STATE OF NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER
Proclamation
Whereas, the people of New York State join in commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and the intolerable crimes committed by the Nazi regime; each year, pursuant to a 1980 Act of Congress, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council designates the “Days of Remembrance” of the victims of the Holocaust and the International Day of Remembrance, known as Yom Hashoah, and this special observance offers the opportunity to learn and understand more about such a critical period in history; and
Whereas, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. works tirelessly to preserve the history and to educate younger generations about the lessons of the Holocaust and we value its efforts in sponsoring the annual Yom Hashoah Commemoration; and
Whereas, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has designated this year’s theme to be “Do Not Stand Silent: Remembering Kristallnacht 1938” reminding the world of the stark reality of World War II and its cruel origins of hatred and prejudice that sparked the 48-hour period of anti-Jewish riots occurring in Germany November 9-10, 1938, when Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, centers, and homes were vandalized and plundered, and Jewish people were assaulted; and
Whereas, the world has a responsibility, to those who perished as well as those who survived, to ensure that the memory and legacy of the precious human lives lost in this horrific event is never forgotten; today, when the world is again threatened by dictators and terrorists, the need to teach future generations about the Holocaust is more important than ever and, through education, we rededicate ourselves to conveying the history of the Holocaust and its impact on the world; and
Whereas, in solemnly observing this occasion, the citizens of the Empire State join the world to remember the tragedies that befell the victims of the Holocaust and we pause to honor their lives and legacies, as well as their courage; furthermore, we remain outspoken in our condemnation of intolerance, bigotry and racism of any form, as they contradict the very core principles of freedom and democracy upon which this nation is founded;
Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 2, 2008 as YOM HASHOAH DAY and April 27-May 4, 2008 as DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE WEEK in memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and further proclaim that we as citizens of the Empire State should strive to overcome intolerance and indifference through learning and remembrance.
G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-first day of April in the year two thousand eight.