Prince Charles warns lessons of WWII may be forgotten
Prince Charles has spoken about the distressing effects of coronavirus. Photo: Getty
Prince Charles has indirectly taken aim at Donald Trump’s immigration ban, warning that the lessons from World War II are in danger of being forgotten.
The heir to the throne spoke at a fundraiser for World Jewish Relief (WJR) and said he admired how the charity was reaching out to help anyone, regardless of faith.
“The work of World Jewish Relief enables us to rally together, to do what we can to support people practically, emotionally and spiritually, particularly at a time when the horrific lessons of the last war seem to be in increasing danger of being forgotten.”
He said the charity, which helps Syrian refugees among others, sets an example for all of “true compassion and true friendship”.
“I always thought that our own particular faith is something that empowers and liberates us, not something that constrains us.”
WJR was founded in 1933 to support people fleeing persecution from Nazi Europe and now supports vulnerable people in 18 countries.
Round up of speeches and news coverage of our #charitydinner #awesomenight #fundraiser #Thanksforcoming https://t.co/RrqRtcKBZu pic.twitter.com/9iCIxR1JeH
— World Jewish Relief (@WJRelief) January 31, 2017
The Prince’s comments received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Clarence House, the residence of the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, told the Telegraph the Prince was merely repeating his long-held views against religious prosecution and was not directly aiming at Mr Trump.
Bur the comments came on the back of Mr Trump’s executive order suspending the United States’ refugee program.
The President put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the US and temporarily barred travellers with passports from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The orders were met with immediate backlash from the humanitarian community, which labelled them as discriminatory and dangerous for vulnerable refugees.
Just days ago, former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev expressed his concerns that the world is preparing for war.
In an opinion piece for Time, Mr Gorbachev said the world was “overwhelmed with problems” and policymakers seem to be confused and lost.
-with AP
