Reps. Maloney and Ackerman, Sen. Menendez Reintroduce Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY),
and Senator Robert Menendez have reintroduced the “Simon Wiesenthal
Holocaust Education Act” (H.R. 1753) which would help increase awareness
of the Holocaust by boosting 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.
“Simon Wiesenthal’s work was an inspiration, and we are working to carry on his mission,” Rep. Maloney said. “We must teach the important lessons of one of history’s darkest hours to this and future generations. I applaud Senator Menendez for introducing this in the Senate and look forward to continuing our work, along with Rep. Ackerman to make this bill law.”
“This critical legislation will serve to honor the memory of those who perished during one of the darkest chapters in human history by educating future generations about the dangers of intolerance and hatred. The ‘Simon Wiesenthal Holocaust Education Assistance Act’ will help ensure our students are provided with age-appropriate Holocaust education programs so we may remain true to our promise of never forgetting those who were lost and never allowing such a tragedy to happen again,” said Senator Menendez.
“Simon Wiesenthal worked tirelessly to bring Nazi war criminals to justice and educate the public about the Holocaust,” said Ackerman. “From remembering those who perished to learning from the past, it is critical to preserve and expand Holocaust education programs. It is imperative that future generations are taught the facts and history of the Holocaust so that the lessons from this dark chapter in human history are never, ever forgotten. It is vital that all children learn the consequences of hatred and bigotry so we can truly say ‘never again.’ ”
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. Original cosponsors: Gary Ackerman [D-NY], Shelley Berkley [D-NV], Ted Deutch [D-FL], Michael Grimm [R-NY], Alcee L. Hastings [D-FL], Charles B. Rangel [D-NY], Pedro R. Pierluisi [D-PR], and Henry A. Waxman [D-CA].
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