[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING YOM HASHOAH, HOLOCAUST MARTYRS' AND HEROES' REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2007

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my 
colleagues and my constituents in solemn recognition of Yom Hashoah, or 
Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day; a special day where we 
mourn the millions of Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis.
  This day has special significance for Jews, the main target of Nazi 
atrocities. I represent many constituents who are Holocaust survivors 
and many more that lost friends, relatives and loved ones. We mourn 
their loss; honor their memory; and unite in opposition to acts of 
bigotry and intolerance.
  We also pause to remember the innocent people of Darfur. The mass 
killings, acts of rape, and displacement of innocent civilians 
occurring daily in Darfur is unconscionable and must end. This is a 
moment in human history when the poignant expression ``Never Again'' 
must be repeated over and over again, coupled with real action to end 
this tragic period of human suffering.
  This year, as we commemorate Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' 
Remembrance Day on Capitol Hill, we pause to remember one Holocaust 
survivor, Professor Liviu Librescu, who was tragically killed on the 
campus of Virginia Tech protecting his students from a gunman who 
murdered 32 innocent people.
  His death occurred on Monday, April 16, the day Israelis commemorated 
Yom Hashoah.
  A native of Romania, Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust, endured 
years of communist oppression in Eastern Europe, immigrated to Israel 
in 1978 and then relocated to the United States where he taught 
engineering science and mathematics.
  Before the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Professor Librescu was known as 
a passionate, world class educator who dedicated his life to teaching 
students. Now, he will also be remembered as the hero who saved lives 
by blocking a doorway from an oncoming killer, allowing students to 
escape to safety. Professor Librescu sacrificed his life, so that 
others may live. His selfless action in the face of such terrifying 
danger epitomizes the heroism and courage that defined Liviu Librescu's 
life.
  May the memory of Liviu Librescu, the six million Jews who perished 
in the Holocaust, and the victims of genocide in Darfur be blessed for 
all eternity.

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