Why Holocaust education isn't enough to combat antisemitism

(JNS) — In the face of rising antisemitism, public schools, secular organizations and well-meaning institutions often turn to Holocaust education as their primary tool for addressing hatred against Jews. The reasoning seems sound: by teaching about the atrocities of the Holocaust—the worst massacre of human beings in modern history—students and the public at large will grasp the dangers of prejudice and the moral imperative to fight antisemitism.

While Holocaust education is indeed crucial, it is not enough. Worse, in some extreme cases, it can backfire, emboldening those who already harbor hatred for Jews.

We must confront an uncomfortable truth: Holocaust education alone is failing to resonate with many today. To effectively combat antisemitism, a broader, more comprehensive strategy is necessary. This strategy must supplement Holocaust education with modern approaches that connect to Jewish history, the role and importance of Israel and the lived experiences of Jews today. We need a more innovative and effective framework for addressing antisemitism, highlighting the limitations of Holocaust education and offering solutions.

Holocaust education focuses on a singular event in Jewish history: the systematic extermination of six6 million Jews by Nazi Germany. While the gravity of this event cannot be overstated, this narrow focus often paints Jewish history as one of victimhood and helplessness. This narrative does little to inspire empathy or understanding among those who do not already identify with the victims. Worse, in the digital age, Holocaust education can amplify hateful ideologies. Online forums abound with Holocaust denial, distortion and glorification, turning what should be lessons of morality into fodder for extremists.

A 2021 study by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany revealed alarming gaps in Holocaust knowledge among young Americans. Some 63 percent of millennials and Generation Z did not know that 6 million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, and nearly half could not name a single concentration camp. These figures highlight a key issue: Even when Holocaust education is implemented, it is often superficial and fails to contextualize the broader history of antisemitism or its relevance today.

When antisemitic incidents occur, the reflexive response to introduce Holocaust education misses the mark. It assumes that teaching about past atrocities will prevent present hatred—a flawed assumption. Instead, we need a more holistic approach that connects the Holocaust to a continuum of Jewish resilience, culture and contributions, while addressing modern myths and misinformation about Jews and Israel.

Antisemitism did not begin with Adolf Hitler, and it did not end in 1945. The hatred of Jews spans centuries and continents, taking various forms: religious, economic, racial and political. From the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 to the pogroms of Eastern Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish communities faced systemic oppression long before the Holocaust. Teaching this history helps contextualize the Holocaust as one chapter in a much longer story of Jewish survival and resilience.

Take, for instance, the Dreyfus Affair in late 19th-century France, where Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus was falsely accused of treason. The case exposed deep-rooted antisemitism in French society and influenced Theodor Herzl’s call for a Jewish state. Or consider the Farhud of 1941, a violent pogrom against Jews in Baghdad that underscores how antisemitism extended beyond Europe. By integrating these stories into educational frameworks, we can help people understand that antisemitism is a global and enduring problem not confined to Nazi Germany.

To supplement Holocaust education, students must also learn about the history and significance of Israel. Israel is not merely a political state; it is the culmination of millennia of Jewish yearning for a homeland. The Jewish connection to Israel dates back thousands of years, rooted in biblical history and sustained through exile and Diaspora. Yet in today’s polarized discourse, Israel is often misrepresented as an oppressor, fueling antisemitic narratives.

Education should emphasize how Israel embodies Jewish resilience and self-determination. It is vital to showcase the diversity of Israeli society, where Arabs live freely, participate in democracy, own businesses and serve in the Knesset. For example, Mansour Abbas, an Arab Israeli politician, leads the Ra’am Party and has wielded significant influence in Israeli politics. Similarly, Arab citizens of Israel excel in various fields, from sports to medicine, challenging the false narrative that Israel is an apartheid state.

Highlighting these realities counters the misinformation that often fuels antisemitism, especially on college campuses and via social media. It also reframes Jewish history from one of victimhood to one of strength, agency and contributions to global society.

To make antisemitism relevant to broader audiences, it is essential to connect it to universal values and struggles. For example, antisemitism is often referred to as the “canary in the coal mine” of societal hatred—when Jews are targeted, other minority groups often follow. By framing it as a barometer of broader social decay, educators can help non-Jewish audiences see the fight against antisemitism as their fight, too.

Moreover, addressing antisemitism in a modern context requires debunking pervasive myths, such as the claim that Jews wield disproportionate power or influence. Perpetuated by figures across the political spectrum, these falsehoods fuel contemporary antisemitism and must be confronted directly. Education should empower students to recognize and challenge these stereotypes, whether they appear in media, politics or everyday conversation.

To do so, we need a comprehensive approach that integrates the following elements:

• Expanded historical education: Teach about antisemitism’s long history, from ancient prejudices to modern-day manifestations, across different cultures and regions.

• The story of Israel: Highlight Israel’s history, diversity and contributions to global society. Show how Israel exemplifies Jewish resilience and counters narratives of oppression.

• Contemporary antisemitism: Address how antisemitism operates today, from conspiracy theories to campus activism. Equip students with the tools to recognize and confront it.

• Jewish contributions: Celebrate the cultural, scientific and artistic achievements of Jewish people throughout history. Shift the focus from victimhood to vitality.

• Holocaust education in context: Continue teaching about the Holocaust but frame it within the broader story of Jewish perseverance. Use survivor testimonies to humanize the experience and connect it to present-day issues.

• Interfaith and cross-cultural alliances: Partner with other minority groups to address shared challenges. Stress the interconnectedness of fighting hatred in all its forms.

The fight against antisemitism requires more than remembrance; it demands understanding, action and the courage to confront hatred in all its forms. Only by equipping people with the knowledge and tools to do so can we hope to ensure a future free from its scourge.