Steven Van Zandt and Gene Simmons Advocate for Jewish History Education

Longtime musician and activist Steven Van Zandt and Gene Simmons, famed frontman of the rock band Kiss, recently gathered at a private event in Brentwood, California, to advocate for Jewish history education. Hosted by angel investor Richard Clareman, the discussion aimed to raise funds for TeachRock, Van Zandt’s nonprofit organization dedicated to integrating music into education. This gathering was the inaugural event in TeachRock’s “Amplifying Jewish Heritage” series, moderated by film financier Gary Gilbert.

The urgency of this initiative has intensified following a notable rise in antisemitism in the United States, particularly after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas in Israel. Van Zandt emphasized the critical need for education to counteract the current climate of hate. “I’ve never seen antisemitism like this in my lifetime,” he stated. He urged attendees to recognize the importance of historical awareness to prevent the repetition of past atrocities.

TeachRock aims to create curriculum resources that highlight the significant contributions of Jewish musicians to American culture. Van Zandt noted, “The vast contribution to our culture from the Jewish people — from Broadway to songwriting to the music industry at large — is enormously significant.” He underscored that the educational approach must be engaging, stating, “We try to cover the waterfront when it comes to education, grabbing students’ limited attention bandwidth with whatever means possible.”

In the discussion, Bill Carbone, executive director of TeachRock, articulated the organization’s mission to make American history more inclusive and relatable. He explained that students will not only learn about Jewish history but also engage with real stories, such as that of Irving Berlin and Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch. “By teaching students to see Jewish Americans as complex, creative, resilient individuals, we’re combating antisemitism at its root,” Carbone stated.

Van Zandt further elaborated on the transformative power of music education. He pointed out that studies indicate students who participate in music classes perform better in subjects like math and science. “Testing is not teaching. We need to truly teach the important work of our history to these kids so that they have the right tools to ensure our future is the right one,” he said.

Simmons contributed to the conversation by recalling his mother’s harrowing experiences in the Dachau concentration camp, using it as a poignant reminder of the importance of education in preventing history from repeating itself. He remarked, “Antisemitism is one domino that connects to the next domino. If we’re not careful, history repeats itself.”

Both musicians shared personal stories of their immigrant backgrounds, reinforcing the idea that understanding diverse cultures is essential. Van Zandt reflected on how his family assimilated into American society while maintaining their heritage, emphasizing that education serves as a crucial bridge between cultures.

Since its establishment in 2002, TeachRock has reached over one million students through a network of 80,000 educators across all 50 states. The organization has made its resources freely accessible online since 2013, allowing educators to incorporate popular music into their classrooms effectively.

Looking ahead, TeachRock’s next event is scheduled for October 26, 2023, at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This gathering will feature performances by Van Zandt’s band, the Disciples of Soul, along with artists such as Jesse Malin and Darlene Love, continuing the mission to promote education through the power of music.

As the conversation around antisemitism and historical education evolves, initiatives like those spearheaded by Van Zandt and Simmons are crucial in fostering a more inclusive and informed society.