The state Senate passed the Holocaust Education Bill, S.121B, with unanimous support. The bill by state Sen. Anna M. Kaplan (D-North Hills) and state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) would ensure that students across New York are receiving a meaningful education on the Holocaust as required by existing state law.
The bill passed the state Assembly with unanimous support earlier this week, and having now passed both houses of the Legislature, will be sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her consideration.
Kaplan said “With antisemitism on the rise, and Holocaust misinformation exploding around the world, it’s never been more important that we learn the lessons of the Holocaust, and ensure our next generation knows about our history, no matter how dark or difficult the conversation may be. It’s why I’ve fought tirelessly to pass the Holocaust Education Bill, and I’m thrilled to be able to pass it today so that we can ensure we Never Forget. As we celebrate the passage of this vital legislation today, I’m so grateful for my partnership with Assemblymember Nily Rozic, for the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and for the countless advocates and organizations who fought alongside me since day one of this important effort. To everyone who helped make this happen, thank you.”
A recent study by the nonprofit Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) revealed disturbing findings about Holocaust knowledge among New Yorkers ages 18-39, including that 58% cannot name a single concentration camp, 19% believe that Jews caused the Holocaust, and 28% believe the Holocaust is a myth or has been exaggerated. In each of these three metrics, New York had the worst score of any state in the US.
Legislation introduced in the state Senate and Assembly by Kaplan and Rozic, S.121B/A.472C, would address the problem by ensuring that New York students are learning about the Holocaust in school, something that 90% of the general population considers ‘important’ or ‘somewhat important’ according to a recent study by the American Jewish Committee.
