In observance of Yom HaShoah, Senator Henry Stern honors Holocaust survivors and renews his commitment to Holocaust and genocide education through SB 472.
Sacramento, CA –In solemn recognition of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Senator Henry Stern delivered a powerful and unifying speech on the floor of the California Senate, honoring Holocaust Survivors and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
The day held deep personal meaning for Senator Stern, whose late father-in-law was a Holocaust Survivor. His remarks were marked by emotion, memory, and unity. In a moment of bipartisanship, Senator Stern was joined by colleagues across the aisle as he recited a Jewish Aramaic prayer: “...may the one who creates peace on high, bring peace to us all.”
As part of his ongoing efforts, Senator Stern has introduced Senate Bill 472, which focuses on Holocaust and genocide education throughout the state. The bill also establishes the Holocaust and Genocide Education Grant Program, which would provide direct funding to school districts to support effective instruction and the implementation of best practices in teaching these complex and vital topics. SB 472 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
Senator Stern said this bill will fight against misinformation and elevate voices of those who were brutally murdered, “This bill is about truth-telling — ensuring that future generations understand the atrocities of the Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide, the Cambodian Genocide, and others — and that they have the tools to stand up against antisemitism, denial, and hate.” “Genocide doesn’t begin with mass murder. It begins with dehumanization, disinformation, and silence. Education is our first defense.”
In direct response to a comprehensive study that found the majority of responding California school districts are not currently teaching state-mandated Holocaust and genocide education, SB 472 will help foster classrooms that promote empathy and combat hate. Senator Stern, in partnership with the Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Holocaust Center, the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), the Cambodian Genocide Resource
Center, and The Genocide Education Project: Armenian History and Education is taking an important step in moving California closer to meeting its mandate for this critical education.
“Over eighty years ago, Auschwitz was liberated. Today, most young Americans have never heard of such a place.” Senator Stern added, “I want to equip our teachers with the knowledge to confront the shadows of history and the ability to develop the skills and support they need to bring Holocaust education back to life in California classrooms.”
Senator Stern's dedication to this cause highlights the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary resources to educate students about these critical historical events and contemporary issues, fostering a more informed and compassionate society.
Dr. Anita Friedman of Jewish Family and Children’s Services remarked, “California leads the nation in support for state-of-the-art Holocaust and Genocide Education. As a result, our state is systematically creating a more unified society and a more informed, morally courageous, and socially responsible next generation. We are inspired by the enthusiastic cooperation of educators, communities, and students in this common cause.”
Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released Holocaust and Genocide Education in California: A Study of Statewide Context and Local Implementation, which revealed that only 26% of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) offer some genocide education.
In addition to Yom HaShoah, last week the Senate recognized both the Armenian and Cambodian Genocides. Senator Stern remains steadfast in his mission to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and genocides, honor its survivors, and educate future generations so that such horrors are never repeated. Among those he honored was Ben Lesser, a Holocaust survivor and the only known living survivor of the Dachau concentration camp. Mr. Lesser has dedicated his life to speaking in schools and colleges, volunteering to share his story and deliver a powerful message to future generations: “Never Forget.”
Yom HaShoah Floor Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdah5XypCNY
Survivor Floor Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-FWIWdcE3I
To watch the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday: https://www.senate.ca.gov/