Teaching More Than History: JFCS Leads the Charge to Transform Holocaust Education in California
On May 5 – 6, JFCS led a 60-person delegation to Sacramento for the largest Jewish Public Affairs Committee (JPAC) Capitol Summit in history, joining over 600 Jewish advocates from across California. Together with our partners, we met with lawmakers to advance policies that combat rising hate, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure every student learns the enduring lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides.
Why SB 472 Matters
One of the most urgent issues we championed was Senate Bill 472—a landmark bill designed to strengthen Holocaust and Genocide Education (HGE) in California’s public schools. Introduced in response to recommendations from the study conducted by the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education, Highlights of SB 472 include:
- Ensures that schools have the information and resources they need to meet California’s HGE mandate
- Sets clear accountability requirements to ensure districts are meeting their HGE obligations
- State-funded grants for teacher training and professional development
In an age of rising antisemitism and misinformation, these measures are essential. Meaningful, well-supported Holocaust education isn’t optional, it’s foundational to creating a society that rejects hate and embraces justice.
A New Vision for Holocaust Education
At the JFCS Holocaust Center, we know that Holocaust education must do more than recount the atrocities of the past. It must build empathy, deepen understanding, and affirm identity. For many young people, it is their first exposure to Jewish life and culture—making the quality of that education profoundly important.
“Holocaust education, properly taught, is not about a historical event. It’s about telling the story of the Jewish people—what our triumphs and contributions are, not just our tragedies.”
— Dr. Anita Friedman
This belief drives everything we do—from statewide policy leadership and educator training to classroom partnerships and survivor storytelling. When students learn about the Holocaust through the lens of resilience, resistance, and the richness of Jewish life, they come away not only informed, but empowered to stand against hate in all its forms.
What’s Next: Continuing the Fight for SB 472
In the coming months, we’ll continue working with legislators, educators, and community leaders to advance SB 472 and bring meaningful Holocaust education to every California classroom. Our work is far from over—and we need your voice.
Want to make an impact on the issues that matter? Sign up for JFCS Advocacy Alerts and be the first to know when your voice is needed to support vital legislation like SB 472.
Together, we can ensure California remains a national leader in teaching truth, fostering inclusion, and building a future without hate.