Van Zandt and Simmons Advocate for Jewish History Education

In a recent event hosted by angel investor Richard Clareman in Brentwood, renowned musicians Steven Van Zandt and Gene Simmons engaged a gathering of approximately 120 individuals in a discussion centered around Jewish heritage. This gathering was part of a moderated conversation for TeachRock, Van Zandt’s nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing education through music. The evening marked the launch of TeachRock’s “Amplifying Jewish Heritage” series, which aims to develop educational resources highlighting the contributions of Jewish musicians to American history.

The event, moderated by film financier and producer Gary Gilbert, came at a pivotal time as antisemitism has surged in the United States following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Van Zandt expressed a pressing concern about the current climate of hate, stating, “I’ve never seen antisemitism like this in my lifetime. It’s horrifying what’s going on.” He emphasized the need for education to combat this rising tide, underscoring the importance of teaching students the significant cultural contributions of Jewish people across various domains, including music and Broadway.

TeachRock’s executive director, Bill Carbone, further articulated the organization’s mission, explaining that their approach makes American history education more inclusive by focusing on personal stories. “Students don’t just learn about immigration—they experience it through Irving Berlin’s journey,” he noted, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in education. Through this method, TeachRock aims to counteract ignorance before it can evolve into hatred.

Van Zandt also highlighted the educational benefits of music, stating, “Studies show that people who take music class do better in math and science.” He emphasized the necessity of engaging students in meaningful ways, arguing that “testing is not teaching.” The goal is to inspire students through innovative educational practices that capture their attention and foster a love for learning.

Simmons, drawing from his personal history, recalled his mother’s experiences in the Dachau concentration camp, reinforcing the message that the lessons of the past are crucial in preventing the repetition of history. He explained, “Antisemitism is one domino that connects to the next domino. If we’re not careful, history repeats itself.” This sentiment echoed through the evening, as both musicians shared their own immigrant backgrounds, illustrating the importance of cultural integration while preserving heritage.

TeachRock, which has reached over one million students through 80,000 educators since its inception in 2002, has been providing free online resources to educators since 2013. The organization aims to facilitate the integration of popular music into the classroom, making learning more relatable and engaging.

The next event in the “Amplifying Jewish Heritage” series is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This event promises performances from Van Zandt’s Disciples of Soul band, along with other artists like Jesse Malin and Darlene Love, continuing the mission of celebrating and educating through music.

As the urgency of the moment grows, initiatives like TeachRock play a vital role in fostering understanding and appreciation of Jewish history, combating antisemitism, and ensuring that the stories of resilience and creativity are passed down to future generations.