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Bill

H 5496

Yom Hashoah

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

South Carolina establishes Yom Hashoah as an official state observance day to commemorate the Holocaust and promote historical awareness and education.

Introduced and adopted
0
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Bill Summary · H 5496

Legislative bill overview

H 5496 establishes Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) as an official observance day in South Carolina. The bill recognizes the Jewish holiday commemorating the Holocaust and encourages educational awareness and remembrance activities throughout the state.

Why is this important

Official state recognition of Holocaust remembrance serves an educational function by ensuring public awareness of historical atrocities and their lessons. It also provides symbolic recognition to Holocaust survivors and descendants, while potentially influencing school curricula and public institutions to incorporate Holocaust education.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious observance vs. secular commemoration: Some may question whether state government should officially recognize days tied to specific religious traditions, or argue this should remain a cultural rather than official observance
  • Precedent for other commemorations: The bill could prompt requests for similar official recognition of other historical traumas or religious/cultural observances, raising questions about how many observance days a state should maintain
  • Implementation and enforcement: Unclear whether the designation is merely symbolic or carries requirements for schools, government offices, or public institutions to participate in specific ways

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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