New York Passes Historic Bill for First State Holocaust Memorial

UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just signed a historic bill into law to establish the first state-sponsored Holocaust memorial, a significant move aimed at education and remembrance. The announcement was made on October 30, 2023, and the memorial will be located at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

This urgent initiative is designed to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust while providing a comprehensive history of the atrocities and personal testimonies from those who lived through it. Governor Hochul stated, “With the first ever state-sponsored Holocaust Memorial, we are honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust while ensuring that all visitors have a place to remember and reflect on what the Jewish community has endured.”

The new legislation was introduced by state Senator Patricia Fahy and Assemblymember Gabriella Romero, with support from the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial. The New York State Office of General Services will oversee the design, programming, and exact location of the memorial, which will join other significant sites of remembrance within the plaza.

This development comes at a critical time when antisemitism is on the rise. Hochul emphasized New York’s commitment to combating hate, stating, “New York has zero tolerance for hate of any kind, and with this memorial, we reaffirm our commitment to rooting out antisemitism and ensuring a peaceful and thriving future for all.”

As details about the memorial’s design and programming emerge, it is expected to serve as a powerful educational tool, fostering a deeper understanding of the Holocaust among visitors of all ages. The memorial aims to be a place not only of reflection but also of dialogue, ensuring that future generations learn from history.

Stay tuned for more updates as this important project progresses. The establishment of this memorial marks a significant step in honoring history and promoting peace and understanding in the community.