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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 359-05
September 20, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG'S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF SIMON WIESENTHAL

"For as long as I can remember, Simon Wiesenthal has epitomized for me the very essence of the phrase, 'one man really can make a difference.' After surviving the Nazi death camps, Wiesenthal could have returned to his former profession, but instead dedicated his life to bringing those who had perpetrated heinous crimes against humanity to justice. When others wanted to forget, Wiesenthal took it upon himself to be the voice of those who did not have the strength to speak for themselves and for those who could no longer speak at all. We can never take for granted the tremendous impact he made on history with his relentless and selfless commitment to seeking out those who perpetrated unspeakable crimes against the 6 million Jews and millions of others murdered during the Holocaust. His efforts brought to justice 1,100 Nazi war criminals that might otherwise have gotten away with their crimes.

"Wiesenthal knew that he would not be with us forever, and founded the Simon Wiesenthal Center in 1977 so that the fight against bigotry and anti-Semitism would continue. As the Holocaust recedes into history, as the number of those who directly experienced its horrors dwindles, and with anti-Semitism on the rise again in many parts of the world, it is imperative that institutions like the Simon Wiesenthal Center continue to ensure that the Holocaust and its lessons are never forgotten. The Simon Wiesenthal Center furthers the understanding that hatred directed at any group ultimately threatens the safety and freedom of all of us.

"We must make its mission ours and honor Simon Wiesenthal's legacy by continuing to ensure that crimes against humanity like the Holocaust never happen again."







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