NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a legislation package to honor and support Holocaust survivors in educational, cultural and financial institutions, her office said Wednesday.
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The legislative package will help ensure schools are providing high-quality Holocaust education, require museums to acknowledge art stolen by the Nazi regime and require the New York State Department of Financial Services to publish a list of financial institutions that voluntarily waive fees for Holocaust reparation payments.
"As New Yorkers, we are united in our solemn commitment to Holocaust survivors: We will never forget," Hochul said in a statement. "These are individuals who have endured unspeakable tragedy but nonetheless have persevered to build lives of meaning and purpose right here in New York.
She added, "We owe it to them, their families, and the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust to honor their memories and ensure future generations understand the horrors of this era."
One key measure directs the state's Education Department to determine whether school districts across the state have met education requirements on instruction of the Holocaust, which have been required by law since 1994. It will also require NYSED to identify how non-compliant schools will close gaps in knowledge of the Holocaust in schools.
State Sen. Anna M. Kaplan called it crucial with "antisemitism on the rise" and "Holocaust misinformation exploding around the world."
"It's never been more important that we learn the lessons of the Holocaust, and ensure our next generation knows about our history, no matter how dark or difficult the conversation may be," she added.
Another bill signed will require the New York State Department of Financial Services to maintain and update a list of financial institutions that waive wire fees associated with Holocaust reparations payments.
The last measure will require museums to disclose information on the history of stolen art pieces.
"With the history of the Holocaust being so important to pass on to the next generation, it's vital that we be transparent and ensure that anyone viewing artwork stolen by the Nazis understand where it came from and its role in history," Kaplan said.
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