A shock survey indicates that one in five young Americans believes the Holocaust did not occur. The survey was conducted by The Economist magazine and YouGov, involving 1500 people aged 18 and over 65, and posed a series of questions about the massacre of six million Jews. Approximately 20 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 agreed with the statement “The Holocaust is a myth,” and more believe that the death toll has been exaggerated.
More young people believe the Holocaust is a myth
The findings correlate with data showing that 32 percent of this age group get their news from TikTok, where misinformation and anti-Semitism have persisted for years – the app has previously launched campaigns to combat these issues.
Universities becoming hotspots for anti-Semitism
These surveys come amid concerns that universities have become hotspots for anti-Semitism, prompting Congress to launch investigations into Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Pennsylvania after their leaders failed to condemn students calling for the extermination of Jews.
More surveys
Another survey of 1500 Americans was conducted to determine whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement “The Holocaust has been exaggerated.” Twenty-three percent of the 18 to 29 age group agreed, and 26 percent neither agreed nor disagreed.
When looking at political affiliation, 10 percent of those who identify as Democrats agreed that the Holocaust is a myth. About 6 percent of Republicans shared the same belief.
Overall, seven percent of Americans believe the Holocaust is a myth.
The effects through social media
The Economist noted that social media may play a role in this regard, citing a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2022 that showed Americans under 30 typically trust what they see on social media platforms.
The war in Gaza and its impact on the United States
These surveys come amid the war in Gaza following an unprecedented attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7, resulting in more than 1200 deaths and over 240 hostages taken. Israel responded immediately by bombing the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run health ministry stated that more than 17,700 people have been killed since October.
In response, Israel pledged to eliminate Hamas from Gaza and launched subsequent airstrikes and a ground invasion.
These surveys come just days after members of Congress introduced a bill to re-fund the federal education of the “Never Again” [Holocaust] legislation. Nevada Senator Jackie Rosen (Democrat) stated, “Failing to educate students about the seriousness and scope of the Holocaust is a disservice to its victims’ memory and to our duty to prevent such atrocities in the future.”
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