Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, right, was recognized for his by the Legislative Jewish Caucus. (photo courtesy of the California Department of Education)

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond was honored on April 29 by the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for his leadership in Holocaust and genocide education.

Thurmond was honored along with leaders and educators from the Jewish Family & Children’s Services Holocaust Center as well as Holocaust survivors and their descendants who have chosen to share their stories as part of educational initiatives.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition from the California Legislative Jewish Caucus for our collective efforts in Holocaust and genocide education. Through education, we not only honor the memory of the victims but also strive to ensure that such atrocities never happen again,” Thurmond said. “By understanding the horrors of the past, we empower ourselves to build a future rooted in empathy, tolerance and justice.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 135, commemorating Yom HaShoah and honoring leaders in Holocaust education, was supported by the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, Latino Caucus, Women’s Caucus and Legislative Black Caucus in solidarity.

In January, Thurmond launched an oral history speaker series for Holocaust survivors and their family members to share their personal perspectives with students. He is also the co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education.

A nationwide survey released in 2020 showed a lack of Holocaust knowledge among adults under 40, Thurmond said. More than one in 10 respondents did not recall ever having heard the word Holocaust, and 63% of Millennials and Gen Z members surveyed did not know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, according to the survey. Additionally, recent surveys indicate that one in five young Americans think the Holocaust is a myth.

The oral history event was the beginning of a series of survivor testimonies that Thurmond will host in districts across California. Educators who are interested in bringing testimonies to their students are encouraged to email communications@cde.ca.gov.