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Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2008
Contact: Adam Sharon
202-225-4506

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) 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's 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 constituents 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 in South Florida are united in outrage that two synagogues in our community have been vandalized in recent weeks. These offensive, hate-inspired acts have no place in our society that values tolerance and diversity. We stand united with the congregants, friends and supporters of The Chabad Shul in Miami Beach and the Chabad of Parkland in North Broward. These houses of worship and centers of learning will rise again with a renewed sense of spirit and purpose of mission.

“I once again honor South Florida’s Holocaust Documentation and Education Center, its founders and museum curators for their fine work in educating and reminding the public about the Holocaust, and honoring its victims. The Center is located in my Congressional District at 2031 Harrison Street in Hollywood, Florida.

“To the residents of South Florida, the students enrolled in area schools, and to the millions of visitors to the region, I encourage you to visit the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center to study, understand and contemplate the consequences of man’s inhumanity to man which occurred in Europe prior to and during World War II.

"May the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust be blessed for all eternity."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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