OJC | Holocaust and Genocide Memorial & Education Commission

Representative Angie King (R-Celina)

Representative Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Twp.)

Representative Tavia Galonski (D-Akron)

Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.)

Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton)

Representative Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.)

Representative Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.)

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"Given the heightened tensions in our nation, I believe now more than ever we need to help educate the next generations about how horrors like the Holocaust can be perpetrated by even the most civilized and sophisticated people," said Rulli. "We know that simply pledging to never forget is not enough as sadly, genocide continues to this day. My hope is that Ohio's youth will become enlightened as a result of this legislation to avoid such atrocities from ever happening again."

Read Senator Rulli's full statement here.

Rulli Introduces Bill Creating the Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission

September 29, 2020

"This bill, led by Senator Rulli, and so many bipartisan co-sponsors, will help leverage Ohio’s schools, teachers, and community resources to teach this critical history. Ohio Jewish Communities and our member federations commend Sen. Rulli for his leadership. We are ready to work with the General Assembly and Gov. DeWine to make this commission a reality.”

Howie Beigelman, Executive Director, Ohio Jewish Communities

“The lack of Holocaust knowledge today is glaring. Not only are neo- Nazi groups increasingly active but recent research confirms that basic facts about the Holocaust are unknown by far too many while others are misappropriating lessons of the Holocaust,"

Holocaust & Humanity Center's mission of ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today is aligned with the goals of the Commission, and we look forward to leveraging our resources in support of its work. With reports of antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise in our state and knowledge of the Holocaust in decline, we must prioritize Holocaust education and remembrance in Ohio now."

Sarah Weiss, CEO Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center

"Sen. Rulli's leadership in spearheading the Holocaust & Genocide Memorial and Education Commission is deeply appreciated as the lessons of the Holocaust are needed now more than ever. We know that simply pledging to never forget is not enough as sadly, genocide continues to this day. The

diligently to get firsthand knowledge of the Holocaust into area schools. But with Ohio ranking 32nd in the nation on Holocaust knowledge, there’s clearly more work to do. Our community, like others statewide, can be one of the partners envisioned by the legislation and we are ready to do our part to make sure teachers have the tools and skills they need to convey such history to their students.”

Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, Executive Director, Community Relations/Government Affairs, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

“The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is proud of Sen. Rulli’s leadership - but also Sen. O’Brien’s cosponsorship that signals our local Mahoning Valley delegation’s bipartisan support for this vital legislation. Our Federation places a high degree of importance on Holocaust educational initiatives. We work

Community Supporters

Ohio Jewish Communities

JewishColumbus/JewishColumbus Jewish Community Relations Council

The Simon Weisenthal Center

National Council of Jewish Women

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism - Ohio

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

Agudath Israel of America, Ohio Region

Facing History and Ourselves

Jewish Federation of Cleveland

Canton Jewish Community Federation

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton/ Dayton Jewish Community Relations Council

The Negev Foundation

Jewish Community Board of Akron

Jewish Community Relations Council, part of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo

AJC Cincinnati (American Jewish Committee) AJC Cleveland (American Jewish Committee)

HADASSAH, The Women's Zionist Organization of America

Kol Israel Foundation

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center

View the full bill here

Testimony

On December 1 and 8, 2020, national and statewide Jewish organizations and the Ohio History Connection gave proponent testimony on SB372 to the Ohio Senate Finance Committee. Click here for quotes and links to full testimony.

Anti-Defamation League

Ohio History Connection

Bill Containing Holocaust & Genocide Memorial & Education Commission Passes

Late Thursday night, the Conference Committee on the Capital Budget amended SB 372, the legislation creating the Ohio Holocaust & Genocide Memorial & Education Commission, into the bill. The House passed it around 1 am Friday just before adjourning. Friday, the Senate took up the bill and likewise passed it.

The bill passed each chamber overwhelmingly, passing 77-7 in House and 29-0 in the Senate.

View the full bill here

December 20, 2020