‘Accurate and irrefutable’ information essential in countering Holocaust denial

The essential role of teachers in the dissemination of accurate information on the Holocaust has been stressed by the organisers of a special three-day course in Dublin starting August 19th.

“The importance of accurate and irrefutable information about the Holocaust is essential in light of burgeoning anti-Semitism and trends of Holocaust denial in parts of Europe today,” Lynn Jackson of Holocaust Education Trust Ireland said.

Ms Jackson said it was "most encouraging" to see more than 20 Irish teachers giving up their own time to attend the course, which is being organised in conjunction with the Herzog Centre in Trinity College.

As well as giving a number of lectures, Prof Robert Jan Van Pelt of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, the author of several books on the Holocaust, will give a public lecture entitled Auschwitz, the East and the Nazi Imagination at 1pm on August 21st in the Emmet Theatre, Arts Building, TCD.

Experts
The course will feature lectures, seminars and workshops led by Holocaust educators including Prof Anthony McElligott of the University of Limerick; Yiftach Meiri of the International School of Holocaust Studies in Yad Vashem; Paul Salmons of the University of London; and Dr Juliane Wetzel of the Centre for Research on Anti-Semitism in Berlin.

Teacher Peter Garry of Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Cork, will give a talk about teaching the Holocaust in the Irish classroom.

The Teaching the Holocaust course costs €295, including lunches and dinners. More information can be found at hetireland.org.