California Expands Holocaust and Genocide Education Amid Rising Antisemitism

In response to a 140% surge in antisemitic incidents in 2023—culminating in a staggering 360% increase since October 7—California is intensifying its efforts to combat hate through Holocaust and genocide education.

The Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Holocaust Center, alongside state legislators, educational organizations, and Jewish groups like the Jewish Public Affairs Committee (JPAC), is spearheading a movement to enhance the scope and effectiveness of this critical education statewide.

California Is the First U.S. State to Systematize Teacher Training on Holocaust and Genocide Education

In a groundbreaking move, California has allocated $5 million in the state budget to fund the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education—a first-of-its-kind, statewide network providing standards-aligned lesson plans, expert-led trainings, and a wealth of educational resources for teachers—through 2029. Additionally, Gavin Newsom has just signed Senate Bill 1277, authored by Senator Henry Stern, into law, which permanently integrates the California Teachers Collaborative program into the State Department of Education.

These unprecedented actions highlight the state’s commitment to eradicating hate and antisemitism.

JFCS Holocaust Center’s Expansion: Building for the Future

To address the urgent need for Holocaust education, the JFCS Holocaust Center is launching a groundbreaking expansion—building Northern California’s first major Holocaust Center. This 30,000 square-foot, four-story landmark in San Francisco will be a hub for Holocaust and genocide education, featuring immersive exhibition spaces, a comprehensive library, archives, research facilities, seminar rooms, a cutting-edge virtual reality studio, and more. This iconic center will not only serve as a beacon of education and remembrance in Northern California but also set a new standard for genocide education nationwide, impacting generations to come.

“We are building a future without antisemitism and hate, ensuring that every child in California receives impactful Holocaust and genocide education,” said Dr. Anita Friedman, JFCS Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education. “This expansion is a community-wide effort to cultivate generations that stand firmly against hate.”

About JFCS Holocaust Center

The JFCS Holocaust Center is a leading resource in California for Holocaust and genocide education, dedicated to remembrance, research, and teaching. Our mission is to increase awareness of Jewish history and the causes and consequences of antisemitism, racism, and discrimination, inspiring moral courage and social responsibility in future generations. Learn more at holocaustcenter.jfcs.org.

About the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education

Established in 2021 by the JFCS Holocaust Center, the California Teachers Collaborative unites the state’s leading institutions and genocide survivors to deliver comprehensive Holocaust and genocide education. Our goal is to ensure every middle and high school student in California receives high-quality instruction on these critical topics, fostering inclusive, empathetic, and courageous future generations. Learn more at: httholocaustcenter.jfcs.org/ctc-ed-resources

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alissa Steiner
Director of Marketing & Communications
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
Alissas@jfcs.org | 415-602-5479