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| You are here: 2000 / Workshops, Panels and Seminars / Panel 1: Holocaust Education - Where Are We Going? / Report from Panel 1 on Holocaust Education - Where Are We Going? | |||||||||
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Report from Panel 1 on Holocaust Education - Where Are We Going? Presentation by Mr. Ben Helfgott Presentation by Dr. Samuel Pisar Presentation by Mrs. Hédi Fried Presentation by Dr. Dalia Ofer Presentation by Dr. William L. Shulman Presentation by Mr. Stuart E. Eizenstat Report from Panel 1 on Holocaust Education - Where Are We Going? Report from Panel I: “Holocaust Education – Where are we going?” Chair: Dr Vera King Farris
The panel on the future of Holocaust education brought together participants from various backgrounds and with different perspectives. Three panellists were survivors of the Holocaust, three were academics and three were policy makers. This introductory panel touched upon all three aspects of the conference: the pressing need for education; the necessity for the past to be a part of our present and future to aid remembrance; and the role of researchers in finding ways and means. Presenters: Mr. Ben Helfgott Mr. Samuel Pisar Mrs. Hédi Fried Prof. Dalia Ofer Dr. William Shulman Senator Willi Lemke Mr. Stuart Eizenstat Mr. Michael Melchior Prof. Yehuda Bauer After initials comment from chairperson Dr Vera King Farris about the need to ensure that the technological progress of the past centuries is followed by a corresponding advance within the field of humanism, Mr Samuel Pisar presented the views of a survivor. Mr Pisar noted that the Holocaust compounds both the worst and the most positive and heroic aspects of humanity and human actions, and observed that the unthinkable unfortunately is possible. He enumerated the most severe crimes to humanity of the 20th century: the misdeeds against Armenians, Jews, Romas, Tutsis, Chechens and others. Mr Pisar noted that the last survivors are disappearing and that we will soon have to rely on researchers and novelist or, at worst, on falsifiers and revisionists. He underlined that the perpetrators have escaped punishment in a most shameless way. Finally, Samuel Pisar proposed a future dedication to a new humanism rooted in ethical values and the promotion of the ethical imperative. Mr. Ben Helfgott noted that the Holocaust was the result of human attitudes and human acts and not an act of cruelty that took place outside the realm of humanity. He underlined the power of examples in passing on attitudes such as tolerance, harmony and respect. He described how his father, by treating a tough employer generously ensured that this employer saved him from the Holocaust. Mr. Helfgott furthermore emphasised that constant vigilance and reminders are necessary and that lessons can be forgotten between generations. Since the Holocaust was a result of the misuse of modern technologies, he proposed that measures should be taken in order to redress the gap between morality and the success of technology. The third survivor, Mrs. Hédi Fried noted that in 1945 no one would have thought that there would ever be a need for a conference such as this. And in 1995 nobody would have believed that it would happen. Nevertheless, she stated, we are here today in order to take the first step towards breaking the silence. Mrs Fried underlined that there is an urgent need to open the discussions among survivors and perpetrators, and that all states ought to tell their stories. Prejudice is the root of evil and respect for humanity is the core of society. There are, however, no cruel people, just cruel acts. Mrs. Fried concluded by appealing to all participants and governments to open their doors to refugees from all over the world, otherwise there would be a need for a similar conference in 50 years. It was noted that the voices of survivors have been heard, and that we have accepted the legacy and responsibility of teaching the lessons to coming generations. The mass killings that occured will always be part of the human experience of the 20th century. It was underlined that the suffering of the Jews is the suffering of all, and that we must be strong enough to bear this burden. The leaders of today were urged to be examples to the next generation, to show compassion and to teach young people the lessons of the past. It was furthermore proposed that we must be prepared to intervene and to reflect on questions such as “when is their suffering ours?”, “when do we intervene?” and “when should we pass laws about qualifications for citizenship?”. Another advocate of the power of the concrete examples was Prof. Dalia Ofer, who noted that there is a need to personalise history in order not to forget the individuals and their stories. If we are able to connect these stories to the general history of the war and to the political structure and ideology of the time, we may find ways to live with the paradox and achieve educational goals. She underlined, as had previous speakers, that the Holocaust belongs within the domain of human behaviour and that all actors were human beings, even when their actions were morally indefensible. A severe problem is the fact that Hitler succeeded in most his cruel ambitions and that the Holocaust did not end with the triumph of good over evil. Prof. Ofer proposed that teachers must encourage their students to act, to take responsibility and to promote human rights and tolerance. Dr. William Shulman noted that although there are more organisations, education programmes, museums and resource centres than ever devoted to the memory of the Holocaust, this bright picture is over-shadowed by a number of problems. Dr. Shulman underlined that there is a lack of adequate funding and of long-term commitment to adequate funding at every level of Holocaust education. This problematic situation is intensified by the shortage of funds available for purchasing necessary material, especially since the time when it is possible to bring survivors to the classes soon is gone. Dr. Shulman drew attention to the impact of media and the internet, a development which has forced teachers not only to teach factual history but also to correct the misinformation and distortions now spreading. As a representative of the policymakers, Senator Lemke noted the requirement to remind every generation of the cruelty directed not only towards the Jews but also towards political prisoners, disabled, homosexuals and other groups. He underlined that the demand that the Holocaust may never happen again is of prime importance in education, that there is a new imperative to prevent the re-occurance of such cruelties and that history must act as an influence on the present and future. Senator Lemke stressed that previous attempts have not been sufficient and suggested that more research ought to be done and that the new media should be utilized. Mr Stuart Eizenstat underlined that there is a duty to teach the Holocaust, since it should be part of the knowledge of all students and a memory that must be passed on to coming generations. An understanding of fairness and tolerance should be included in all education and the enemies of such values must know that their actions will be met by forceful resistance. Mr Eizenstat stressed that education and remembrance requires openness, and proposed that all archives should be opened and said that there was no acceptable excuse for not doing so. The Stockholm declaration should include a commitment to the opening of archives. Minister Michael Melchior noted that improvements in education are improvements to the world, and that by failing to teach the Holocaust we were bowing to the perpetrators. The fight against perpetrators and deniers must continue using the tools of education, facts, truth and research. Mr. Melchior underlined the need to pay attention to humanity and human suffering, as well as the issue of how the Holocaust could happen. He stressed the broader context of relations between peoples and the breakdown of civilisation, values and cultures. Furthermore, he drew attention to the fact that 170 million individuals have been murdered for ideological and political ends (i.e. four times more than the death toll on the battlefields). Melchior proposed a greater focus on the survivors, on the Jewish faith and culture as a part of their heritage and identity, and the role of democracy as a promoter of human rights. Prof. Yehuda Bauer summarised the main points of the panel’s discussion. First, education about the Holocaust must be characterised by humility and openness. We must never think we have all the answers and there is an absolute need to respect the thoughts and words of the survivors. Second, the story must be told with tremendous care in order to avoid misuse of its messages. Third, evil is never banal and we must never educate by talking of the banality of cruelty. Finally, this conference is a unique and momentous achievement, and that the Stockholm declaration should be a catalyst to dialogue, commitment and action. Some additional thoughts and conclusions were made by Prof. Bauer. The Holocaust must be seen as an unimaginably cruel yet conscious act within the field of human experience. The responsibility lies with us all as individuals and members of society, both for what was done and, equally importantly, what was not done, and to ensure that history will not be repeated. Since the last survivors of the Holocaust are disappearing, there is a need to find new ways of educating, for example by telling the stories of the individual tragedies – and those of courage and compassion – to coming generations. In order to further strengthen education, research and remembrance, every story must be told, and all archives must be opened. He closed by proposing that we add three ”new commandments”. To quote him, ”Thou shall not be a perpetrator. Thou shall not be a victim and thou shall never, ever be a bystander.” This proposal was met by an emotional response from the audience. To end on a more positive note, all participants praised Prime Minister Göran Persson and Sweden for this initiative and there was a complete consensus about the need for and importance of this conference. Ragnar Ängeby & Jessica Olausson >> Back to top |
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Introduction Opening Session: Messages and speeches Plenary Sessions: Messages and speeches Workshops, Panels and Seminars
Other Activities |
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| For information about this production and the Stockholm International Forum Conference Series please go to www.humanrights.gov.se or contact Information Rosenbad, SE-103 33 Stockholm, Sweden | |||||||||