Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Days of Remembrance:
“Between 1940 and 1945, two out of every three Jews in Europe perished. By the end of the Holocaust, nearly eleven million people had been murdered by the Nazis, including six million Jews, of which one million were children. This week, we observe the Days of Remembrance by honoring the lives that were cut short in this tragedy and reaffirming our obligation to preventing genocide from ever happening again.
“This year’s theme is ‘Confronting the Holocaust: American Responses.’ As the systematic persecution of Jews spread across Europe, few nations took action. Though there were many individuals that advocated and aided Jews as they fled, many nations, including the United States, turned away Jewish refugees.
“As we mark the Days of Remembrance, we also observe the 75th anniversary of the voyage of the St. Louis. The ship had more than 900 Jewish refugees on board, but after being denied entry into both the United States and Cuba was forced to return to Europe. The St. Louis had sailed close enough to the shores of Florida to see the lights of Miami, but hundreds of its passengers perished before the end of the Holocaust.
“Every year, there are fewer survivors left to tell their stories. As we face a resurgence of anti-Semitism and continued threats of new violence against ethnic minorities around the world, we must remain vigilant. This week, as in every week, let us remember those who were lost during the Holocaust and focus on bringing an end to violence and persecution around the world.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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