Toronto (November 10, 2023) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) commends the Government of Alberta for its decision to mandate Holocaust education in schools.

According to a news release issued today, Alberta Education said it will “work with partners in the education and Jewish communities” to explore where the Holocaust and its historical and contemporary significance should be covered in the social studies curriculum.

“We applaud the Government of Alberta for joining Ontario and B.C. in mandating Holocaust education in schools,” said FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt. “Sadly, we are witnessing a decline in knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust among young people, and the best way to ensure their understanding of the dangers of hate is by making Holocaust education compulsory. This education is needed now more than ever, as we see an extreme uptick in antisemitism across the country.”