I regret the fact that the Center for studies of the Holocaust and religious minorities is needed, not as a memory of what did happen, but as a research center for what is happening today. For those who believe that it cannot happen again, I will name just two place names, Rwanda and Bosnia.

It is frightening to see the recurring anti-Semitism, as well as the islamophobic currents in contemporary society, and one can ask oneself, is a center like this able to prevent these things from happening again?

I think that will be difficult. But it can help us gain knowledge and understanding that is central for combating such currents in society.

Persecution because of religion or belief is contrary to the UN-pact and its guidelines, approved by various governments, and on behalf of The Council for Religious and Life Stance Communities in Norway, I hope that this center will contribute to highlighting such abuses and as a result contribute in creating a more peaceful coexistence for all of us.

Finally, I wish the HL-center good luck with the opening, and the best wishes for your work to secure a future where the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.