Rep. Jan Schakowsky Issues Holocaust Remembrance Day Statement

GLENVIEW, IL — Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) issued the following statement Monday to mark the occasion of Yom Hashoah, a national holiday in Israel, which remembers the victims of the Nazi genocide in Europe and commemorates the Jewish resistance. She noted the day's special significance to the communities of Chicago's northern suburbs and the importance of standing up on behalf of those threatened for their beliefs and identities.

“Yom Hashoah is a moment for the Jewish community and the world to come together to remember the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust in Europe. This day is especially important for the people of Illinois’ 9th District, a community that is home to the Illinois Holocaust Museum and one of the largest groups of Holocaust survivors in the country.

“Today, we are also reminded that anti-Semitism still exists and threatens the people of Israel and Jews all over the world. This year, my district has seen at least one harrowing reminder of this reality, with a Jewish Day School receiving a bomb threat as part of a nation-wide string of incidences of telephone terrorism. My commitment to combating anti-Semitism and hatred wherever they are experienced is as strong as ever.

“In times like these, when hatred brews and innocent people are targeted for their beliefs and identities, it is important for all of us, especially those who do not feel threatened, to stand up and defend our brothers and sisters. Indifference only serves the oppressor, and we must make our voices heard.”