November 2, 1999

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the largest mainstream Orthodox Jewish organization with nearly 1,000 synagogues nationwide, today announced its support of the Holocaust Education Assistance Act (H.R. 3105) introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY). This bill would provide for grants by the Department of Education for centers and organizations throughout the United States to enable educators to teach the lessons of the Holocaust.

Betty Ehrenberg, Director of International and Communal Affairs, said, "Congresswoman Maloney deserves much praise for introducing the Holocaust Education Assistance Act. Recent acts of violence on the part of young people in our country that stem from hatred and intolerance demonstrate that there is a deep need to teach about the Holocaust in an effort to reduce prejudice and hatred. While several states now mandate that the Holocaust be included in the educational curriculum there are still not sufficient funds to help train and educate teachers. Teachers need knowledge and the appropriate teaching methods in order to be able to convey the important lessons that must be learned from that dark period in a sensitive and effective manner. It is important that resources be provided so that the study of the Holocaust can be incorporated into the mainstream curriculum and the historical information about the Holocaust can be portrayed accurately. This would help in the fight against the falsehood of Holocaust denial and the destructive messages of hate and bigotry that are directed at various groups and minorities."

"We call on all members of the House of Representatives to support H.R. 3105, the Holocaust Education Assistance Act, and in this way to help educators wage the battle against racism, hatred, and intolerance."

-30-

Comments?