U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Regarding Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day

 

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement regarding Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Meek issued the statement below following a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in remembrance of Holocaust victims.

In his statement in the Congressional Record, Mr. Meek said:

"Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues and my comstituents in solemn recognition of Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day; a special day where we mourn the millions of Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis.

"This day has special significance for Jews, the main target of Nazi atrocities. I represent many constituents who are Holocaust survivors and many more that lost friends, relatives and loved ones. We mourn their loss; honor their memory; and unite in opposition to acts of bigotry and intolerance.

"We also pause to remember the innocent people of Darfur. The mass killings, acts of rape, and displacement of innocent civilians occurring daily in Darfur is unconscionable and must end. This is a moment in human history when the poignant expression “Never Again” must be repeated over and over again, coupled with real action to end this tragic period of human suffering.

"This year, as we commemorate Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day on Capitol Hill, we pause to remember one Holocaust survivor, Professor Liviu Librescu, who was tragically killed on the campus of Virginia Tech protecting his students from a gunman who killed 32 innocent people.

"His death occurred on Monday, April 16, the day Israelis commemorated Yom Hashoah.

"A native of Romania, Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust, endured years of communist oppression in Eastern Europe, immigrated to Israel in 1978 and then relocated to the United States where he taught engineering science and mathematics.

"Before the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Professor Librescu was known as a passionate, world class educator who dedicated his life to teaching students. Now, he will also be remembered as the hero who saved lives by blocking a doorway from an oncoming killer, allowing students to escape to safety. Professor Librescu sacrificed his life, so that others may live. His selfless action in the face of such terrifying danger epitomizes the heroism and courage that defined Liviu Librescu’s life.

"May the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, the victims of genocide in Darfur, and Liviu Librescu be blessed for all eternity."

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