On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the President emphasized the importance of honoring victims and survivors by recognizing the value and dignity of each person. He called for courage in protecting the persecuted and speaking out against bigotry and hatred. Recent terrorist attacks in Paris were cited as a reminder to combat rising anti-Semitism, including Holocaust denial or trivialization.
The President highlighted this anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on progress made in confronting this dark chapter of history and continuing efforts to end genocide. A Presidential delegation was sent to join Polish President Komorowski, Polish citizens, official delegations from numerous nations, and many survivors at the commemoration event in Poland.
As a founding member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the United States joins 30 other member nations and partners in upholding commitments from the 2000 Stockholm Declaration. The President reiterated a pledge to never forget all Holocaust victims, echoing Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi's words: “It happened, therefore it can happen again... It can happen anywhere.” The commitment is made that such atrocities must never occur again.