Reps. Khan, Waxman and Daley Introduce Holocaust and Anti-Hate Education Grant Program
Rep. Tarik Khan June 16, 2026 | 10:32 AM
HARRISBURG, June 16 — State Reps. Tarik Khan, Ben Waxman, both D-Phila., and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, have introduced legislation to establish a Holocaust and Anti-Hate Education Grant Program to help museums, cultural institutions, libraries, community organizations and schools provide educational programming focused on the Holocaust, the consequences of religious and ethnic persecution, or combating hate.
Museums, cultural institutions, libraries, community organizations and schools play a vital role in preserving the lessons of the Holocaust, educating the public about religious and ethnic persecution, and fostering respect and civility in communities.
The program would be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and would provide grants of $500 to $10,000 to support Holocaust education, instruction on religious, racial and ethnic persecution, anti-hate initiatives, educator training, educational exhibits, field trips, guest speakers and community engagement programs.
“The Holocaust stands as one of history’s most horrifying examples of evil and a reminder of where hatred and dehumanization can lead when left unchecked,” Khan said. “As antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate continue to rise, we have a responsibility to stand with communities that are feeling vulnerable and targeted. This bill creates opportunities for museums, cultural institutions, libraries, community organizations and schools to develop programming that combats hate in its many forms. This timely grant program will empower these institutions and organizations with the resources they need to meet people where they are and address and prevent hate through art, culture, education and community engagement.”
“The stories and experiences of Holocaust survivors continue to provide powerful lessons for new generations," Waxman said. "Education is one of our strongest tools for combating antisemitism and ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred, bigotry and indifference."
"We cannot assume that future generations will learn these lessons on their own," Daley said. "Museums, libraries, schools and community organizations help bring history to life and remind us why respect, civility and peace matter. This program will help strengthen those efforts across Pennsylvania."
Under the legislation, eligible entities would be able to use grant funding to develop or expand curriculum, public programming, educational initiatives, professional development opportunities, exhibits, field trips and community engagement efforts related to the Holocaust, religious, racial and ethnic persecution, and anti-hate education.
The lawmakers said the goal of the legislation is to strengthen educational opportunities across the Commonwealth, teach the lessons of the Holocaust and the consequences of religious, racial and ethnic persecution, and help build resilient communities rooted in respect, civility and peace.