New Study Reveals Alarming Gaps in Holocaust Knowledge Among Young Adults Globally

January 23, 2025

NEW YORK, NY—The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) has unveiled the first-ever Eight-Country Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Index, highlighting troubling gaps in Holocaust awareness and understanding, particularly among young adults. Conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, France, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Romania, the findings point to a critical need for enhanced Holocaust education to combat misinformation and historical amnesia.

Key findings include:

  • Widespread Knowledge Gaps: Many respondents in all countries were unaware that 6 million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, with significant portions estimating the number to be 2 million or fewer.
  • Concerns About Repetition: A majority in nearly all surveyed nations expressed concerns that something like the Holocaust could happen again.
  • Strong Support for Education: Respondents overwhelmingly agreed on the importance of Holocaust education to prevent future atrocities and foster historical understanding.

The survey underscores the urgency of programs like the Poland Personally Study Seminar, organized by Classrooms Without Borders (CWB). This transformative educational program is made possible with assistance from the Claims Conference, supported by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future, and the German Federal Ministry of Finance. By immersing educators in historical sites and survivor testimony, the program equips them to share authentic narratives about the Holocaust with their students and communities.

A Call to Action

With a majority of respondents supporting Holocaust education as a means to combat hate and ignorance, this index serves as a clarion call for educators, policymakers, and communities worldwide to prioritize teaching about the Holocaust. As one respondent noted, “Understanding history is the key to ensuring it is never repeated.”

Click to find out more information about the Eight-Country Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Index or to learn more about CWB’s Poland Personally Study Seminar, visit CWB’s website

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