FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 93 - ENGLISH

33 ffered the consequences of terrorism, he conveyed "our deepest respect, affection and solidarity, because each of their sto- ries, their strength and their dignity cons- titute the true meaning of this act and the driving force behind our daily work". "Today we have the honour of recognising individuals and institutions," continued Juan Benito, "who, through their efforts, commitment and example, contribute to keeping alive the memory of those who were murdered, injured or threatened, as well as that of their families." Defending the memory of the victims is the raison d'être of the Foundation, "dedicated to preserving their dignity, so that their tru- th is never silenced and so that justice, coexistence and freedom always prevail over any form of violence." Before concluding his speech, reitera- ting his gratitude to the award winners for their example, to the authorities for their commitment, and to the victims and their families for their "courage and testimony," the president of the FVT re- iterated that "the Foundation will conti- nue to work steadfastly to keep the me- mory alive, safeguard the dignity of the victims and their families, support those who continue to suffer the consequences of terrorism, and promote a culture of peace, truth, and freedom." TURN FOR THE AWARD WINNERS As in previous editions, once the various awards had been presented, the award winners took the floor to express their gra- titude for the prize they had been awarded, and the ceremony ended with a speech by Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The most moving part was the testimony of teachers and students: Tomás Antonio Andreu, teacher at the Francisco Figue- ras Pacheco Secondary School (IES) in Alicante; students from the Ramón y Ca- jal Secondary School in Valladolid and the Prado Santo Domingo Secondary School in Alcorcón (Madrid); Candela Gutiérrez, Calasancio School in Madrid; Shuo Xin Zhou Ye, Colegio CEU San Pa- blo Montepríncipe in Madrid, and, espe- cially, the youngest ones, students from the Peñalar school in Torrelodones, who José María Irujo then highlighted the role of the media in the fight against terrorism, while daring to sing a mea culpa on behalf of all media professionals for "the predo- minance of an initial lack of attention to the victims". This dynamic has now chan- ged because, while in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, when talking about ETA, "fear in the victims' environment contaminated absolutely everything", now the media are giving the victims of "jihadist terrorism the attention that ETA victims did not receive". Before the Minis- ter of the Interior, General Balleste- ros also took the floor General Ballesteros also spoke to highli- ght that "the vic- tims of terrorism, far from taking justi- ce into their own hands, have placed their trust in the rule of law to ensure that justice is done although on occasions the State has been unable to deliver justice or guarantee their memory," and Professor Fernan- do Reinares, visibly moved, who highli- ghted the educational role of victims of terrorism in the fight "against the global phenomenon of jihadist terrorism," while defining himself as "a staunch defender of the role that victims of terrorism, specifi- cally jihadist terrorism, can play in raising social awareness of the problem and in prevention, from schools and universities to places of worship and prisons." Finally, to close the gala, it was the turn of the Minister of the Interior, Fernan- do Grande-Marlaska, who agreed that "work in the field of education is essen- tial to build the values of a democratic society" and so that "the youngest mem- bers of society" understand "the sense- lessness of terrorism, which is the most significant affront to human rights". He therefore congratulated the award-win- ning students, warning them that "no so- ciety is immune to radicalisation". After the speeches, the event concluded with a group photo with all the award winners. moved the guests filling the Mutua Ma- drileña auditorium with their words. Manuel Ventero, managing director of the RTVE Symphony Orchestra and Choir, expressed his gratitude for the award, while highlighting the musical ensemble's commitment to the "victims of terrorism for more than two decades". In his speech, Ventero recalled that mu- sic can and should play an active role as a vehicle for memory, reflection and solidarity, and highlighted the responsi- bility of cultural institutions in building a more just society that is aware of its recent history. He also pointed out that, despite the pro- gress made, there is still a long way to go to fully recognise the role of the victims of terrorism in our society, both at the institutional level and in the cultural and educational spheres. EDUCATION, CULTURE AND COEXISTENCE