The fundamental principle of a free society, the basis to the absolute rejection of totalitarianism and fascism for which we fought a world war, is this:

The individual is sacred. Nothing, not the good of the state, not even the lives of the majority, can override the sanctity of the individual.

What is it that renders an individual sacred?

The breath of G‑d within him. That which we call the divine image.

Reshimot 123. For further elucidation, see How Each of Us Contains All of Us.