Fact vs Fiction, Why Can’t We Tell the Difference?

56 members of Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Pablo Picasso was a brilliant artist. The adult human body has 206 bones. Israel is the most beautiful country in the world. 6 million Jews perished in the Holocaust. 

If one has a problem discerning the two opinions above from the three facts — and I believe that they do — we have a massive issue on our hands.

As a society, we don’t question whether World War II occurred. We don’t think the War of 1812 was imagined. We don’t debate the French Revolution as fiction. These events that occurred as history were memorialized in photos, books, films and through first-hand accounts. They are taught as part of curriculums in high schools, colleges and universities across the world. The Holocaust, although it has been memorialized in the same ways, is not being treated the same way. 

This is happening across the country and specifically in my backyard. Schools in my county where I personally know teachers, students and administrators have teachers, students and administrators who deny the existence of the Holocaust. At Spanish River Community High School, former Principal William Latson said – in a crushing blow to Jews across the globe, “I can’t say the Holocaust is factual.” When someone in a position of power makes such a remark, the results are exponentially damaging and far-reaching.  It demonstrates a systemic problem not only in our school system but in society as a whole.

What can we do to change that?

We need to have a zero tolerance for anyone – whether they work in the school system or not (but especially if they do) that cannot freely and easily state that the Holocaust is a fact.  And through Southern NCSY, we will do this.  We are doing this. Not next week or next month, but today. Our Jewish Student Union runs clubs in 60 high schools throughout our region (including Spanish River Community High School) and that list continues to grow. We welcome any student into these clubs regardless of religion. With the generous support of a passionate group of visionaries, we have become a valuable Holocaust education resource for school districts in our region and beyond. 

We have a plethora of unique and engaging educational resources that are being made available to any school who simply asks for them. Currently, we are bringing a virtual tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau – a look inside two of the most infamous Nazi death camps – to high school students. A virtual tour so comprehensive that they will feel as if they are touring in person. If we have to go school to school and door to door to make the availability of this program known, we will. 

The great Jewish sage Hillel stated, “ If not now, when?”.  There’s a valid sense of urgency to take action right now. Now is the time for responses and plans, not words and empty promises. Whether you are Jewish or not, it’s time to stand up for history, for those who are discriminated against and for peace over hatred.