Germany and the United States have made significant progress in their dialogue on Holocaust issues. The ongoing conversation aims to combat the rise of Holocaust denial and distortion and
contribute to a world where knowledge about the Holocaust is abundant, fact-based, and serves as a foundation for addressing current challenges at an early stage.
The dialogue participants, which include the U.S. State Department, the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, have made progress in three areas.
Firstly, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, a partnership of the U.S. Defense Department and the German Federal Ministry of Defense, has incorporated Holocaust studies into its applied security studies program permanently. Over 100 senior military and civilian officials from more than 30 countries attended the pilot module in 2022, designed to help professionals apply lessons from the Holocaust to their work of protecting life and democratic principles in a multinational context.
Secondly, the U.S. State Department conducted a landmark study of online Holocaust denial and distortion across 12 languages. The German Federal Foreign Office is now conducting a complementary study on the same topic. The two studies will contribute to a solid, quantitative base from which to develop policy recommendations.
Thirdly, participants in the dialogue have addressed attempts to rehabilitate and heroize Holocaust war criminals, with plans for a study on the topic. Discussions are also ongoing about the Marshall Center potentially creating a program on the history of the Holocaust in Ukraine.
The dialogue seeks to counter the dangerous development of Holocaust denial and distortion, which undermines freedom, democracy, and security. It also aims to promote an understanding of the Holocaust that is based on facts and serves as a foundation for addressing current challenges.
This collaboration between Germany and the United States is critical in educating the public and countering the spread of misinformation and hateful ideologies. By working together and developing policy recommendations, these two nations are demonstrating their commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that future generations never forget the atrocities committed during that dark period in history.
In conclusion, the progress made in the dialogue between Germany and the United States on Holocaust issues is a significant step towards combating the rise of Holocaust denial and distortion.
The incorporation of Holocaust studies into the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies program, the landmark study of online Holocaust denial and distortion, and the planned study on the rehabilitation of Holocaust war criminals are all crucial steps in educating the public and countering hateful ideologies. The ongoing collaboration between these two nations serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that it is never forgotten. Photo by Mark Fosh from Watford, UK, Wikimedia commons.