01 July 2024
Yad Vashem's International Institute for Holocaust Education is proud to announce the upcoming International Educational Conference. The four-day long conference, entitled "Holocaust Education in a Global Context," will take place on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem from July 1-4, 2024. Attending the conference are some 150 Holocaust educators from approximately 40 countries around the world.
This prestigious conference is the first of its kind since the October 7th Massacre in Southern Israel and aims to highlight the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance in our post-October 7th world. Additionally, as Holocaust remembrance enters a new stage in preparation for a future without survivors, we are poised with new challenges.
"Holocaust education faces unprecedented challenges in our modern world," says Dr. Gilad Olstein, Director of Yad Vashem's International Institute for Holocaust Education and head of the International Conference. "This gathering of over 150 educators is not only a testament to the global dedication to Holocaust education, but also an opportunity to discuss these challenges and best equip these educators with the latest tools, methodologies, and resources to effectively teach the Holocaust." Through a series of in-depth workshops, lectures, and discussions, the participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to combat antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and historical inaccuracies.
The conference is divided into four parts – "The Kehila": The Jewish Community in a World Crisis; Holocaust in a Global Context; Holocaust Education and New Media and finally "When Antisemitism Challenges Holocaust Education". These topics formulate how relevant and poignant this dialogue is today. Released hostage Liat Atzili, a Yad Vashem Guide and Holocaust educator, whose husband was murdered by Hamas terrorist on October 7th, will address the conference participants in a special session on the second day.
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan emphasized the significance of the conference in the current global climate, stating:
"At a time when antisemitism is exploding around the world, we are seeing more and more rampant Holocaust distortion and inversion in mainstream society. This conference is not just a meeting of the minds of educators, who are charged with teaching the Holocaust to our younger generations. It is a message of unwavering commitment to history and a signal to our educational leaders that Holocaust education is essential not only for imparting knowledge and awareness but also as a crucial tool for fostering a more tolerant and open society."
Yad Vashem's International Institute for Holocaust Education has long been at the forefront of Holocaust education, providing comprehensive programs and resources for teachers and students worldwide. This conference is yet another step in the Institute's ongoing efforts to promote accurate and meaningful Holocaust education.
