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Schakowsky condemns Polish Holocaust bill

February 2, 2018

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement in response to a bill being considered by the Polish government, which would make it a crime to suggest any level of Polish participation in in war crimes during the Holocaust.

“If we are to avoid repeating the haunting mistakes of our past, we must be willing to speak openly and honestly about them – no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may feel.

“I am deeply distressed to hear about the law making its way through the Polish government that threatens fines and jail time for those who speak about the Holocaust. This is not just an attack on free speech. For those who believe that we must “never forget” the genocide that took place, a law that says “never discuss” is offensive and dangerous. This is especially true when it comes at a time of rising anti-Semitism worldwide.

“There were many Polish heroes who risked their own lives and safety during World War II to protect their Jewish neighbors. They should be honored, and many are recognized at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. But to make it a crime to discuss the other side of what happened in Poland during the Holocaust is simply inexcusable. More than one million Jews died when Poland was under Nazi occupation – enforced silence about that tragedy is an affront to their memory. I call on Polish President Andrzej Duda to veto this bill immediately.”