HMTC's Statement on Millennial and Gen Z Holocaust Knowledge

Yesterday, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany released the results of the first ever 50-state survey on Holocaust knowledge among Millennials and Gen Z Americans. The results show an appalling lack of awareness about even the most basic history of the Holocaust.

Particularly shocking is the fact that New York State earned some of the lowest Holocaust Knowledge Score in the nation.

• Nationally, 48 percent of U.S. Millennial and Gen Z could not name a single one of the more than 40,000 concentration camps or ghettos established during World War II, but in New York, the figure was 58%.

• In perhaps the most disturbing revelation, 19 percent of Millennial and Gen Z respondents in New York State believe Jews actually caused the Holocaust 

The findings of the survey highlight both the need for greater Holocaust education and the development of programming to make clear why this history is important.

Through HMTC’s core exhibition in our museum, and educational programs for students and adults, we teach about the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism, hate and prejudice, highlighting how the lessons from the Holocaust remain relevant today. HMTC offers virtual programming to schools for students and teachers, as well as professional development programs for law enforcement, lawyers and nurses, and public programs for the community.

The survey results are deeply troubling and we know you join us in our desire to respond. Our educational work is needed now more than ever. We need your help to be able to continue to meet the demand for this most important programming. Please consider making a donation.