Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance’s Issues Statement on the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Museum urges public figures and citizens to avoid condemning refugees as a group

The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance has issued the following statement on the Syrian refugee crisis: 

The Dallas Holocaust Museum remembers a time when the United States and other countries denied Jews seeking refuge from the Nazis.  While recognizing different circumstances, we are concerned with the current refugee crisis created by the Assad regime in Syria, as well as ISIS actions in the Middle East.

Like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, we call on public figures and citizens to avoid condemning today’s refugees as a group. It is important to remember that many Syrians are fleeing because they are targeted by the Assad regime and ISIS for persecution and in some cases elimination.

The ongoing refugee crisis requires us to balance the security of U.S. citizens with the expectations of refugees, asylum seekers and economic migrants who should be treated with compassion and respect as they seek refuge in Europe and the United States.

The Dallas Holocaust Museum's mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference.  With this in mind, we also call upon all to exercise civility and restraint in the public conversations surrounding current events.