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Dear John,

I was in Jerusalem last week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, standing alongside Holocaust survivors and dozens of world leaders who had gathered to speak out against anti-Semitism. As moving as this show of unity was, I couldn’t help asking myself the same question many of you are asking: how is it still possible?

How is it possible that we’re still fighting to make sure that Holocaust education is a top priority in the classroom after learning from the testimony of survivors who have provided first-hand witness to the horrifying extermination of 6 million Jews?

How is it possible that there are still people out there denying that the Holocaust even took place?

How is it possible that the ancient poison of anti-Semitism continues to spread and combine with other forms of hatred to fuel deadly extremist violence?

ADL’s latest
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Global 100 findings show that nearly half of the world has never heard of the Holocaust. In
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ADL’s new survey of American attitudes about Jews, we found that a relatively low share of Americans harbor significant anti-Semitic attitudes, a finding in line with ADL’s previous surveys over the past 20 years. However, that share still represents tens of millions of people harboring virulent views. Also of deep concern is the widespread belief among Americans in one or more anti-Semitic stereotypes, with 61 percent agreeing with at least one of those sentiments, which included tropes like “Jews are more willing than others to use shady practices to get what they want” and “Jews are more loyal to Israel than in America.”

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As I testified on Wednesday to a House committee hearing on “The Ongoing Battle Against Hate,” while the levels of anti-Semitic attitudes in the U.S. have not changed much in recent decades, more of those who hold anti-Semitic views now feel emboldened to act on their bigotry. This is nearly 28 million Americans! (You can watch the
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video of the hearing here. )

Holocaust education is an important way to push back against these attitudes. ADL provides educators with thoughtful, dynamic Holocaust education materials and training with our
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Echoes & Reflections resources, and we are actively expanding the curriculum.

We support the action the House of Representatives took by passing the
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Never Again Education Act, authorizing $10 million over 5 years to develop resources to improve awareness and understanding of the Holocaust. As similar legislation gains support in the Senate, we encourage its swift passage.

And, I have another proposal to change how well America understands the lessons of the Holocaust. I propose that Facebook ban Holocaust denial to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Facebook’s policies still do not specify that Holocaust denial is hate speech. For instance, a Facebook group called “Holocaust Revisionism,” with over 1,900 members, includes posts promoting a “Holocaust Deprogramming Course” which claims it will free readers “from a lifetime of Holo-brainwashing.” To Facebook, this is merely misinformation.

Let’s be clear: Holocaust denial is blatant anti-Semitism.

At a time when online hate speech is demonstrably leading to violent acts, it is vital that the memory of the Holocaust be preserved, that the testimony of the survivors be respected, and that the lost lives of the millions killed in this genocide be honored.

Witnessing the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the spread of violent anti-Semitism across our country, we must say two vital words repeatedly, loudly and effectively.

Never again.
Sincerely,

Jonathan Greenblatt
CEO and National Director
ADL

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