Auschwitz.
By now, you may feel like you’ve heard enough about this Nazi death camp on the 75th anniversary of its liberation. But indulge me just 90 seconds more.
In a recent survey, two-thirds of American Millennials and 44% of the general population could not identify Auschwitz. An article in The American Citizen asserts that “11% of adults and 22% of Millennials haven’t heard or were not sure if they’ve heard of the Holocaust. A shocking 41% of Millennials and 31% of adults thought that fewer than two million had been killed. About half of both groups could not identify a concentration camp or a ghetto.”
Like me, you're wondering how this could be so. I did some poking around.
Turns out, only 11 states across the country currently have laws mandating Holocaust education. Meaning it's possibly no big deal to nearly 80% of our states.
Back in 2017, Newsweek reported that a revision to South Carolina's state Social Studies guide left out any mention of the Holocaust, stunning parents. Supposedly, this was changed. But the fact that it even surfaced is unthinkable.
In 2018, Florida High School Principal William Lawton stated, “I can’t say the Holocaust is a factual, historical event because I am not in a position to do so as a district employee.” Really?!
I have been there—Auschwitz. Diana and I have trudged through its streets and locked eyes with photographed victims on the walls. We heard the whisper of our voices bounce off the walls of gas chambers that killed millions.
We cannot be silent while others claim it never happened. Not me. Not you. Not any of us.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
–Proverbs 31:8,9