South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim of California and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey have introduced the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at enhancing Holocaust education and addressing antisemitism in the United States.

The proposed legislation mandates that the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum conduct a comprehensive study on Holocaust education across state and local agencies, as well as public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. The study will evaluate the quality, standards, and requirements of existing programs, assess their effectiveness relative to intended outcomes, and identify challenges associated with teaching about the Holocaust.

"As we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and see rising antisemitism across the country – especially on college campuses – we are reminded of the dire need to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust are taught and stories are passed down for future generations. We cannot allow history to repeat itself," said Congresswoman Kim. "The HEAL Act will allow us to explore the status of Holocaust education in the United States, so we can improve educational outcomes, counter antisemitism, and ultimately ensure never again truly means never again."

Congressman Gottheimer highlighted recent increases in antisemitic incidents: “We cannot — and we must not — ever ignore the stunning rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial — across Europe, around the world, and increasingly, here at home in the United States, including the violent, antisemitic attacks we have experienced in my own home state of New Jersey and around the country." He emphasized that "the mounting evidence that knowledge about the Holocaust is beginning to fade should also alarm us all." Gottheimer expressed pride in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation which seeks to ensure that future generations learn about these historical atrocities.