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The memory of a terrible journey
Every year, on January 30, Platform 21 of Milan Central Station becomes a place of memory and reflection. This year, as in the past, Liliana Segre, senator for life and witness of the Shoah, shared her memory of that tragic day in 1944, when she was deported to Auschwitz. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the collective memory, an invitation not to forget the atrocities of the past.
“I have never forgotten that day,” Segre began, evoking vivid images of that journey in a freight car, loaded with people and suffering. “Those horrible cars prepared for us: with inhuman violence by Nazis and Fascists we were loaded onto these trains that had previously carried goods and livestock.” His words resonate as a warning, a call to recognize humanity even in the darkest moments of history.
A message for the new generations
Segre's story is not only a personal memory, but a universal message. "There are children who in many parts of the world are involved in wars, children are sacred and must not be touched". With these words, the senator underlines the importance of protecting the most vulnerable, drawing attention to current conflicts that affect children. Her testimony thus becomes an appeal for collective responsibility, so that history does not repeat itself and children's rights are always protected.
The Role of Memory in Contemporary Society
The commemoration at Platform 21 is not only a symbolic event, but represents an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of memory in contemporary society. In an era in which denialism and indifference seem to grow, the memory of Liliana Segre and many other witnesses becomes fundamental. Historical memory is a pillar on which to build a future of peace and mutual respect.
In this context, the Community of Sant'Egidio plays a crucial role, organizing events that promote memory and reflection. Segre's presence at Binario 21 is a tangible sign of the importance of keeping the memory of the Shoah alive, so that new generations can learn from the past and work for a better world.