[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ON THE OCCASION OF THE HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY (YOM HASHOAH)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2014

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, on April 28th, communities in the U.S., 
Israel, and around the world will gather to observe Holocaust 
Remembrance Day, known in Hebrew as Yom Hashoah. We remember the six 
million Jews who were deemed ``undesirable'' and thereby systematically 
murdered by Nazi Germany. On this day--and everyday for that matter--we 
remember the power racism and bigotry can wield, as well as the 
enduring spirit and lessons of humanity.
   I am reminded of the Jewish concept of tikkun olam which embraces 
our shared humanity and duty to heal the world. Having experienced 
injustice and intolerance in some of its most brutal forms, I have 
dedicated my life to protecting and expanding the civil rights of all 
people around the world. I believe it is up to each and every one of us 
to stand against hatred and intolerance. We must create the more 
peaceful world we want our children to inherit. As human beings, we 
have a responsibility to keep the Holocaust at the forefront of our 
collective historical memory.
   This week, we dedicate a memorial tree in honor of Anne Frank on the 
grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The Anne Frank Memorial Tree is an 
offspring of the original chestnut tree that grew outside of the 
Amsterdam building where she and her family hid from the Nazis during 
World War II. This tree was featured in Anne's diary writings. Anne's 
experience has been immortalized beyond cultures and languages. She has 
become a symbol of the human cost of the Holocaust.
   Mr. Speaker, as we plant the new sapling on the Capitol Grounds, may 
we always live by the words, ``never again.'' Like the new sapling, may 
Anne's words of hope for a better humanity take root within each of us, 
wherein ``nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve 
the world.''

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