Duterte: 'Never again to Holocaust; Hitler insane'

JERUSALEM – President Duterte has called German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler “insane” and vowed to oppose any action that could lead to a repeat of the Holocaust.

Duterte said the world should learn lessons from the Holocaust, which he described as “insane” and a “horrific and benighted period of human history.”

“I could not imagine a country obeying an insane leader. And I could not ever fathom the spectacle of a human being going into a killing spree, murdering old men, women, men, children, mothers,” Duterte said during his visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center last Monday here.

“I would like to say that we are one in saying that it will not happen again and my country will be the first to voice (opposition to) such... massacre of a race just because of hate,” he added.

About six million people died during the Holocaust – the systematic killing of Jews by German Nazis and their collaborators. 

In 2016, Duterte drew flak after comparing the killing of drug addicts with the massacre of Jews during the Holocaust. He said if Hitler massacred Jews, he would be happy to slaughter drug addicts. The President has apologized for the remark and claimed that he never intended to disrespect the memory of the Holocaust victims. 

Duterte’s controversial comment about the Holocaust was one of the reasons why his four-day official visit here drew much attention and criticism from human rights advocates and the Israeli media. Despite protests by groups who accuse Duterte of human rights abuses, he got a warm welcome from Israeli leaders who regarded his visit as an opportunity to boost ties between the two countries. 

The President said despots who show insanity “should be disposed of at the first instance.”

“We know the brutal and cruel journey of the Israelites. From one scattered generation, (they are) finally finding their place under the sun,” Duterte said.

During his visit to the children’s memorial at the Yad Vashem, Duterte urged nations to provide sanctuary to persecuted people.

“Never again. May the hearts of peoples around the world remain ever open,” Duterte wrote in the guest book of the memorial center. “And may the minds of all men and women learn to work together towards providing a safe haven for all who are being persecuted.”

Duterte was accompanied by his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Cabinet officials during his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center. The tough-talking Duterte spoke quietly while he was touring the memorial site but he delivered two short remarks before the media. 

The President also led the ceremonial wreath laying at the Hall of Remembrance, the first Holocaust commemoration site established at Yad Vashem.