Claims Conference head backs national Holocaust education study amid 'tremendous lack of knowledge'

A proposed national study of Holocaust education in U.S. Public schools is gaining backing from Jewish organizations and lawmakers, driven by concerns over declining American knowledge of the Holocaust and the rise of Holocaust denial and antisemitism.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated Tuesday that the study, required under the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act, S. 332, would cost less than $500,000 for fiscal years 2026-31, with spending contingent on appropriated funds and no impact on direct spending or revenues.

The study would assess whether Holocaust education is required or offered in schools, examine curricula and standards, measure classroom time devoted to the subject, review instructional materials, and evaluate student knowledge. It would also determine whether students learn to identify and analyze antisemitism, bigotry, hate and genocide in historical and contemporary contexts.

Gideon Taylor, president of the Claims Conference, told JNS the organization's surveys show a "tremendous lack of knowledge on the part of younger people about the Holocaust." A 2020 survey found that 48% of U.S. Millennials and Gen Z could not name a single concentration camp or ghetto. The survey also found that 41% of Millennials believed 2 million or fewer Jews were killed during the Holocaust, while 63% of young American adults in a separate 2018 survey did not know that about 6 million Jews were murdered.

"Our studies show the results," Taylor said. "What this study will do is show what actually happens on the ground."

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said such research is increasingly urgent as Holocaust survivor numbers decline. "Undertaking ongoing, rigorous research to identify the most effective practices in Holocaust education is essential," A museum spokesman told JNS, citing the rise of Holocaust denial and antisemitic conspiracy theories worldwide.

Senate co-sponsors include Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, along with Republican James Lankford of Oklahoma. Alsobrooks said the legislation aims to ensure future generations understand the Holocaust. "We owe it to our future generations to preserve and teach the truth of our past - no matter how ugly that truth is," She told JNS.

Gallego said Jewish communities face "real threats," Noting that antisemitic incidents in the United States have increased and become deadlier.

Taylor emphasized that requiring schools to teach about the Holocaust alone is insufficient. "There has to be training of the teachers. There have to be materials available," He said. "There has to be a system, a plan. There has to be evaluation, an assessment. All of those things are critical." He added that the study could identify successful models, expose gaps and guide policymakers at federal, state and local levels.