New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new 19-member panel of Jewish nonprofit leaders and Holocaust remembrance organizations to facilitate the creation of a planned memorial in Albany to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime.

Hochul signed legislation last December to establish the monument on the plaza near the Statehouse in Albany. In a release disclosing the community and historical groups who will provide input on its design and message, the Democrat highlighted the spike in hate crimes targeting Jews since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

“The New York State Holocaust Memorial will be a powerful tribute to the millions of lives lost and a lasting reminder of our shared responsibility to preserve the truth of history,” Hochul said. “This memorial will ensure that the stories of victims, survivors and their families remain visible, remembered and recognized. By bringing together this distinguished advisory commission, New York is sending a clear message that we will stand firm against all efforts to sow hate and divide our communities.”

Dan Rosenthal, a former state lawmaker and current vice president of government and external relations at the UJA-Federation of New York, will also serve on the commission — and struck a similar note to the governor, whom he praised.

“At a time of rising antisemitism, it is more important than ever that we honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, recognize the survivors, and ensure that future generations understand where hatred can lead,” he said in a statement to Jewish Insider. “I look forward to working with my fellow commission members to create a meaningful place of remembrance and education.”

Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York CEO and President Rob Kovach, another member of the commission, also lauded Hochul and vowed the future site would preserve and expand awareness of the genocide of European Jews.

“A permanent Holocaust memorial in Albany will serve as a lasting tribute to the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, honor the survivors who helped build communities across New York, and provide a powerful educational resource for future generations,” Kovach said in a statement. “By creating a permanent place of remembrance at the seat of state government, New York is reaffirming its commitment to preserving Holocaust memory, combating antisemitism, and ensuring that the lessons of history remain visible and relevant for all New Yorkers.”

Members of the new body will include the Ariel Behrman, vice president of education at the Anti-Defamation League; Masha Pearl, executive director of The Blue Card, an organization that aids veterans and Holocaust survivors; Sara Fredman Aeder, executive vice president of programming at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York; Tali Farhadian, CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage; Laura Shaw Frank, the American Jewish Committee’s vice president for education; Judy Coe Rapaport, past president of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum; Ellie Kastel, executive director of the Borough Park Y; Jack Britvan, president of Voices for Truth and Humanity; Lauren Bloomberg, director of the Holocaust Education Resource Organization at the Buffalo Jewish Federation; Michael Cohen, executive vice president of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation; Monica Gebell, senior director of the Center for Advocacy and Education at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester; Millie Jasper, executive director of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center; Andrea Myer-Winograd, executive director of the Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education; Gavriel Rosenfeld, president of the Center for Jewish History; Dave Reckess, executive director of 3GNY – Descendants of Holocaust Survivors; Rochelle Saidel, executive director of Remember the Women; and Lori Weintrob, executive director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center.