Holocaust survivor, author, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel promised that he would never be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering.
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
More than 75 years after the holocaust and 17 years after our founding, genocide, and mass atrocities are still rampant, and we are obligated to ensure that “Never Again” isn’t just an empty phrase but a call to action. JWW compels and enables people to stand up and take action through advocacy, education, and direct aid to combat mass atrocities worldwide.
Earlier this month, the United States stood on the right side of history when it determined that China is perpetrating genocide against the Uyghur people. Unfortunately, the horror stories we hear about Uyghur people being taken in the night, having their heads shaved, put on trains, interned, forced into slave labor, and systematically murdered are all too familiar to the Jewish community. We cannot be silent.
We believe the U.S. must go further and apply this same designation against the Myanmar military and government for their attempts to erase the Rohingya.
Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we ask that you uphold the commitment of “Never Again” by lifting your voice and standing on the side of justice. Just as we continue to fight for the Darfuris, who have been reeling from the aftermath of genocide that began nearly 17 years ago, we must also amplify the plight of the Uyghurs and Rohingya to end their persecution once and for all.
Actions to take today:
Demand the U.S. apply a genocide designation to the Myanmar military’s actions against the Rohingya people.
Support the work of Jewish World Watch year-round by making a donation.
Urge Sen. Alex Padilla to support Uyghur forced labor prevention legislation in Congress.