Long Island Residents Express Skepticism About Holocaust Education

Survey finds nearly one-third believe Jews should 'move on' from the genocide.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:35pm

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A cinematic painting of an elderly Jewish man sitting alone on a bench in a dimly lit urban setting, the warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a melancholic, nostalgic mood that reflects the weight of the Holocaust's history.The survey's findings expose a troubling lack of understanding about the Holocaust's lasting impact on the Jewish community.NYC Today

A new survey of Long Island residents has raised alarm after finding that nearly one-third of respondents believe Holocaust education should not be mandatory and that Jewish people should 'move on' from the genocide. The poll, conducted by McLaughlin Associates, also found that around 15% of participants either believe the Nazi atrocities have been 'exaggerated' or chose not to answer.

Why it matters

The survey results highlight ongoing concerns about antisemitism and Holocaust denial, particularly in areas with large Jewish populations like Long Island. Dismissing the importance of Holocaust education threatens to erase the memory of one of history's most horrific genocides and could embolden extremist views.

The details

The survey polled around 400 residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the suburban areas of Long Island just east of New York City. It found that nearly one-third of respondents said they do not believe the Holocaust should be a mandatory part of school curricula and that Jewish people should 'move on' from the genocide. The survey also revealed that about 15% of participants either believe the Nazi atrocities have been 'exaggerated' or chose not to answer.

  • The survey was released on April 19, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp.

The players

Steven Krieger

A Long Island real estate developer who helped fund the study, said the findings highlight a broader need for awareness about the Holocaust.

Gloria Sesso

The president of the Long Island Council for Social Studies, called the survey results 'inconceivable,' particularly the suggestion that Jews should 'move on,' and said dismissing the Holocaust's relevance in education is 'irresponsible.'

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Steven Krieger, Real Estate Developer

“The findings should serve as a wake-up call for teachers.”

— Gloria Sesso, President, Long Island Council for Social Studies

What’s next

Educators and community leaders in Long Island are expected to address the survey findings and develop strategies to improve Holocaust education and awareness in the region.

The takeaway

This survey underscores the persistent threat of Holocaust denial and antisemitism, even in areas with large Jewish populations. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for robust Holocaust education to prevent the erasure of this history and the spread of extremist ideologies.