The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga released the following statement regarding the decision in McMinn County to ban a Holocaust book.
"The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga is disappointed by the McMinn County School Board's decision to remove an important work and resource about the Holocaust, 'Maus', from its curriculum. It is imperative that we teach our children about the Holocaust in age-appropriate ways, as outlined in Tennessee's state standards for Holocaust education. At a time of rising antisemitism, we must be particularly vigilant so that nothing like the Holocaust can ever happen again."
"On International Holocaust Memorial Day, in particular, we must redouble our efforts to ensure the crimes of the Nazi regime are never forgotten," said Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga Executive Director Michael Dzik. "We are in the process of reaching out to the McMinn County School Board and look forward to discussing this issue with them in hopes that they will reconsider their decision."
Mr. Dzik continued by saying, “The Jewish Federation looks forward to sharing many local and regional Holocaust resources with the McMinn County School Board including Whitwell Paperclips Project, One Clip at a Time, Tennessee Holocaust Commission, and Facing History and Ourselves, to name a few. We recognize that the Holocaust topic is challenging and difficult but one that is essential in creating informed, educated, caring and thoughtful communities.”
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga works diligently to educate and fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. It creates partnerships with civic, business and faith communities to build understanding and respect for all.