[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN OBSERVANCE OF HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2004

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the international 
community in reflecting on the appalling events of the Holocaust and 
honoring the victims of this horrific tragedy by observing Holocaust 
Remembrance Day. On this day in 1943, the brave Jewish men and women of 
the Warsaw ghetto revolted against their Nazi captors in what was, 
unfortunately, a doomed battle. Yet their courage in the face of 
incredible odds showed the world the strength of the human spirit 
against oppression, prejudice, and racism.
  The sheer magnitude of the destruction and loss of life during the 
Holocaust is beyond comprehension. Over 12 million people lost their 
lives--more than 6 million of which were Jewish. In some cases, entire 
Jewish families and communities were wiped out.
  Unfortunately, the struggle against anti-Semitism continues today, as 
recent reports indicate an increase in violence against the Jewish 
community around the world. Remembrance Day serves as a reminder that 
we must never forget the appalling tragedy of the Holocaust--and that 
the struggle against prejudice has not yet ended.
  Today, we rededicate ourselves to fighting intolerance, racism and 
apathy so that future generations do not experience the suffering, 
terror and ultimate death endured by the victims of the Holocaust. We 
must strive to understand these horrific events and work together as an 
international community to never again remain silent and indifferent in 
the face of others' oppression.

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