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Holocaust's use as political tool divides Israelis

Alongside a serious discourse in Israel on the Holocaust, there also exists a populist discourse that makes use of the Holocaust to the point of seeming contempt.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - APRIL 16:  (ISRAEL OUT) In this handout from the Israeli GPO, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lays a wreath during a ceremony to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Yad Vashem Museum on April 16, 2015 in Jerusalem, Israel. Traffic stopped and people stood to attention as a two minutes silence was observed in Israel, with sirens sounding across the country to mark the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Photo by Amos Ben Gershom/GPO via Getty Images)

“Democratic governments made a critical mistake before World War II, and we are convinced … that they are making a grave mistake now too … Meanwhile, we will not flinch. We will continue to insist on the truth, and we will do everything we can to open the eyes that are shut.”

The above comments were made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the official ceremony marking Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 16. Even people unfamiliar with the jargon knew exactly what he meant.

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