Lawmakers Commemorate 80th International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have commemorated the 80th International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day is held annually on January 27th, commemorating the 1945 liberation day of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

The commemorative day is meant to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution.

Democrats and Republicans alike commemorated the date, pledging to support the Jewish people both at home and abroad. 

President Donald Trump sent a delegation to commemorative events at the Auschwitz concentration camp site, led by US Special Envoy to the Middle East  Steve Witkoff and Secretary of Commerce Nominee Howard Lutnick.

Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) lamented the millions killed during the Holocaust, she also expressed resolve for continuing to fight against anti-semitism. 

“As we remember, we must continue our fight against antisemitism and ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust are never minimized or forgotten,” said Representative Schultz. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) echoed similar sentiments, expressing his remembrance of “the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution.”

Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) commemorated the millions killed in the holocaust while warning of rising antisemitism across the world.

“We know that antisemitism continues to surge around the world, especially since October 7th,” said Senator Schumer. 

Indeed, antisemitic incidents have feverishly risen since Hamas’ October 7th attacks on Israel, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

In the months following the attacks, ADL reports a 360% increase in antisemitic events, which include physical assault, vandalism, verbal harassment, and more violent acts aimed at Jews.

In the US, nationwide anti-Israel campus protests were the most visible instances of antisemitic conduct. 

Protestors frustrated with Israel’s war against Hamas demanded their Universities divest from Israeli companies and generally disconnect from Israel as a sign of support for Palestine.

The protests became increasingly controversial as they would frequently turn violent and diffuse antisemitic messages.