Above: Gottheimer highlighting the importance of holocaust education.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer highlighted the importance of Holocaust education at a special early preview of White Bird, a movie that shares the story of Sara, a Jewish woman who reveals her story of courage during WWII while escaping Nazi-occupied France. Gottheimer highlighted his Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act which has 180 cosponsors in the House and will highlight states and school districts that require or do not require Holocaust education within their curriculum, whether or not Holocaust education is merely optional, and identify the standards and requirements schools require on this education.

“With fewer survivors left to share their stories, and with distortion and denial rising, Holocaust education and awareness is now more important than ever. We must all be dedicated to doing our parts to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a phrase, but a reality,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We cannot — and we must not — ever ignore the stunning rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial — across Europe, around the world, and increasingly, here at home in the United States.”

Gottheimer was joined by White Bird book author Raquel Jaramillo Palacio, movie Director Marc Forster, USC Shoah Foundation Director of Education and Outreach Lesly Culp, producer Todd Lieberman, and Former Washington Post Education Reporter Valerie Strauss.

Below: Gottheimer at the preview of White Bird.

###