FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 94 - ENGLISH

5 JUAN BENITO VALENCIANO President of the Victims of Terrorism Foundation The victims of terrorism are, without a doubt, heroes of our democracy. Silent heroes—because they did not choose to be so—who have nevertheless demon- strated exemplary civic fortitude. Thanks to them, our democracy is more aware of its values and more resolute in defending them. From this arises a moral duty that knows no expiry: it falls to us all, tran- scending generations, ideologies and po- litical circumstances. That duty demands institutional unity and democratic con- sensus to ensure the total delegitimisa- tion of terrorism, not only in the criminal sphere, but also in the social, education- al and cultural spheres. There can be no room for nuance: where there is terrorist violence, there is only condemnation and remembrance of the victims. In this context, preventing radicalisation is of paramount importance, particularly among young people and from an ear- ly age. Violent radicalism is combated through education, culture, critical think- ing and strong democratic values. Schools and universities, alongside art and cul- ture, are essential spaces for fostering cit- izenship, coexistence and respect. That is why we say yes: yes to a youth educated in democratic values; yes to schools that teach how to identify and dismantle hate speech; yes to a society that understands that coexistence must be nurtured and built every day. It is worth pausing here: if there is one decisive sphere in ensuring that history does not repeat itself, that sphere is ed- ucation. Education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about teaching people to view the world with a critical eye, sensitivity and humanity. It is about learning to live together whilst respecting diversity, understanding others and re- solving conflicts through dialogue, never through coercion or force. In an age when information circulates at breakneck speed and social media can amplify intolerance or trivialise violence, young people need, more than ever, firm values, a sense of their own judgement and a clear aware- ness of human dignity. Terrorism—like all forms of violent radi- calisation—feeds on ignorance, misinfor- mation, fanaticism and a lack of empathy. The victims teach us the opposite: that human rights, freedom and democratic coexistence are precious assets that we must all protect together. Their testimony, their courage and their demand for jus- tice — always within the law — convey a lesson that brooks no exceptions: no cause is worth the price of a single human life. For all these reasons, the Foundation maintains a clear and unwavering objec- tive: to place victims at the heart of pub- lic life, to defend their rights, to preserve their memory, and to contribute to a so- ciety committed to freedom, justice and dignity. We do this in partnership with responsible institutions and the educa- tional community, which opens its class- rooms to reflection, testimony and a cul- ture of peace. Remembering the victims of terrorism is, above all, an exercise in humanity. And also in responsibility: that of building, day by day, a freer and fairer future on the firm foundation of shared memory.