And, as a twisted means of celebrating the New Year in Berlin, intoxicated youths defaced the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, as graphic videos posted on YouTube attest. It was reported that not one person attempted to put an end to the revolting acts of hooliganism.
For 13 years I have sponsored a Holocaust Memorial Essay, Poetry, Performance and Art Contest in which participating students are motivated to delve into the history of the Holocaust with a full heart and an open mind.
Teachers throughout my district have instructed hundreds of their pupils to research Holocaust history, encouraged them to create profound and beautiful works of art and literature, and then inspired them to go out into the world to teach others what they have learned.
I say it often: Never forget. We must teach our children the lessons of the Holocaust. We must be watchful for the kind of devastation that results from mass hatred combined with unthinking obedience. And we must also take action and be vigilant in every way we can to prevent history from repeating itself.