Schakowsky Sends Letter Telling Pokemon Go Makers That The Holocaust Museum Is Not a Place For Games

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) sent the following letter to the makers of Pokemon Go after there were reports of game players catching Pokemon at the Holocaust Museum. The full text of the letter is below and linked online:

"I am deeply concerned by reports that the game Pokemon Go includes locations within the U.S. Holocaust Museum and Memorial in Washington, D.C. and other sites commemorating one of the darkest periods in world history. These solemn sites commemorate the victims of tragedies such as the Holocaust. They are designed to promote an understanding of genocide. Visitors to these locations should come with an attitude of respect, not a desire to score points in a game. I urge you to take immediate action to address this situation by eliminating these sites.

Pokemon Go encourages players to roam streets and public places in order to catch and collect small characters at so-called “PokeStops.” On July 12, 2016, The Washington Post reported that the game allows play at sites that commemorate the Holocaust. Those sites include the Helena Rubenstein Auditorium in the U.S. Holocaust Museum, which features testimonials of Jews who survived Nazi gas chambers, and the entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Survivors and relatives of those lost go to these sites to reflect – to remember those who perished during the Holocaust, including the genocide of more than 6 million Jews. As a Jewish Member of Congress who represents many Holocaust survivors in Chicago area, I am deeply offended that your app would facilitate gameplay in these places of remembrance.

I ask you to fix the design of your smartphone app to prevent solemn sites such as the Holocaust Museum and Auschwitz from becoming part of your game. Please respond promptly with the steps you will take to ensure those paying respect to Holocaust victims are not disturbed by your players."

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