Museum Statement on US Capitol Attack

WASHINGTON, DC – Reflecting on the appalling attack on the U.S. Capitol and our democracy, the Museum recalls the special significance of that building for Holocaust survivors. Since 1979, survivors, World War II liberators, and government officials have gathered in the Capitol during the Days of Remembrance to commemorate both the six million European Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the courage of the American soldiers who sacrificed so much to defeat Nazism. The U.S. Congress mandated this annual ceremony, which is held in the Capitol precisely because of its symbolism as the heart of our democracy. That this sacred space was desecrated, including by some individuals displaying neo-Nazi, antisemitic, and white supremacist symbols, several of which glorified the Holocaust, is an affront to all who cherish democracy and those who work to protect it and advance the freedom and dignity of all individuals. 

For Holocaust survivors, who have gathered annually for decades in the Capitol to commemorate the past and who deeply love this nation, this was especially painful. As our founding chairman Elie Wiesel said many years ago, “[W]e must remember for our own sake, for the sake of our own humanity.” Those words resonate even more powerfully today. 

A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires people to confront hate, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. For more information, visit ushmm.org.