[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CALLING FOR DIGNITY, COMFORT, AND SUPPORT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and to 
thank my colleague from Florida for her leadership on this resolution 
supporting the survivors of the Holocaust.
  It has been 65 years since the horrors of the Holocaust came to a 
close, leaving in its wake six million dead Jews as well as millions of 
displaced persons, orphans and widows, some of the most vulnerable and 
victimized people the world has ever known. Impoverished and starving, 
many of them arrived at our shores with little besides the clothing on 
their backs and their resolute determination to rebuild their lives. 
They started families, built businesses, synagogues and community 
centers and became not only contributing members of our society, but 
even national leaders. We all remember and miss our good friend Tom 
Lantos, whose dedication to human rights was so unparalleled that 
Congress named our Human Rights Commission in his memory.
  These survivors are not only models of resilience, but are a living 
reminder of the horrors that evil people, if given the chance, will 
visit upon the defenseless. Every year we lose more and more of these 
heroes, who by their mere existence remind us that it is our collective 
responsibility to prevent genocide from ever occurring again. With 
Israel under threat from all sides, this message is needed more than 
ever before.
  Sixty-five years after the Holocaust, the remaining survivors are 
once again entering a vulnerable time in their lives. They are growing 
older and relying more on government and communal services. Now is not 
the time to turn our backs on these survivors, whose legacy and 
leadership is an inspiration to us all. We must heed the call of the 
Old Testament Psalm: Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake 
me when my strength is gone.
  I urge support for this resolution.

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