(Courtesy of Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ) Governor Murphy signed into law Bill A4720, aimed at improving Holocaust and genocide education in New Jersey’s public schools on Monday, April 17, the eve of Yom Hashoah. The law “Requires Commissioner of Education to distribute a survey to school districts regarding instruction on Holocaust and other genocides” – an important step to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency when evaluating Holocaust and genocide education across the state.
The survey will measure how each school district is meeting the State’s current requirement that every board of education include instruction on the Holocaust and genocide in an appropriate place in the curriculum of all elementary and secondary school students.
“Despite being mandated, Holocaust and genocide education in the state’s public schools lacks uniformity and structure,” said Dan Rozett, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ’s Director of Community Relations and Israel Engagement, who worked closely with Federation leadership and NJ Senator Vin Gopal (NJ-11), NJ Senate Education Chair, to initiate and advance the bill.
“Current instruction on the subject varies widely and can range from a simple book assignment to an elective course or part of a World War II history unit,” Rozett continued.
“Education is a critical component of our efforts to combat the troubling rise in antisemitism and hatred, and this law will strengthen an essential piece of that education”, said Senator Gopal. “I’m grateful for the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey for their partnership and advocacy on this legislation and look forward to building on this new law.”
“I’ve always known Senator Gopal to truly care about issues important to all of us,” said Amy Mallet, Jewish Federation Board Member. He immediately understood this need and once again he came through for our community and we are very grateful.”
“’Never Again’ is not a slogan – it is a call to action to prevent genocide, and education is a critical tool in the fight against hate,” said Susan Antman, executive director of Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ. “The signing of this law took place on the eve of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime. I cannot think of a better way to honor the victims than working to ensure future generations are educated on the consequences of hate.”
Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey applauds the Legislature and Governor for supporting its efforts in bolstering Holocaust Education throughout New Jersey. The organization thanks and values its partners, including our peers at The Jewish Federations of New Jersey, for their continued advocacy and collaboration combating antisemitism and hate throughout New Jersey.
