The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued a statement on behalf of a group of hidden children of the Holocaust who felt strongly compelled to oppose the Trump Administration’s expanded policy for migrants seeking to cross the border, which has led to family separation of thousands of children being separated from their parents and put in cages.
The “zero tolerance” policy has led to strong condemnations from across the political spectrum including a statement of concern from First Lady Melania Trump.
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The hidden children, many separated from their parents at the beginning of World War II, are recalling the severe and lasting trauma they experienced as a consequence of their forced separation. Now aged in their 70s and 80s, the Holocaust survivors are reacting to what is happening along America’s southern borders with a mix of anger and disbelief, calling the practice of separating families with young children inhumane and unconscionable.
#IvankaTrump – As a mother are you okay with this? I implore you to use your influence to stop these horrific acts. pic.twitter.com/YnAJffEaWJ
— Liz Kushner (@KushnerLiz) June 14, 2018
Media reports claim that nearly 2,500 children have been separated from their parents under the new policy. Separation practices have the effect of causing unnecessary trauma to the children – many of whom have already suffered significant traumatic experiences – negatively impacting their physical and mental health.
Who wore it better: Children detained in McAllen, Texas or Ivanka Trump pic.twitter.com/atifVrteeY
— Orli Matlow (@HireMeImFunny) June 18, 2018
In a video testimonial Rachelle Goldstein, co-director of the Hidden Child Foundation, a New York-based organization which represents Jewish Holocaust survivors who were hidden during the war, spoke to the lifelong pain she — and others — have endured as a consequence of being separated from their parents at a very young age. Rachelle was just under 3-years-old when she was separated from her parents in Belgium. The video also includes her husband, Jack Goldstein, who was separated from his parents when he was 9-years-old. The video closes by urging views to sign an ADL petition calling on the Attorney General to stop this practice now.
