Survey Reveals Disturbing Holocaust Denial on Long Island

Nearly a third of respondents believe Holocaust education should not be required and Jews should 'move on' from the 'exaggerated' genocide.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A close-up of a weathered, bronze Star of David sculpture, its surface textured and worn, reflecting the warm light of the sun and casting deep shadows across its form, conveying a sense of reverence and the weight of history.A somber memorial to the victims of the Holocaust stands as a reminder of the dangers of indifference and the importance of Holocaust education.NYC Today

A shocking new survey of Long Island residents has revealed that a disturbing number of Nassau and Suffolk county residents believe the Holocaust was exaggerated, with even more opposing it being a required part of school curriculum. The survey, funded by a local real estate developer, found that around 15% of respondents either believe the Nazi genocide was exaggerated or refused to answer the question, while 30% said they don't think Holocaust education should be mandatory and that Jews should 'move on'.

Why it matters

The survey's findings come at a time when antisemitism has surged to record levels nationwide, with Jewish advocates linking the trend in part to the conflation of the Israeli government's actions with Jewish people as a whole. Experts warn that the lack of Holocaust education leaves room for hateful misinformation to spread, emphasizing the vital importance of teaching these lessons to future generations to combat the growth of hatred.

The details

The survey of roughly 400 Long Islanders was conducted by national conservative pollster McLaughlin Associates. It revealed that a significant portion of Nassau and Suffolk county residents either believe the Holocaust was exaggerated or oppose it being a required part of school curriculum. The disturbing findings were released on the anniversary of the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp.

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

The players

Steven Krieger

A Long Island-based real estate developer who helped fund the study.

Gloria Sesso

The president of the Long Island Council for Social Studies, which co-sponsored the survey.

Dr. Bill Tinglin

An educator and author of the Holocaust book 'One of Humanity's Darkest Hours'.

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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

“It is inconceivable that there are those who would propose that Jews 'move on' from the Nazi's Final Solution.”

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

“The world must remember. Future generations must understand where hatred begins and what happens when it goes unchallenged — hatred grows strongest where ignorance lives.”

— Dr. Bill Tinglin, Educator and author

What’s next

Educators and community leaders across Long Island are expected to use the survey's findings as a call to action to strengthen Holocaust education and combat the spread of antisemitism and Holocaust denial in the region.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the alarming prevalence of Holocaust denial and antisemitism on Long Island, underscoring the urgent need for increased Holocaust education and awareness to prevent the growth of hatred and ignorance in the community.