[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT'S STEPS TO COMBAT ANTI-SEMITISM

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2014

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Hungarian Prime 
Minister Viktor Orban for the actions his government is taking to 
combat anti-Semitism. Under his leadership, Hungary has stressed a 
``zero tolerance policy'' toward anti-Semitic attitudes, and has 
focused on law enforcement and legal measures, Holocaust education and 
remembrance, and support for Jewish cultural renaissance in Hungary.
  Measures implemented by Prime Minister Orban and his government, 
including the 50 percent pension increase to Holocaust survivors and 
the agreement on compensation of Holocaust survivors living in foreign 
countries, are only two of the numerous actions Hungarians are taking 
to ensure that those who have suffered have a dignified retirement.
  We must never forget the terrible atrocities that occurred during the 
Holocaust. I want to remind my colleagues that steps can be taken to 
aid the painful memories and create awareness of these past events. 
Prime Minister Orban is taking a leading role in the battle against 
anti-Semitic voices in Europe and throughout the world. Later this 
year, Hungary will inaugurate a memorial site to commemorate the child 
victims of the Holocaust. In addition, Hungary is investing resources 
to include Holocaust Remembrance Day in public schools and is 
recognizing the people who helped save Jewish lives during that time 
period.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in standing in 
solidarity with those that have been oppressed and to continue to shine 
light on this dark history to ensure that it doesn't happen again. I am 
honored to pay tribute to Prime Minister Orban and his government for 
their continued service to the people of Hungary on International 
Holocaust Remembrance Day, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing these remarkable efforts.

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