[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to add my voice in commemoration 
of Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah. The Holocaust claimed the 
lives of 11 million people, including six million Jews, and with each 
passing year it becomes increasingly important to keep alive the memory 
of those who perished. We must ensure that ``never again'' is a 
reality. It is also important that we remember those who fought back 
for humanity, such as the brave men and women who rose up against the 
Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto in 1943.
  Seven decades later, the scourge of anti-Semitism still exists 
throughout the world. This is evidenced by the recent attacks against 
Jewish establishments and religious sites in Paris and Copenhagen, as 
well as anti-Semitic attacks inside the United States. A recent Anti-
Defamation League survey found 24% of Western Europeans harbor anti-
Semitic views. The survey also reported that anti-Semitic incidents in 
the United States rose 21 percent in 2014. Many of us have spoken out 
about this unacceptable situation for years, but we must reinforce our 
words with actions. There is no room for such bigotry and violent 
intolerance in today's society.
  Let this day of remembrance, Yom HaShoah, strengthen our resolve to 
fight anti-Semitism worldwide. We cannot allow ourselves to become 
complacent, and we must continue to raise our voice against anti-
Semitism, wherever it might arise. Sadly, every year there are fewer 
and fewer Holocaust survivors among us. We must take up their mantle, 
educate our youth, and tell their stories. Otherwise, there is a far 
greater risk of history repeating itself. Today, I remember the victims 
of the Holocaust, and I say ``never again.''

                          ____________________