[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2000

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today I declare solidarity with Jews 
across this nation and around the world to mourn and to pay tribute to 
those who perished at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust. On 
Tuesday, in Israel and around the world, ceremonies were conducted, as 
they are annually. Today in the nation's capitol, we hold our 
traditional Days of Remembrance ceremony.
  This year, I am keenly aware of the need to not only remember and 
honor the lives that were lost, but to continue to educate others about 
the Holocaust and the dangers of hate. For the Jewish community, Yom 
Ha-shoah holds a symbolic value. Through prayer and education the 
community remembers those who were lost, and who continue to be lost 
because, unfortunately, hate acts continue to occur.
  The last year has been a trying one for the Jewish community and 
people of color in my district. Over the Fourth of July holiday last 
summer, Ricky Birdsong, an African American man beloved by his family 
and community, was shot by a white supremacist criminal on a cowardly 
shooting rampage. Jewish constituents of mine were shot on their way to 
synagogue, targeted because of their religious beliefs. Not only did 
these tragic occurrences scar my community emotionally, they served as 
a bitter reminder that hate is a dangerous reality that still persists.
  Around the world this year, we have been reminded of the need to 
continue the battle against hate. In Iran, 13 Jews stand trial today on 
arbitrary and falacious charges of espionage. In China, thousands of 
Falun Gong are persecuted because of their spiritual beliefs. In 
Austria, a political leader who praised Hitler was elected to the 
dismay of the international community. In Africa, violence and ethnic 
conflict are raging. Nazi war criminals remain at large throughout the 
world. In Russia and elsewhere, anti-Semitic rhetoric is echoed by 
elected officials. People of color in this country are often unfairly 
targeted by law enforcement officials. Immigration policies of our 
country continue to neglect the human rights and needs of those with 
the misfortune of being born in oppressive or poor nations. The media 
in several nations is pervaded by anti-Semitic sentiments. Those 
unfortunate facts and many others, remind us of the need to adhere to 
our vow that never again will we tolerate the kind of abuse we 
witnessed. I am proud that this nation has made a practice of refusing 
to look the other way when hate rears its ugly face.
  The Holocaust was the most horrific human atrocity the world saw 
during the last century and perhaps in the history of the planet. 
Millions of Jews and others were brutalized, raped, beaten, 
dehumanized, enslaved, robbed, and murdered. Men, women, children, 
babies, and families were ravaged by the hateful acts of the Nazi 
regime. There is no way for me to put into words the unspeakable 
horrors experienced. We can only listen to the recollections of those 
few remaining survivors of the Holocaust.
  The Holocaust was not only the worst murder case in history, but it 
was also the biggest exploitation and theft. Jews and others were 
enslaved--worked literally to death for various companies. Millions of 
insurance policies were liquidated by the Nazis with the assistance of 
insurance companies, and millions of bank accounts were seized. I am 
sad to say that, to this date, there has been no restitution for the 
bulk of those crimes. Every year we observe Yom Ha-shoah, we are also 
reminded of those survivors of the Holocaust who have passed away 
during the previous year. Negotiations to repay stolen assets are 
ongoing. But, unfortunately, the process is slow and many have been 
deprived of at least some measure of justice after enduring so much. I 
hope that before this time next year we will at least be able to say 
that we have made real progress on this front. That will require the 
complete cooperation of foreign governments, and multinational 
corporations, who have yet to own up to their role in the crime of the 
last century. The fact that some still deny responsibility or refuse 
full compliance with negotiations only adds to the suffering and 
prolongs the justice that survivors deserve.
  The theme of hope is strong among Jews this year. Negotiations 
continue in efforts toward peace between Israel and her neighbors. This 
year, we may see some real results and a chance for life without fear 
for our allies in the Middle East. I was reminded of the power of hope 
and the importance of celebrating life along with honoring the dead 
this week. Thousands participated in the ``march of the living'' at 
Auschwitz, where over a million Jews met their fate. I am proud to 
carry on the traditions of Judaism in my every day life and I am proud 
of the Jewish community and all of its success, despite all of the 
suffering. today we honor and mourn those who perished. We vow to live 
our lives in a way that pays tribute to their memory and ensures their 
fate will not be suffered by others.

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