[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 2, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO NEW YORK'S 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

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                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2016

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
group of my neighbors who are an incredible part of the Williamsburg, 
Brooklyn community--Holocaust survivors. I am privileged to represent 
approximately one thousand Holocaust survivors in New York's 7th 
Congressional District.
  These individuals arrived from across Eastern Europe fleeing 
unspeakable horrors. Many of them had lost their mothers, fathers, 
brothers and sisters during one of the darkest periods in our history. 
They survived concentration camps and came to the U.S. as refugees 
looking to launch a fresh start, rebuild anew and escape the horrific 
crimes they had suffered in their pasts.
  From a small group of survivors that arrived after World War II in 
Williamsburg, this community has grown and flourished by tens of 
thousands. From meager beginnings, they rebuilt their families, 
religion and traditions, and established a wonderful part of our City 
that, to this day, contributes to New York's diverse cultural mosaic. 
Their accomplishments are a testament to the perseverance and 
persistence of the Holocaust survivors.
  In 1966, Holocaust survivors created the United Jewish Organizations 
(UJO) of Williamsburg which is celebrating its 50th year of service to 
the community. The UJO was conceived as a vehicle to help the Yiddish-
Speaking population adapt to life in the United States, participate in 
the civic sphere and ensure access to public benefits.
  Throughout their jubilee of activity the UJO has put the needs of 
Holocaust survivors at the forefront. They work closely with the Claims 
Conference and the NYC Department for the Aging to help survivors age 
gracefully and independently with a wide array of social services and 
in-home care. They have truly evolved into a community anchor for all 
of Brooklyn and New York. I salute their many achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in acknowledging all 
that our nation's Holocaust Survivors have not only endured, but also 
accomplished. We must never forget the horrors they underwent, but, 
likewise, we must also honor the achievements they secured in the face 
of enormous adversity. Their spirit and strength are a credit to the 
Williamsburg community, to our City and, indeed, to our entire nation.

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