A recent survey has sparked concern among Long Island residents after revealing a surprising level of doubt regarding the necessity of Holocaust education in public schools.
Conducted by McLaughlin Associates, a national research firm, the survey reached approximately 400 individuals from Nassau and Suffolk counties, which are suburban areas of Long Island, New York, situated just east of New York City. According to a report by The New York Post, nearly one-third of those surveyed expressed the opinion that Holocaust education should not be mandatory, suggesting that the Jewish community should “move on.”
In addition, the survey uncovered that around 15% of participants either believe the atrocities committed by the Nazis have been “exaggerated” or did not provide a response, as reported by the outlet.
The release of these survey results coincided with the anniversary of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp, marking a poignant moment in history.
The survey findings have prompted responses from the community. Steven Krieger, a Long Island real estate developer who contributed to the funding of the study, emphasized the broader need for increased awareness, as mentioned in The New York Post.
Steven Krieger, a Long Island real estate developer who helped fund the study, said the findings highlight a broader need for awareness, according to The New York Post.
“The survey is intended to provide a roadmap for all of us — regardless of faith or ethnicity — because indifference or ignorance of how the Holocaust occurred threatens everyone,” Krieger said.
A memorial stone with the inscription “Buchenwald” stands near the gate of the former Buchenwald concentration camp in Weimar, Thuringia, on April 12, 2026, marking the 81st anniversary of the camp’s liberation. (Martin Schutt/picture alliance)
Gloria Sesso, president of the Long Island Council for Social Studies, called the results “inconceivable,” particularly the suggestion that Jews should “move on,” The New York Post reported.
She added that dismissing the Holocaust’s relevance in education is “irresponsible” and said the findings should serve as a wake-up call for teachers.
The findings come amid ongoing concerns about antisemitic incidents.
Commemorative plaques are displayed on a railtrack leading to the former Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp site in Brzezinka near Oswiecim, Poland, during the annual March of the Living on April 14, 2026, honoring Holocaust victims. (Wojtek Radwanski/AFP)
Although Jews account for about 12% of New York City’s population, they are the targets of most hate crimes, according to the American Jewish Committee.
Between January and March, the NYPD recorded 143 hate crimes across the city, with 55% —78 incidents — directed against Jewish individuals or communities.
In January alone, 31 anti-Jewish incidents were reported, marking an 182% increase compared to the same time the previous year.
McLaughlin Associates could not be immediately reached by Fox News Digital for comment.
