Out of sight, out of mind?

Abstract

Abstract Weighing at their best the value of human lives is important also in the context when lives that are distant are at stake. Unfortunately, there are numerous historical examples of states that have been indifferent to the suffering of people who were abroad or who were coming from afar and were culturally distant from the state’s own citizens. This chapter discusses the tragic case of the Jews during World War II and the attempts to rescue them by offering material counterparts. These are indecent prices; however, the victims and those that help them have no choice other than to try and compromise with criminals. Weighing the lives of the victims of genocides gives us further insight on matters related to migration. In order to value at their best the lives of those who, from afar, come closer to us, it is important to use complementary resources from the state, the market and the community. The chapter includes some concrete proposals in this direction.