Why It Matters
The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Michigan is pursuing federal funding through Community Project Funding in appropriations bills. The center is part of a broader $100 million comprehensive campaign and undertook a $31 million renovation of its permanent exhibit. Antisemitic incident data broke all previous annual records in 2024 for the fourth year in a row.
The center recently registered with Sander Lurie Consulting on July 30.
By the Numbers
Zekelman Holocaust Center spent $90,000 on lobbying over the past four quarters through DGA Group LLC. Sander Lurie is the registered lobbyist for Zekelman Holocaust Center at DGA Group LLC as well as Sander Lurie Consulting on lobbying matters for Zekelman Holocaust Center.
Broader Context
Antisemitic incidents broke all previous annual records in 2024 for the fourth year in a row, increasing 5% from 2023 to 2024. Over five years from 2019 to 2024, antisemitic incidents increased 344%. The Department of Government Efficiency used AI tools to tag Jewish-themed humanities grants as "DEI" and cancel them, including National Endowment for the Humanities grants to study violence against women during the Holocaust. A federal judge specifically called those cuts to Holocaust-related grants "troubling," citing the resurgence of antisemitism.
Community Project Funding is the modern, more transparent version of congressional earmarks. However, no Community Project Funding was awarded in fiscal year 2025 due to the passage of a Continuing Resolution rather than a comprehensive budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee has published its fiscal year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending guidance.
The Bottom Line
The center's efforts come as federal support for Holocaust education faces competing pressures and broader funding constraints.
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