“Each year, as we mark the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and remember the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust, we tell ourselves that we must do more to stop the hate and keep such violence from ever happening again. Yom Hashoah is a day when we renew our efforts to educate those who are too young or too bothered to learn the truth about one of the darkest times in human history. Yet, here we are in 2024, seven months after the attacks of October 7 that left more Jews dead and injured in a single day than any time since the Holocaust itself. The need to mourn those who perished 80 years ago and those who were slaughtered by Hamas months ago is real and sears the soul.
“We owe it to the victims then and now to take real action against the recent tidal waves of hate and antisemitism. We must cherish all life and erase the idea that anyone is less than human or unworthy of love, empathy and compassion. Everyone, including members of Congress and leaders across the globe, should completely reject antisemitism and all forms of hate, racism and xenophobia. We mourn the innocent Palestinians entangled in the war started by Hamas, and continue to engage at all levels to open corridors for urgent humanitarian assistance and food aid.
“We in the Congress of the United States, despite our political differences, have historically stood united in our support for the Jewish community. This position aligns with our nation’s founding commitment to safeguard the right to worship free of persecution. I have sought to protect and advance religious freedoms for all faiths, including the Jewish community, through collaboration with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
“On this day, in the shadow of the Holocaust and October 7, I join with all those who commit to speak up for one another, regardless of whether our neighbor looks, worships or lives like us. Respecting our neighbors’ rights and differences is an important step in honoring the memory of the victims and survivors who we remember on Yom HaShoah.”
Since 2015, Senator Cardin has served as Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for Organization Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.
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