Skip to main content

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE STATEMENT IN RECOGNITION OF 7ist ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ

January 29, 2016

January 27, 2016

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement regarding the 71st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz:

“Today I would like to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 71st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. It is fitting today to remember to those who experienced the depth of human cruelty in that camp and all other Nazi concentration camps. It is estimated that over one million prisoners perished at the Auschwitz concentration camp over the five years that it was operational.

“I grieve for those lost souls, but I give thanks for the 7500 prisoners who were liberated 70 years ago today. The stories of those survivors ensure that we remain vigilant and dedicated to combating hatred and oppression in all its forms. For that reason, I would also like to bring attention to the ongoing massacres and human rights violations being carried out by the militant terrorist organization Boko Haram in Nigeria.

“Just like the actions of the Nazis during World War II, the actions of Boko Haram today are an affront to human life and dignity. From their first violent uprising in 2009, to the massacre in Baga less than one month ago, Boko Haram has been waging a war that has cost an estimated 10,000 lives, and displaced more than one million people.

“I thank Secretary Kerry for his active role in supporting the Nigerians in their efforts to combat Boko Haram. I also thank the United States military, for providing the Nigerian military with trainers and specialists to aid them. But there needs to be more. These atrocities must not be permitted to continue, and we must do everything within our power to stop the kidnapping and killing of innocent men, women, and children across Nigeria.”