Michigan House Bill HR0078

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Passed: 4/20/23

Caption

A resolution to declare April 16-22, 2023, as Holocaust Memorial Week in the state of Michigan.

Impact

This resolution calls for reflection on the moral and ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies, encouraging education regarding genocide and the dangers of hatred and intolerance. It fits within a broader legislative framework established by Michigan's PA 170 of 2016, which mandates educational curricula focusing on the Holocaust and similar historical atrocities. This educational focus aims to cultivate tolerance and acceptance among Michigan's increasingly diverse population, ensuring the lessons of the past are communicated to future generations.

Summary

House Resolution No. 78 proposes the declaration of April 16-22, 2023, as Holocaust Memorial Week in the State of Michigan. The resolution emphasizes the importance of never forgetting the Holocaust, which was marked by the systematic persecution and extermination of six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945. The resolution seeks to ensure that the memories of this tragic period are honored, and it commemorates the many other groups who suffered under Nazi oppression, including various religious, political, ethnic, and cultural minorities.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the resolution have highlighted ongoing issues with anti-Semitism and prejudice in the United States, as indicated by recent reports on hate crimes targeting Jewish communities. In Michigan, there are documented incidents of anti-Semitic behavior, including the distribution of hate literature and vandalism of Jewish property. By declaring a Holocaust Memorial Week, the resolution aims to address these current issues and foster a communal commitment to combating anti-Semitism and upholding values of inclusivity and understanding.