In a poignant gathering on January 27, 2025, the Maryland Senate convened to honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day established by the United Nations to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust. The session was marked by heartfelt tributes to survivors, including Lou Porurillis, who shared his harrowing story of survival as a hidden child during the Nazi regime.

As the Senate chamber filled with emotion, members welcomed Lou and his children, acknowledging the significance of their presence. The day was not only a remembrance but also a call to action against rising anti-Semitism and bigotry. Senator Lisonbee Baumold, a senior vice president at the Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, recounted her grandmother's experiences as a Holocaust survivor, emphasizing the importance of sharing these stories to ensure that history is not forgotten.

The discussions highlighted a recent survey revealing that 20% of adults across over 100 countries had never heard of the Holocaust, underscoring the urgency of remembrance in today's world. With the Senate's resolution, the members expressed their commitment to honoring the memories of the six million Jews and countless others who perished during this dark chapter in history.

The session concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, celebrating Lou Porurillis as a symbol of resilience and success in America. As the Senate recognized this important occasion, it served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to remember the past and educate future generations, ensuring that the phrase "never again" resonates deeply in the hearts of all.