Through the beauty of life’s daily experiences, an individual may realize that there are countless moments worth remembering. However, there are other instances that occur throughout history that one is inevitably obligated to bear in mind. Genocide is one of the detrimental crimes that humans commit against one another and action needs to be taken to counteract the after-effects.
On Tuesday at 7 p.m., February 23, 2010, supporters of this belief gathered at Southern Methodist University to stress the importance of the bill: “Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission.”
The panelists included Senator Florence Shapiro, Chairman of Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission Peter Berkowitz, Communications Director for the National Math and Science Initiative- Rena Pederson, Associate Professor of Psychology from the University of Dallas- Amy Fisher-Smith, and Museum Director of the Dallas Holocaust Museum- Elliot Dlin.
Even though some acts were portrayed as surreal, the “Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission” bill converted the dreamlike image into a reality when the Senate approved it. The bill was introduced by Senator Rodney Ellis and Senator Florence Shapiro and signed by Gov. Rick Perry. The commission consists primarily of the
• Providing advice and assistance to the public and various public, private primary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education on the implementation of the Holocaust and genocide courses and awareness programs (SB 482).
• Authorization to contact and cooperate with organizations, agencies, museums, as well as survivors and liberators, in order to provide information and experiences regarding the Holocaust or other genocide events, and to coordinate events in the state memorializing the Holocaust and genocide events (SB 482).
The bill took effect on September 1, 2009. From that day forward, survivors of genocide will no longer have to feel neglected, forgotten, or even concerned that their stories will fade as time passes.
Shapiro stated with relief, “the bill’s time had to come, and I am very proud that it did.”
Whether through indescribable struggles, glorious victories or a brief moment to say grace, time does not cease for anyone or anything. The bill has raised awareness to those who have lost their lives in acts of genocide such as in Rwanda, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Darfur, and Cambodia (Armenian National Institute).
Elliot said, “I think we can now understand that the reasons for having the bill is to ensure that [past experiences and lessons] will be taught. The world is fundamentally different after the Holocaust. The Holocaust was not an accident, and it resulted from the actions of human beings,” stressed Elliott. “Hatred remains a dangerous and real phenomenon in society. [The bill] is an attempt of teaching people about power and its abuses, respect, and responsibility.”
By no longer being oblivious to harsh treatments and crimes of discrimination that may lead to genocide, it is the role of each individual to remain mindful of his or her role in the future for the betterment of society.
