Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Michael A. Igel, chair of the Florida Commissioner's Task Force on Holocaust Education and Board Chair of The Florida Holocaust Museum, strongly denounces educators who claim there are two sides to the Holocaust.

This comes on the heels of a Florida principal being reinstated despite refusing to acknowledge the Holocaust as a historical fact, and a Texas school administrator instructing teachers to balance Holocaust education with books denying the atrocities. 

Igel issued the following statement: "There are two sides to many stories. However, some things are not up for debate. The Holocaust happened. There can be no "opposing view" of a historical fact. If anyone questions the Holocaust, we can introduce you to people who were there. To the survivors, victims and their families, this is personal. You can hear about my grandparents. They were there. You can also visit our museum or utilize our renowned educational materials where, using a portion of the more than 19,000 objects we have in our collection, we teach. It is days like this where I am reminded our work is not done, and I am glad we are here."

In his role as Chair of the Florida Commissoner's Task Force on Holocaust Education, Igel advises the Commissioner of Education on key issues pertaining to Holocaust education and helps to implement statewide Florida standards for teaching students about the Holocaust. 

Located in St. Petersburg, The Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, and one of only three nationally accredited Holocaust museums.