customers to commemorate the atrocity by ordering Chicken and Cheese from the fast food chain. It was a push notification sent by KFC on customers' mobile phones. “Commemorate Kristallnacht – treat yourself to more soft cheese and crispy chicken. Now at KFCheese!” said the notification. KFC appeared to be in damage control mode as it sent another notification just an hour later and apologised for the previous one. KFC said that the previous notification was sent due to “a fault in our system” 84 years ago, 'Kristallnacht' or 'night of the broken glass' saw Nazi-led gangs vandalising and even setting on fire, shops and businesses owned by Jews in Germany. Even Synagogues were not spared. It is being believed that the KFC push notification was auto-generated, with automated systems linking any anniversary to notifications to boost sales. But a blunder such as an appeal to commemorate an anti-Jew pogrom in Germany has drawn sharp reactions. German news outlet Bild termed the blunder "tasteless". It said it was “fast-food advertising at the cost of the remembrance of the victims of the Nazi regime”. On Kristallnacht, the night between November 9 and 10, 1938. Nazi-led mobs went on rampage to intimidate the Jewish population. According to the official reports at the time, 91 people were killed, 7500 businesses were destroyed along with 267 synagogues. However, it is believed that the real figure was much higher. It is said that at least 1300 people lost their lives and at least 1400 synagogues were destroyed in Germany and Austria. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

KFC apologises after asking Germans to 'commemorate' Nazi atrocity

In Pics | Holocaust: Unseen ghastly images of Nazis' Kristallnacht pogrom

As a part of an effort to bring about more awareness about the Holocaust, museums will now be required to identify and disclose artworks and pieces stolen from the Jews during World War II.

United States: Nazi loot to be disclosed in New York museum

Giant explosive-laden Nazi warships emerge in low water levels of drying Danube river - see pics

A long-time adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has resigned over a speech. Zsuzsa Hegedus described the Orban's speech as a "pure Nazi text".

Hungary: PM's closest adviser resigns, calls Viktor Orban's speech 'pure Nazi text'

A court in Germany on Tuesday (June 28) handed a five-year jail sentence to a 101-year-old former NAZI concentration camp guard. Josef Shuetz, the former guard is the oldest person to go on trial for war crimes during the Holocaust.

Schuetz was found guilty of being an accessory to murder while working as a guard. He was posted at Sachsenhausen camp Oranienburg, north of Berlin between 1942 and 1945, said presiding judge Udo Lechtermann.

Schuetz is now a pensioner and lives in Brandenburg state. He had pleaded innocent to the charges against him. He said he did "absolutely nothing" and was not aware of the gruesome crimes being carried out at the camp.

"I don't know why I am here," he said at the close of his trial on Monday.

But prosecutors said he "knowingly and willingly" participated in the murders of 3,518 prisoners at the camp and called for him to be punished with five years behind bars.&nbsp;

More than 200,000 people, including Jews, Roma, regime opponents and gay people, were detained at the Sachsenhausen camp between 1936 and 1945.

Labour, murder, medical experiments, hunger or disease claimed ten of thousands of live before liberationk of the camp by Soviet troops.

Prosecutors said Schuetz had aided and abetted the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B".

He was 21 years old at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A court in Germany on Tuesday (June 28) handed a five-year jail sentence to a 101-year-old former NAZI concentration camp guard. Josef Shuetz, the former guard is the oldest person to go on trial for war crimes during the Holocaust.

A court in Germany on Tuesday (June 28) handed a five-year jail sentence to a 101-year-old former NAZI concentration camp guard. Josef Shuetz, the former guard is the oldest person to go on trial for war crimes during the Holocaust. Schuetz was found guilty of being an accessory to murder while working as a guard. He was posted at Sachsenhausen camp Oranienburg, north of Berlin between 1942 and 1945, said presiding judge Udo Lechtermann. Schuetz is now a pensioner and lives in Brandenburg state. He had pleaded innocent to the charges against him. He said he did "absolutely nothing" and was not aware of the gruesome crimes being carried out at the camp. "I don't know why I am here," he said at the close of his trial on Monday. But prosecutors said he "knowingly and willingly" participated in the murders of 3,518 prisoners at the camp and called for him to be punished with five years behind bars. More than 200,000 people, including Jews, Roma, regime opponents and gay people, were detained at the Sachsenhausen camp between 1936 and 1945. Labour, murder, medical experiments, hunger or disease claimed ten of thousands of live before liberationk of the camp by Soviet troops. Prosecutors said Schuetz had aided and abetted the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B". He was 21 years old at the time. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

101-year-old ex-Nazi concentration camp guard gets 5 years in jail

Agreement in German parliament on Friday (June 24) paved way for Nazi-era law that limits information doctors and clinics can provide about abortion.

One of the most controversial sections of the penal code, Paragraph 219a, prohibits the "promotion" of abortion, a crime punishable by "up to two years of imprisonment or a fine".

The law was adopted in 1933 after Adolf Hitler came to power.

"It is high time," Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in parliament.

He said that it was "absurd" and "no longer in step with the times" that doctor were not able to provide complete information on abortion while "every troll and conspiracy theorists" are free to spout their ideas about terminating pregnancies.

The ruling coalition of Buschmann's Free Democrats, as well as the Social Democrats and the Greens, had made a pledge to remove the law when they signed up to govern together.

The Nazi-era law was applied till recently. The courts have been handing out penalties to medical practitioners for offering information on pregnancy terminations on the internet.

In some cases, the sites offered a simple statement that the gynaecologist carries out abortions, with no further details.

Among the doctors prosecuted in recent years is Kristina Haenel, a general practitioner from Giessen in western Germany, who became the face of the campaign to ditch the law after being fined 6,000 euros ($6,550).

Her legal battle sparked a media storm and put a spotlight on the law.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Agreement in German parliament on Friday (June 24) paved way for Nazi-era law that limits information doctors and clinics can provide about abortion. One of the most controversial sections of the penal code, Paragraph 219a, prohibits the "promotion" of abortion, a crime punishable by "up to two years of imprisonment or a fine".

Agreement in German parliament on Friday (June 24) paved way for Nazi-era law that limits information doctors and clinics can provide about abortion. One of the most controversial sections of the penal code, Paragraph 219a, prohibits the "promotion" of abortion, a crime punishable by "up to two years of imprisonment or a fine". The law was adopted in 1933 after Adolf Hitler came to power. "It is high time," Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said in parliament. He said that it was "absurd" and "no longer in step with the times" that doctor were not able to provide complete information on abortion while "every troll and conspiracy theorists" are free to spout their ideas about terminating pregnancies. The ruling coalition of Buschmann's Free Democrats, as well as the Social Democrats and the Greens, had made a pledge to remove the law when they signed up to govern together. The Nazi-era law was applied till recently. The courts have been handing out penalties to medical practitioners for offering information on pregnancy terminations on the internet. In some cases, the sites offered a simple statement that the gynaecologist carries out abortions, with no further details. Among the doctors prosecuted in recent years is Kristina Haenel, a general practitioner from Giessen in western Germany, who became the face of the campaign to ditch the law after being fined 6,000 euros ($6,550). Her legal battle sparked a media storm and put a spotlight on the law. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Nazi-era law on abortion to be removed in Germany

The mysteries around the betrayal of Anne Frank, might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis. Frank, who died aged 15, was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish heritage and emerged as one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust. Anne and her sister died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Anne became popular posthumously with the 1947 publication of 'The Diary of a Young Girl'. She documented her life while in hiding from 1942 to 1944. The diary became one of the most haunting accounts of the Holocaust.

Was Anne Frank betrayed? How Nazis found her hiding place in 1944

&nbsp;A 73-year-old woman who was recently sorting out the letters she had received from her parents as heirloom found details of an old, underground network established by anti-Nazis to help Jews.<o:p></o:p>

Sisters, Frances Newell and Jan Newell, were aware that their late mother, Evelyn Parker, had taken part in some of the progressive causes during the second world war. However, they had not realised that their parents had helped set up such an important network.<o:p></o:p>

Evelyn Parker used to often tell her children about the time she had spent in Berlin teaching English to children of the Jewish families. During that time, they had formed a strong friendship bond with a German couple, Max and Malwine Schindler.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/how-twitters-new-private-media-policy-is-being-abused-by-anti-vaxxers-434303" hreflang="en">How Twitter's new private media policy is being abused by anti-vaxxers</a><o:p></o:p>

After their parents'&nbsp;death, Newell obtained a bundle of letters of her parents that she did not open till 2017. In those letters, the siblings found out details about an old, underground network that had been established by anti-Nazi activists to help Jewish families.<o:p></o:p>

Their mother had received a letter from the German couple in 1934 who was asking for help after losing a job at the local council in Berlin district of Neukölln. Max, the man from Berlin, had been fired for his support of the Social Democratic party (SPD in German), which was blacklisted after the Nazis took hold in Germany.<o:p></o:p>

Max had decided to set up an English-teaching school and library, which actually was a disguise of the SPD teachings. Through this, Max was sensing out students (anti-Nazi activists) out of Germany and to Britain.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/from-tiger-at-gender-reveal-party-to-a-bear-attack-here-is-a-look-at-the-top-trending-incidents-of-2021-434307">From tiger at gender reveal party to a bear attack, here is a look at the top trending incidents of 2021</a></o:p>

This disguise helped Jewish families escape the Nazi rules. Parker was usually introduced to these people as a visitor in social gatherings. "Here's this young English woman, they could say, 'we're showing her the sights, come meet her'," Frances says. "But there was an underlying story behind that – it was about resistance to the Nazis."<o:p></o:p>

Later, Parker returned to Lancashire in 1935, and continued finding families who could take in Jewish families that were escaping the Nazi rule with the help of Max.<o:p></o:p>

Frances spent more than 600 hours going through these letters to discover this underground and important network set up by her mother to help save Jewish families from the Nazi rule. "In those prewar years, they were so unbelievably optimistic. These are young people, they're full of joy and optimism. They really thought that they were going to make it, that the world was not going to take the path it did. That’s the great tragedy of it, the contrast of the early years and the tone of the latter years," Frances says.<o:p></o:p>

"In reading the letters, you got such a sense of the Schindlers as individuals, as if you knew them ... It was very clear that Mum loved them," Jan said.<o:p></o:p>

A 73-year-old woman who was recently sorting out the letters she had received from her parents as heirloom found details of an old, underground network established by anti-Nazis to help Jews.

A 73-year-old woman who was recently sorting out the letters she had received from her parents as heirloom found details of an old, underground network established by anti-Nazis to help Jews. Sisters, Frances Newell and Jan Newell, were aware that their late mother, Evelyn Parker, had taken part in some of the progressive causes during the second world war. However, they had not realised that their parents had helped set up such an important network. Evelyn Parker used to often tell her children about the time she had spent in Berlin teaching English to children of the Jewish families. During that time, they had formed a strong friendship bond with a German couple, Max and Malwine Schindler. Also read | How Twitter's new private media policy is being abused by anti-vaxxers After their parents' death, Newell obtained a bundle of letters of her parents that she did not open till 2017. In those letters, the siblings found out details about an old, underground network that had been established by anti-Nazi activists to help Jewish families. Their mother had received a letter from the German couple in 1934 who was asking for help after losing a job at the local council in Berlin district of Neukölln. Max, the man from Berlin, had been fired for his support of the Social Democratic party (SPD in German), which was blacklisted after the Nazis took hold in Germany. Max had decided to set up an English-teaching school and library, which actually was a disguise of the SPD teachings. Through this, Max was sensing out students (anti-Nazi activists) out of Germany and to Britain. Also read | From tiger at gender reveal party to a bear attack, here is a look at the top trending incidents of 2021 This disguise helped Jewish families escape the Nazi rules. Parker was usually introduced to these people as a visitor in social gatherings. "Here's this young English woman, they could say, 'we're showing her the sights, come meet her'," Frances says. "But there was an underlying story behind that – it was about resistance to the Nazis." Later, Parker returned to Lancashire in 1935, and continued finding families who could take in Jewish families that were escaping the Nazi rule with the help of Max. Frances spent more than 600 hours going through these letters to discover this underground and important network set up by her mother to help save Jewish families from the Nazi rule. "In those prewar years, they were so unbelievably optimistic. These are young people, they're full of joy and optimism. They really thought that they were going to make it, that the world was not going to take the path it did. That’s the great tragedy of it, the contrast of the early years and the tone of the latter years," Frances says. "In reading the letters, you got such a sense of the Schindlers as individuals, as if you knew them ... It was very clear that Mum loved them," Jan said.

Old letters of couple reveal underground network set up to help Jewish families escape Nazi rule

86 year old Salina Steinfield was crowned 'miss holocaust survivor' in an annual Israeli beauty pageant. The competition honours women who endured the horrors of the Nazi genocide.

86 year old Salina Steinfield  crowned 'miss holocaust survivor'

Republican Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, has defended the use of Nazi salute by parents at a school board meeting in Ohio.

Calling them a gesture of 'free speech' Cruz slammed US Attorney General Merrick Garland for calling investigations into potential violence against school staff.

Cruz justified the move during a fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and said ''My God! A parent did a Nazi salute at a school board because they thought the policies were oppressive.''

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He dramatically said that the memo given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation says ''go investigate parents as domestic terrorists'' despite the fact that ''doing a Nazi salute at an elected official, is that protected by the First Amendment.''

When Garland denied the use of such sensationalised language, Cruz said ''I don’t care what the letter says.''

Former Vermont governor Howard Dean went as far as accusing&nbsp;Cruz of 'wing-nut racism.'

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The US Justice Department has started an investigation in the rise of violence against teachers. It was reported that a parent at an Ohio school board meeting did the salute in response to a request to put on a mask.&nbsp;

Ted Cruz is a prominent Republican and fierce critic of US President Joe&nbsp;Biden. &nbsp;

He had vowed to block Democrats from obtaining consent to suspend the federal debt ceiling through a simple majority vote.

In addition to the toll that Cruz's actions are taking on the Treasury's ability to tackle the federal debt limit, they are hurting the Biden administration's ability to address other big problems, senior White House officials say, including a global minimum tax, terrorism, and financial intelligence.

He has been lambasted by democrats for the regressive Texas abortion law and motivating anti-vaxxers.

Cruz flew into a storm of criticism after leaving his home state of Texas in the grip of a deadly deep freeze, for a family holiday jaunt to the Mexican resort of Cancun he said he took to please his young daughters.

Republican Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, has defended the use of Nazi salute by parents at a school board meeting in Ohio. Calling them a gesture of 'free speech' Cruz slammed US Attorney General Merrick Garland for calling investigations into potential violence against school staff.

Republican Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, has defended the use of Nazi salute by parents at a school board meeting in Ohio. Calling them a gesture of 'free speech' Cruz slammed US Attorney General Merrick Garland for calling investigations into potential violence against school staff. Cruz justified the move during a fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and said ''My God! A parent did a Nazi salute at a school board because they thought the policies were oppressive.'' Also read | Republican Senator Ted Cruz faces criticism over trip as Texas battles winter storm He dramatically said that the memo given to the Federal Bureau of Investigation says ''go investigate parents as domestic terrorists'' despite the fact that ''doing a Nazi salute at an elected official, is that protected by the First Amendment.'' When Garland denied the use of such sensationalised language, Cruz said ''I don’t care what the letter says.'' Former Vermont governor Howard Dean went as far as accusing Cruz of 'wing-nut racism.' Also read | Biden’s aggressive vaccine mandate sparks backlash from Republicans The US Justice Department has started an investigation in the rise of violence against teachers. It was reported that a parent at an Ohio school board meeting did the salute in response to a request to put on a mask. Ted Cruz is a prominent Republican and fierce critic of US President Joe Biden. He had vowed to block Democrats from obtaining consent to suspend the federal debt ceiling through a simple majority vote. In addition to the toll that Cruz's actions are taking on the Treasury's ability to tackle the federal debt limit, they are hurting the Biden administration's ability to address other big problems, senior White House officials say, including a global minimum tax, terrorism, and financial intelligence. He has been lambasted by democrats for the regressive Texas abortion law and motivating anti-vaxxers. Cruz flew into a storm of criticism after leaving his home state of Texas in the grip of a deadly deep freeze, for a family holiday jaunt to the Mexican resort of Cancun he said he took to please his young daughters.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz defends use of Nazi salute by calling it 'free speech'

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes.

The 100-year-old, identified only as Josef S, is accused of 'knowingly and willingly" assisting the murder of 3518 prisoners at Sachsenhausen camp in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, between 1942 and 1945.

Allegations against him include aiding and abetting the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B".

German prosecutors are racing to bring the last surviving Nazi perpetrators to justice, and have in recent years increasingly focused attention on lower-ranking Nazi staff.

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The case comes a week after a 96-year-old German woman, who was a secretary in a Nazi death camp, dramatically fled before the start of her trial but was caught several hours later.&nbsp;

She too has been charged with complicity in murder. Her trial resumes on October 19.

Despite his advanced age, a medical assessment in August found that Josef S. was fit to stand trial, although hearings at the Neuruppin court will be limited to a couple of hours a day.

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The proceedings are expected to last until early January.

"He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular but of having contributed to these acts through his work as a guard and of having been aware such killings were happening at the camp," a court spokeswoman said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-a-farewell-visit-germanys-merkel-to-head-to-israel-next-week-418261">For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week &nbsp;</a>

Thomas Walther, a lawyer representing several camp survivors and victims' relatives in the case, said that even 76 years after the end of World War II, trials like these were necessary to hold perpetrators to account.

"There's no expiry date on justice," he told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes.

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes. The 100-year-old, identified only as Josef S, is accused of 'knowingly and willingly" assisting the murder of 3518 prisoners at Sachsenhausen camp in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, between 1942 and 1945. Allegations against him include aiding and abetting the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B". German prosecutors are racing to bring the last surviving Nazi perpetrators to justice, and have in recent years increasingly focused attention on lower-ranking Nazi staff. Also Read | Germany sets aside an additional $767 million for holocaust survivors, officials say The case comes a week after a 96-year-old German woman, who was a secretary in a Nazi death camp, dramatically fled before the start of her trial but was caught several hours later. She too has been charged with complicity in murder. Her trial resumes on October 19. Despite his advanced age, a medical assessment in August found that Josef S. was fit to stand trial, although hearings at the Neuruppin court will be limited to a couple of hours a day. Also Read | In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant The proceedings are expected to last until early January. "He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular but of having contributed to these acts through his work as a guard and of having been aware such killings were happening at the camp," a court spokeswoman said. Also Read | For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week Thomas Walther, a lawyer representing several camp survivors and victims' relatives in the case, said that even 76 years after the end of World War II, trials like these were necessary to hold perpetrators to account. "There's no expiry date on justice," he told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany: 100-year-old to go on trial for Nazi-era crimes

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