June 27, 2012
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM STRONGLY CONDEMNS IRANIAN VICE PRESIDENT’S ANTISEMITIC SPEECH
WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum expressed outrage that Iranian Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi would exploit an international conference on the illicit drug trade as a platform to spread antisemitic conspiracy theories and accuse Jews of responsibility for the drug trade.
“Antisemitic hate speech is always problematic but when it comes from a government official, it can be especially dangerous,” said Tom Bernstein, Museum chairman. “This situation is of particular concern because it comes from a leader of the Iranian government whose president has made numerous statements denying the Holocaust and threatening Israel’s existence. The international community must not remain silent in the face of the Iranian government’s promotion of antisemitism.”
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. For more information, visit ushmm.org.
