Ukrainian Famine-Genocide Remembered by House

(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today approved H.Res.1314, a resolution introduced by Representative Sander Levin to remember the 75th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and extend the sympathies of the House of Representatives.  The resolution was approved by voice vote.

“Recognizing this tragedy and remembering its victims is important for all of humanity, including 1.5 million Ukrainian-Americans,” said Levin, who is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. “It has special meaning to the people of Ukraine who continue to struggle towards a more free, democratic, open society, and indeed to all of us who value freedom.”

During the Famine-Genocide of 1932-33, 7 to 10 million Ukrainians were deliberately and systematically starved to death by the Soviet Union.  The Soviet Government introduced unrealistically high quotas on grain and other agricultural products, which were strictly enforced by Red Army troops.

“We in the United States must persist in standing with those living under oppressive and tyrannical regimes as they struggle for their freedom.  Part of this struggle is to remember the brutal acts of these regimes and their victims.  Preventing the recurrence of crimes against humanity such as the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide begins with remembering the tragedies of the past,” said Levin.

During the last Congress, Levin led efforts to authorize the Government of Ukraine to establish a memorial in Washington, DC honoring the victims of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide.  The Ukrainian Government and the Ukrainian-American Community are working with the appropriate federal agencies to identify a site for this memorial. 

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