Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to establish a state-sponsored Holocaust memorial at the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany. The new site is intended to honor victims and survivors of the Holocaust, while also serving as an educational resource about the dangers of antisemitism, racism, and intolerance.
“With the first ever state-sponsored Holocaust Memorial, we are honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust while ensuring that all visitors have a place to remember and reflect on what the Jewish community has endured,” Governor Hochul said. “New York has zero tolerance for hate of any kind, and with this memorial, we reaffirm our commitment to rooting out antisemitism and ensuring a peaceful and thriving future for all.”
The legislation (S5784/A7614) assigns responsibility for designing, programming, and locating the New York Holocaust Memorial on Empire State Plaza to the Office of General Services (OGS). This addition will join other commemorative sites at the plaza that encourage reflection on societal issues.
Jeanette Moy, Commissioner of OGS, stated: “OGS is proud to care for and maintain the memorials at the Empire State Plaza that honor New Yorkers. This new memorial dedicated to victims of the Holocaust will not only ensure their memory lives on, but will also serve as a permanent reminder of our collective responsibility to stand against injustice and intolerance in our state.”
State Senator Patricia Fahy commented: “When we say, ‘Never Again’, we need to act in order for those words to have meaning. Creating a dedicated Holocaust Memorial where survivors, family members, and our broader community can gather to reflect and remember will memorialize the six million Jews and millions of others who died at the hands of Nazism, fascism, and the Banality of Evil. Intolerance and prejudice only persist and spread when good people stand by and do nothing, and this Memorial cements New York’s and the Capital Region’s commitment to combatting hate wherever it may hide. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing my legislation with Assemblymember Romero into law and for ensuring New York State is a place where people of all backgrounds are welcome, supported, and protected.”
Assemblymember Gabriella Romero added: “As the sponsor of this legislation, I am deeply proud to help bring this memorial to life. At a time when hate is rising, New York must choose clarity—and with this bill, we choose remembrance, education, and action. This memorial ensures that the stories of courage, loss, and resilience are permanently woven into the civic life of our Capital City. I’m grateful to the survivors, advocates, and Speaker Heastie for making this possible, and I remain committed to building a future rooted in dignity, safety, and justice for all.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III noted: “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and to my colleagues Assemblymember Gabriella Romero and Senator Pat Fahy for shepherding it through the process. History remains one of our greatest educators, and it is both right and just that the New York State Holocaust Memorial will be located here in the Capital City. This memorial will stand as a solemn tribute to the millions of lives lost… It will also serve as a powerful reminder … ensuring that the sins of the past are never repeated.”
Dan Dembling from Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial said: “Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial Inc. is deeply grateful … We commend Senator Fahy … Since our organization’s founding by Dr. Michael Lozman we have been dedicated … At this time when antisemitism is so high … As envisioned … helping educate people about consequences … inspire New Yorkers … working together with OGS in planning … vitally important landmark.”
The creation of this memorial builds on several recent initiatives by Governor Hochul aimed at fighting bias crimes across New York State. In her FY26 Enacted Budget she secured $35 million for grants under Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC), supporting organizations vulnerable because of their mission or beliefs.
Under Hochul’s leadership,New York implemented America’s first statewide plan targeting antisemitism specifically; she also directed the Division of Human Rights to create a Hate & Bias Prevention Unit focused on combating discrimination within communities statewide.
Most recently,legislation was signed requiring every college campus in New York State appoint Title VI coordinators tasked with addressing discrimination issues among students.
