WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement marking the anniversary of the Nazi genocide against the European Roma.

“August 2 marked 76 years since over 4,000 Romani men, women, and children were brutally murdered overnight by the Nazi regime. This horrific number is only a small fraction of the estimated 200,000 to 500,000 Roma killed by Nazi Germany and its allies, and an even smaller fraction of all the Romani people who have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history and around the world. While the Romani heritage includes many painful moments, it is also full of art, innovation, activism, and community. As noted in the resolution (S.Res.141) that I introduced last year with Senator Roger Wicker, Roma immigrants to the United States have made wonderful contributions to the fabric of our country for centuries. It is not enough to remember the genocide of the Romani people; we must take steps to protect the Roma, and all minority communities, from bigotry and violence moving forwards. Only then will the promise of ‘Never Again’ be fulfilled.”

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