Recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) made the following statement today recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, in honor of Holocaust survivors:

“Today, along with Israel and communities across the world, we pause to solemnly commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and all of those who perished. Today we not only mourn those lost in egregious acts of violence and brutality perpetrated against Jews and other minorities, but also honor the strength of those who survived and those who stood strong in the face of evil. We pause to reflect so that we will never forget one of the worst episodes in human history.

“We are also compelled to support those courageous survivors still with us and to do all we can to help them in the remaining years of their lives. Our children’s generation is the last who will be able to personally hear from these survivors and learn from their struggles. More than 100,000 of these survivors living in our country today are more than twice as likely to be living in poverty as other seniors. As a nation that upholds the values of freedom, liberty, and justice, we have a moral obligation to acknowledge their plight and uphold the dignity of Holocaust survivors to ensure their well-being. This is why I introduced the RUSH Act along with my South Florida colleagues, which would enable Holocaust survivors to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years.

“I am pleased that the Obama Administration has turned legislative proposals into action by announcing new initiatives that will help Holocaust survivors, including appointing a special Holocaust Survivor Envoy within the Department of Health and Human Services.

“This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us honor the legacy of the Holocaust’s victims and survivors by recommitting ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”