Originally published in The Times of Israel

By Koret Board Co-President Anita Friedman

In a world where antisemitism is again on the rise—from hate crimes to conspiracy theories to blatant denial of historical atrocities—there is an urgent need to reassess not only what we teach the next generation, but how we teach it. Holocaust education must be systematically integrated into our public school systems, and not reduced to occasional mentions, brief lessons or one-time special experiences, as is true now in most schools.

Education isn’t just a tool for knowledge; it’s the foundation of values, actions, empathy, and identity. And when it comes to combating antisemitism, there is no substitute for a deep, honest, and humanizing education about Jewish history—including and especially the Holocaust.

The Holocaust is not just a chapter in Jewish history; it’s a turning point in human history. Its horror reveals the consequences of unchecked hatred, silence, and complicity. Yet today, fewer young people are learning about it in depth. Surveys show alarming levels of ignorance about the Holocaust—even in countries where it occurred. Denial and distortion are becoming more common, fueled by misinformation and an erosion of historical memory.

Holocaust education is not about dwelling on trauma. It’s about confronting the reality of what hatred can do and empowering young people to recognize and resist it in all forms. Teaching about the Holocaust fosters moral clarity, compassion, and vigilance. It invites students to grapple with difficult questions: What is justice? How do societies break? What role do ordinary people play in preserving or destroying human dignity?

But teaching the Holocaust alone is not enough. To combat antisemitism effectively, children must also learn about the richness, resilience, and contributions of Jewish life throughout history. Too often, Jewish identity is framed solely through suffering. We must also teach joy, creativity, tradition, and the countless ways Jewish people have shaped, and been shaped by, the world around them.

By teaching Jewish history and culture with depth and pride, not just through the lens of persecution, we humanize a people too often reduced to caricature or myth. We foster understanding instead of fear, connection instead of alienation.

Changing what we teach children means changing how we shape the future. If we want a world where antisemitism no longer festers, where Jewish children grow up proud and unafraid, then our classrooms must become places of truth, memory, and belonging.

The only way forward is through systematic public education—and how we provide this education must change now.