CONTACT: Kristen Davis (727) 820-0100 kdavis@thefhm.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT FROM THE FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM JUNE 2, 2020 [St. Petersburg, FL] -- The Florida Holocaust Museum's Executive Director Elizabeth Gelman, and Board Chair Michael Igel, issued the following statement today. The Florida Holocaust Museum joins all people of conscience in condemning the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We are pained and frustrated by the racial inequities and injustices that continue to contribute to tragic deaths throughout our country. We must recognize our shared humanity and care about injustice even when we, ourselves, are not the targets of injustice. That is one of the central lessons of the Holocaust, and it motivates us to make our voice heard. Every day, throughout the State of Florida, we teach about the consequences of hate and the consequences of not speaking up when we see others denigrated or marginalized. Every day, we teach that we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. We all have a responsibility, as American citizens, to speak out against hate and ensure the rights of all. The FHM's recent exhibition Beaches, Benches and Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay recounted the stories of the ordinary people in our own community who, decades ago, took extraordinary steps in the pursuit of justice and equality. We are equally as responsible for the type of community and the type of country we want to live in today. To those who are working in the name of justice and equality to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all people: We stand with you. Elizabeth Gelman Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum Michael Igel Board Chair of The Florida Holocaust Museum
About The Florida Holocaust Museum
One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, and one of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, The FHM honors the memory of millions of men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org.
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The Florida Holocaust Museum, 55 Fifth Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701