Kathy Manning: “I thank my good friend, Congresswoman Frankel, for her efforts to recognize the hard work and dedication of Benjamin…”

“I thank my good friend, Congresswoman Frankel, for her efforts to recognize the hard work and dedication of Benjamin Ferencz. It is quite fitting that Mr. Ferencz be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his remarkable work prosecuting Nazis during the Nuremburg trials at this particular time. First, because at a time when immigrants are being villainized, Mr. Ferencz is an example of an immigrant who fled to this country from the persecution of Jews by the Nazis and made this country proud with his military service and with his tireless advocacy for justice at the Nuremburg trials. Second, because at a time of rising anti-Semitism globally and in this country, it is important to honor Mr. Ferencz who fought to hold responsible those whose anti-Semitic actions resulted in an unprecedented genocide: the murder of 6 million innocent Jews. Third, because today we are witnessing another tyrant, Vladimir Putin, who reminds us of the brutality, the unprovoked aggression, and the unbridled cruelty of Adolf Hitler and his war machine. We can only hope that when Mr. Putin's aggression against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is put to an end, we have honorable and highly- skilled people like Mr. Ferencz who will hold Putin and other war criminals accountable in a court of law. Finally, during this Jewish History Month, it is a privilege to recognize a Jew who served his country and his people with distinction, honor, and success. Mr.…”