The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is alarmed and saddened by the attack at the synagogue in Halle, Germany, on Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day. Two people were killed, and the attacker was heard to say “the root of all problems are the Jews.” Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all affected by this senseless hate crime.

Antisemitism is on the rise around the world, and violent acts have increased dramatically. Sadly, it was also reported that vandals defiled a memorial to Holocaust victims in Westchester, New York, on the eve of Yom Kippur.
We abhor violence, hatred, and bigotry in all its forms and remember a time when antisemitic ideology led to the murder of six million Jews, as well as the persecution and murder of millions of other victims. We are in no way free of the dangerous desire that lay at the root of the Holocaust to divide humanity into groups and categories.

We strive to help our visitors, especially young people, understand that each of us must take responsibility to become Upstanders – to stand against prejudice and hatred in our daily lives, in our country, and in the world.

To learn more about the Holocaust, please visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

Mary Pat Higgins, Museum President and CEO

Frank Risch, Board Chair