Bipartisan legislation awards 60 World War II diplomats a Congressional Gold Medal for their heroism during the Holocaust and their efforts to help Jewish people flee Nazi Germany
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored bipartisan legislation posthumously awarding 60 World War II-era diplomats a Congressional Gold Medal for their roles in aiding countless Jewish people fleeing Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.
“We’re honoring the bravery and heroism of the men and women who risked their lives to help countless Jewish people flee Nazi Germany during the terrors of the Holocaust. Awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal is a small token of our gratitude as we continue to stand with Jewish people across the globe in the fight against antisemitism,” said Sinema.
The bipartisan Sinema-backed bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to 60 World War II-era diplomats from over 20 countries, including two from the United States, for their efforts to save lives during the Holocaust.
The honorees took tremendous action to help Jewish people flee Nazi Germany – issuing passports and travel visas, contrary to their government’s instruction, to aid families and individuals’ safe escape.
The medal will be displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, among other appropriate locations on a rotating basis.
Earlier this month, Senator Sinema and a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Senators, the President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense joined American servicemembers and veterans in Normandy to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Sinema thanked American servicemembers and veterans for their service and visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial to visit the graves of fallen American heroes and honor their ultimate sacrifice to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany.
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