Holocaust Remberence Day Planned in East Texas

The Bryan-College Station community will mark Holocaust Remembrance Day with the exhibit “Visas for Freedom:  Spanish Diplomats and the Holocaust” on display April 14-29 at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University. 

The exhibit features a series of documents and photographs in honor of the humanitarian work and ethical commitment of Spanish diplomats who during World War II used their roles to save the lives of thousands of Jews condemned to extermination. 

The Honorable Cristobal R. Valdes, Consul General of Spain in Houston, said, “We must honor the men and women who decided to involve themselves and act; and among these are the heroes, those who risked, or even sacrificed, their own lives to save others.” 

“Visas for Freedom: Spanish Diplomats and the Holocaust” is presented in cooperation among the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Government of Spain, Centro Sefarad Israel, City of College Station, City of Bryan and Texas A&M University. 

The Bush Library and Museum will host an official opening event and reception April 17 at 5p.m. in the museum‟s rotunda. The emcee for the event is Texas A&M University Dean of Faculties and Assistant Provost Dr. Antonio Cepeda-Benito. The opening event is by invitation only, but open to media coverage. 

“We are proud to host the „Visas for Freedom‟ exhibit and help recognize the important role many Spanish diplomats played in saving Jews from the Holocaust,” said Warren Finch, director of the Bush Library and Museum. “We encourage everybody in the community to Mayor Jason Bienski of Bryan and Mayor Nancy Berry of College Station will issue a joint proclamation in support of the exhibit and calling on all citizens to pause and mark the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 19. 

Bienski said, “This exhibit shows our community an example of service and selflessness that all of us should strive to achieve. The City of Bryan is proud to help sponsor an exhibit that honors and remembers this important history.” 

“The story told through this exhibit is important for people of all ages and backgrounds to understand,” said Berry. “The Spanish people are to be commended for allowing the safe passage of the Jewish people fleeing from the Holocaust. Without this act of kindness, who knows how many more Jewish families would've been extinct.” 

The exhibit is available for viewing free of charge in the Bush Library and Museum‟s rotunda. For more information about the “Visas for Freedom: Spanish Diplomats and the Holocaust” exhibit go to http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/visas.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University is part of the National Archives and Records Administration‟s Presidential Libraries network.  The Bush Library and Museum is a leading research institution, popular area tourist attraction and proud community partner.  The museum tells the story of the life and times of George Bush, 41st President of the United States, with emphasis on family, leadership, public service and civic literacy. 

For more information visit the Bush Library and Museum website at bushlibrary.tamu.edu.