Signs of the times

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s board room came alive Sept. 8 during a special news conference to celebrate the signing of the Holocaust-Genocide bill. The program featured Governor Gina Raimondo, who spoke on the merits of the bill and ceremonially signed it into law. Primary sponsors Sen. Gayle Goldin and Rep. Katherine Kazarian spoke about the bill along with other advocates for the legislation. With its passage by the General Assembly, and formal signing in June, middle and high school students now will be required to study the Holocaust and genocides.

For the more than 60 people attending the ceremony, there was much positive energy in the room. There was a sense of deep pride as the bill was recognized as an important achievement. During the ceremony, Herb Stern, past president of the former Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, and the chair of the Holocaust Memorial Committee, was recognized for his role in the creation of the memorial, which is located in downtown Providence.

Students will formally begin to study the Holocaust and other genocides in the 2017-2018 school year. In the meantime, members of the community will be working with the R.I. Department of Education to develop programs and curriculum.

– Marty Cooper,

Community Relations

director for the Jewish Alliance of Greater R.I.