Holocaust remembered with new call to stand with Israel
AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott spent Monday morning remembering the victims of the Holocaust in a State Capitol auditorium as part of an observance sponsored by the American Jewish Committee.
"The world must never forget the pain the suffering endured by the Jewish people, nor the wickedness and savagery imposed upon them,” said Abbott.
Abbott also noted that Monday is the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a death camp built by the Nazis.
"And we will never forget the stories of strength and perseverance of those who did make it out alive,” said Abbott.
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Understanding how the atrocities were set in motion is now taught to Texas school children. Abbott held up copies of new legislation requiring the curriculum.
"This is history for the great state of Texas,” said Abbott.
The Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission drafted the lesson overview mandated by the law.
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"No, it’s not just about the Holocaust,” said former state lawmaker Elliott Naishtat who sits on the commission
The lessons of the past, according to Naishtat, can address current cases of genocide.
"It’s the same thing, you have to know it’s going on so that hopefully it can be prevented,” said Naishtat.
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Abbott spoke about another task for state lawmakers. He said he intends to ask state lawmakers to adopt the international definition of antisemitism when they return to Austin next year.
The definition written by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance defines Antisemitism as:
"Texas will always stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” said Abbott.
The governor's call is reminiscent of a law passed in 2017. When state lawmakers took a stand with Israel, then, it triggered a federal lawsuit. Last year, a Pflugerville school teacher won, claiming that the law, which prevented state money from going to contractors who boycotted Israel, violated her free speech.
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"Words do matter, it’s not limiting free speech,” said Randy Czarlinsky, the director of the AJC of Houston.
Defining antisemitism, according to Czarlinsky, will not be in conflict with the Constitution.
"You want to be critical of the State of Israel, a number of American Jews are critical of the State of Israel, but when you say Israel doesn't have the right to exist, that becomes anti-Semitic,” said Czarlinsky.
According to the AJC, 18 countries have officially adopted the definition. Congress has not, but the State Department uses the language in how it defines Antisemitism.