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Polish lawmaker ejected from EU Parliament after controversial Holocaust Remembrance remarks commemorating innocents in Gaza
By ljdevon // 2025-02-04
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  • Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun was expelled from a Holocaust remembrance ceremony after calling for prayers for victims of what he termed a “Jewish genocide in Gaza.”
  • The incident highlights the fraught intersection of Holocaust remembrance, Middle East politics and accusations of antisemitism in Europe.
  • The Holocaust, in which six million Jews were systematically murdered by Nazi Germany, remains a deeply sensitive topic in Europe. Comparisons to other conflicts often provoke strong reactions.
  • Braun’s comments were condemned by lawmakers and Jewish organizations, while others criticized the EU’s perceived bias in addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict.

A controversial statement in a solemn setting

In a moment of solemn remembrance, the European Parliament’s commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Wednesday was abruptly disrupted by a controversial statement from Polish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Grzegorz Braun. The right-wing lawmaker called on his colleagues to “pray for the victims of the Jewish genocide in Gaza” during a moment of silence for Holocaust victims. His remarks, which conflated the Holocaust with the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, sparked immediate outrage and led to his expulsion from the chamber by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. The incident underscores the delicate balance between honoring the memory of Holocaust victims and navigating the politically charged discourse surrounding the Israel-Gaza war. It also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech, historical sensitivity and the role of international institutions in addressing conflicts. Braun, a member of Poland’s far-right Confederation alliance, has a history of provocative actions. In December 2023, he made headlines for using a fire extinguisher to put out Hanukkah candles during a ceremony at the Polish parliament, describing Judaism as a “racist, tribal, wild Talmudic cult.” His latest remarks during the Holocaust commemoration further cemented his reputation as a polarizing figure. “I didn’t want to disturb the event, but rather supplemented it,” Braun later wrote on X, formerly Twitter, defending his call for prayers for Gaza victims. However, his comments were widely interpreted as an attempt to equate the Holocaust with the Israel-Gaza conflict, a comparison that many find deeply offensive and historically inaccurate. The European Jewish Congress condemned Braun’s actions as a “vile display of antisemitism in the heart of European democracy.” Other lawmakers, including some from Braun’s native Poland, also criticized his remarks, calling them inappropriate and disrespectful.

The Israel-Gaza conflict: a divisive issue in Europe

Braun’s comments come amid heightened tensions over the Israel-Gaza war, which began in October 2023 after Hamas militants launched a deadly incursion into Israeli territory, killing over 1,100 people and taking 240 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with Hamas-controlled health authorities reporting at least 46,000 Palestinian deaths by the time a ceasefire was reached earlier this month. The conflict has deeply divided European policymakers. While some EU member states have expressed solidarity with Palestinians and even recognized Palestinian statehood, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been a staunch supporter of Israel. Her unwavering stance has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Irish MEP Clare Daly, who accused von der Leyen of endorsing a “brutal apartheid regime” in November 2023. Spanish Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra has also been vocal, accusing the EU of inaction in the face of what she called “genocide” in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has urged the bloc to apply its principles of international law and humanitarianism consistently, not just in Ukraine but also in the Middle East.

The broader implications of Braun’s remarks

Braun’s comments and subsequent ejection from the European Parliament highlight the challenges of addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict within the framework of Holocaust remembrance. The Holocaust, a defining tragedy of the 20th century, remains a sacred subject in Europe, where comparisons to other conflicts are often seen as minimizing its unique horror. At the same time, the incident reflects broader debates about free speech, censorship and the politicization of historical memory. Critics argue that governments and institutions are increasingly using accusations of antisemitism to silence legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies in Gaza. However, others caution that conflating the Holocaust with contemporary conflicts risks trivializing the suffering of Jewish victims and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Sources include: RT.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Naturalnews.com
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