Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils New Holocaust Memorial

The Significance of 'Never Again'

• "Never again" is more than a phrase; it's a way of life and a commitment to remembering the past to secure the future.
• It serves as a reminder of the Six Million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the society that attempted to exterminate an entire race and religion.
• The phrase is a bridge to the past and a vision into a future that almost didn't come.

Establishment of the Florida Holocaust Memorial

• The Florida Holocaust Memorial was established through Senate Bill 716, recognizing and commemorating the millions murdered by Nazis and honoring survivors.
• The memorial aims to evoke emotion and honor survivors by remembering the past to secure the future.
• It is the first addition to Florida's Memorial Park, with plans for future memorials.

Personal Reflections and Historical Context

• A Jewish wedding tradition of breaking a glass commemorates the destruction of Jewish temples and reminds celebrants to remember less joyous times.
• A quote from a high-ranking Nazi official reveals the contemplation of exterminating Jewish women and children, highlighting the systematic nature of the Holocaust.
• The memorial displays faces and names of Holocaust Survivors who made their homes in Florida.

Florida's Response to Antisemitism and Support for the Jewish Community

• Governor DeSantis highlighted Florida's proactive stance against antisemitism, including state troopers on college campuses and swift action against hate speech and threats.
• Florida evacuated nearly 700 Americans from Israel following the October 7th attacks and provided logistical rescue and evacuation operations.
• The state has allocated significant funding for security at Jewish schools and institutions, Holocaust education, and remembrance centers.

Honoring a Survivor and the Governor's Medal of Freedom

• Holocaust survivor David Sheer, who endured Auschwitz and the loss of his family, was honored with the Governor's Medal of Freedom for his decades of educating Floridians.
• Sheer shared his personal story of survival and his gratitude for Florida's commitment to decency and the lessons of the Holocaust.
• The governor emphasized the importance of sharing such stories to combat rising antisemitism and ensure future generations never forget.