The survey discovered a decline in Holocaust education among young people in the nations most directly affected by the atrocities
January 23, 2025 12:39
ByJC Reporter, Jewish News Syndicate
A groundbreaking eight-country study on Holocaust knowledge has revealed alarming gaps in awareness, particularly among young adults.
The comprehensive survey, conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, spanned a selection of nations most prominently involved on the Second World War’s Western front – the United States, England, France, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary and Romania
Researchers found that 76 per cent of American adults believe another Holocaust could happen today, marking the highest percentage among surveyed nations.
But 48 per cent of US respondents were unable to name any of the concentration camps that carried out the industrialised murder of six million Jews.
Indeed, “substantial portions” of those asked across all countries were unaware that of the six million figure.
In France, the study revealed a striking knowledge gap, with 46 per cent of young adults aged 18-29 indicating they had not heard of the Holocaust or were unsure if they had heard of it. Similar concerning trends emerged in Romania (15 per cent), Austria (14 per cent) and Germany (12 per cent).
"The alarming gaps in knowledge, particularly among younger generations, highlight an urgent need for more effective Holocaust education," said Claims Conference President Gideon Taylor. "The fact that a significant number of adults cannot identify basic facts—such as the six million Jews who perished—is deeply concerning."
Claims Conference Executive Vice President Greg Schneider emphasized the critical timing of these findings.
"With the Holocaust survivor population rapidly declining, we are at a critical and irreversible crossroads. Survivors, our most powerful educators, will not be with us much longer—and this Index is a stark warning that without urgent and sustained action, the history and lessons of the Holocaust risk slipping into obscurity."
Holocaust denial also remains a pressing concern, with 45 per cent of Hungarian respondents and 44 per cent of American respondents reporting that denial is common in their countries. Social media platforms have become a significant vector for Holocaust denial, with 47 per cent of Polish adults encountering denial or distortion online.
However, despite these challenges, the study revealed strong support for Holocaust education. Across all surveyed countries, more than 90 per cent of adults believe it is important to continue teaching about the Holocaust.
The US showed the highest support for Holocaust education in schools at 95 per cent, followed by Poland at 93 per cent.
The survey was conducted in November, 2023 and interviewed a sample of 1,000 adults from each country.