Marcell, Solomon Announce Passage of International Holocaust Remembrance Resolution, Highlight Need for Stronger Holocaust Education with Introduction of Two Bills

February 5, 2025

HARRISBURG – Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and Jared Solomon (D-Phila) announce House Resolution 22, officially recognizing Jan. 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth passed the House today. Marcell, a strong advocate for Holocaust education, emphasized that remembrance must be accompanied by action to combat rising antisemitism and Holocaust misinformation.

House Resolution 22 serves as a solemn reminder of the 6 million Jewish lives lost in the Holocaust and the countless others targeted by the Nazi regime.

“Honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day is about reaffirming our commitment to never allow such atrocities to happen again,” said Marcell. “The alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and attacks underscores the urgent need to strengthen Holocaust education in our schools so future generations understand hate and intolerance is never acceptable.”

“My great-grandparents fled the Ukraine escaping religious persecution during the pogroms,” said Solomon. “Because of their dedication to their faith and search for freedom, I can practice my Judaism with my family today. When I think of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I think about how Nazism killed 6 million Jews as an attempt to extinguish a faith, a people and a way of life. We grieve for those lives lost. And we also remember that our faith and people continue stronger than ever.”

Marcell remains committed to advancing legislation that preserves Holocaust memory, strengthens historical education and combats misinformation. To achieve that goal, she will soon introduce two bills to improve Holocaust education in Pennsylvania’s schools. The first bill would require school entities offering Holocaust instruction to publicly share their curriculum, providing transparency for parents to have confidence their children receive accurate historical education. The second bill, co-prime sponsored by Solomon, would mandate a statewide study on Holocaust curriculum and instruction every five years to assess how well schools are covering these critical lessons and identify any gaps that need to be addressed.

“Education is our most powerful tool in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred,” said Marcell. “By strengthening Holocaust instruction and confirming our schools are adequately teaching this history, we are taking proactive steps to uphold the promise of 'never again.'”

Representative Kristin Marcell
178th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
wpatterson@pahousegop.com
RepMarcell.com / Facebook.com/RepMarcell