AJC Applauds U.N. Holocaust Denial Resolution
January 26, 2007 - New York - The American Jewish Committee welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Holocaust denial. One hundred and three member states co-sponsored the resolution, which was adopted today without a vote, underscoring the universal significance of the Holocaust. AJC extends its gratitude to all UN members who co-sponsored and supported the resolution.
The General Assembly resolution was conceived and adopted in the wake of continuing denial of the Holocaust in certain countries. Most notorious in this regard is the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has repeatedly called for the destruction of another member state, called into question well-documented historical facts about the Holocaust and sponsored a Holocaust-denial conference in his capital city. Iran's representative in the General Assembly, in a statement after the vote, dissociated his country from the resolution, reaffirming his president's deplorable positions. Today's resolution follows in the footsteps of the General Assembly's historic 2005 resolution designating January 27 as an annual International Day of Holocaust Remembrance. The resolution also urged member states to develop educational programs to inculcate future generations with the lessons of the Holocaust.
AJC calls upon the international community to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, assuring that the Holocaust and its lessons are never forgotten, and to remind new generations that this tragedy is a warning to the profound dangers of hatred, bigotry, and racism.
Ari M. Gordon Assistant Director Department of Interreligious Affairs American Jewish Committee 165 E56th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 891-6768 (212) 751-4000 x266 www.ajc.org www.engagingamerica.org