SPLC Statement Observing International Holocaust Remembrance Day

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The following statement is from Margaret Huang, President and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

“On January 27, we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to reaffirm our commitment to combating antisemitism, racism and other forms of hate and intolerance. This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops in 1945. We join people around the world in marking this date to ensure that we do not lose sight of the terrible lessons from that war.

“Given this commitment, we cannot ignore the horrific presence of antisemitism and white supremacy on display at the siege of the U.S. Capitol just three weeks ago today. The hate and violence that spurred the attack on the Capitol and resulted in the death of five people must be firmly rejected, and those responsible for the attack must be held accountable. We call on Members of Congress and the Biden administration to ensure that all who were responsible are investigated and prosecuted.

“As we reflect on the millions of souls we lost during the Holocaust, we must recommit to educating young people and our communities about the causes and consequences of hate and extremism. Today more than ever, we must reject antisemitism and all forms of white supremacy and unite to protect the human rights of all people.”