Rep. Maloney and Senator Menendez Reintroduce Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Act

WASHINGTON – Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Manhattan, Queens) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate, respectively, that would help increase awareness of the Holocaust.  The Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Act (H.R. 1092) would give a boost to programs and institutions that teach about the Holocaust and its lessons.

Under the legislation, educational institutions would be able to receive federal grants to educate about the Holocaust. The bill is named in honor of Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor who devoted his life to seeking justice for the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

“The best way to promote tolerance and unity is to learn the important lessons of one of history’s darkest hours,” said Maloney. “Simon Wiesenthal’s work was an inspiration, and we are working to carry on his mission. I applaud Senator Menendez for reintroducing this bill, and I look forward to continuing our work to make this bill law.”

“The Holocaust occurred a few short decades ago, yet there are some who deny it’s very existence,” said Menendez. “Teaching our children about this blight on human history will both honor the memory of those who perished and inspire future generations to fight against similar tragedies. I appreciate Representative Maloney’s leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to join us in making this legislation a reality.”

The Wiesenthal Act authorizes $10 million in federal funds over 5 years to help educational organizations bolster their Holocaust education programs, many of which suffer from a lack of resources. Co-sponsors include Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ).

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