[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE VICTIMS AND HISTORY OF THE MS ``ST. LOUIS''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2017

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 78th 
anniversary of the day that 937 mostly Jewish refugees aboard the MS 
St. Louis were denied entry to the United States.
  In the summer of 1939, fleeing unspeakable horrors under Hitler's 
regime, men, women, and children set sail in search of refuge. After 
being denied entry to the United States, Canada, and Cuba, many 
refugees were eventually accepted into several European countries. Over 
a quarter, however, were not so lucky and lost their lives in 
concentration camps.
  The Brooklyn Synagogue Coalition for Refugees is one of many Jewish 
communities across the country that will gather to hold a candlelight 
vigil to honor the victims and history of this anniversary.
  At a time when acts of fear and intolerance have dictated policies to 
yet again shut America's doors to those fleeing harm, we must remain 
committed to ensuring that America is and will continue to be a place 
of hope and second chances.
  I'd like to thank the Brooklyn Synagogue Coalition for Refugees for 
their hard work and dedication to the Jewish community. As we reflect 
on this tragic occasion, let us recommit to ensuring that no one who is 
in desperate need is turned away from our country's shores.

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