Stefania Manca’s Post

The United Nations designates today, January 27, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as it marks the day Auschwitz was liberated. It’s a time to pause to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our commitment to education, remembrance, and the fight against all hatred. At Nova Southeastern University, we are proud to be one of the few universities in the country with a permanent Holocaust Museum on our campus - the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum. One of its most extraordinary exhibits is Dimensions in Testimony, an interactive experience with groundbreaking technology that allows students and visitors to engage in real-time conversations with hologram-like images of Holocaust survivors, asking questions and receiving responses as if speaking to them face-to-face. Through this immersive experience, history is preserved not just in words but in first-person narratives, ensuring that future generations can learn from those who lived through these unimaginable events. The exhibit serves as a powerful reminder that education and remembrance are key to combating intolerance and fostering a more just and compassionate world for all. If you have a chance to watch this video know that it is Pinchas Gutter, a survivor of five Nazi concentration camps. Even after losing his entire family and everything he had, it was amazing hearing him, in his own voice and speaking his own thoughts (through more than 1500 interview questions he answered) share such a powerful message of tolerance and hope. It’s a message that applies as strongly as ever to our world today. I look forward to returning back to the exhibit and having more conversations with him and others through this incredible technology that preserves the past and educates for the future. 🦈 #ForwardWeSwim #HolocaustRemembranceDay #NeverForget #NSU #EducationMatters

“Why now? In a world more connected than ever through technology, why has Holocaust distortion resurged with such force?” asked IHRA Chair Lord Pickles. The London implementation of the Capacity Building Training Program, an initiative of the UK - IHRA Presidency, recently unfolded as a profound exploration of challenges we face in combatting Holocaust distortion and the alarming rise of antisemitism. As participants from various civil society organizations gathered at the New North London Synagogue, a sense of urgency permeated the room – a collective recognition that the fight for historical truth is more critical than ever. Lord Pickles pointed to the irony of our times – while the 20th century ushered in widespread literacy and access to information, the digital age has paradoxically become a breeding ground for misinformation. With the decline of traditional media and the rise of social media platforms, the lines between fact and fiction have blurred. Falsehoods are allowed to spread, gaining ground unchecked. UK Delegate to the IHRA Michael Newman and Chief Executive of The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) echoed these sentiments, illustrating the shift in media consumption. The collapse of newspaper readership and the dominance of social media have created an environment where influencers, regardless of their credibility, shape public opinion. This transformation has not only undermined the integrity of news but has also allowed historical distortions to proliferate. The workshop discussions also ventured into the complex relationship between technology and Holocaust education. While artificial intelligence and social media pose significant risks in spreading misinformation, they also offer tools to combat it. Examples such as TikTok and Meta’s initiative to direct users to credible Holocaust resources show that technology, when wielded responsibly, can be a powerful ally in the fight against distortion. Participants explored practical strategies for local action, emphasizing the need for community engagement. From city councils to grassroots organizations, the collective effort to foster an inclusive narrative is essential. The discussions highlighted the importance of involving all community stakeholders including educators and local authorities in campaigns to counter misinformation and promote understanding. As the day concluded, a clear message emerged: the battle against Holocaust distortion is not merely about preserving history; it is about shaping the future. Education, technology, and community action must converge to create a society resilient against the tides of misinformation. The responsibility is collective, and every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a broader mission of safeguarding truth.

Europe in 2025 shows a troubling rise in hostility toward Jews, even in contexts meant to honor Holocaust victims: - Ireland: Jewish women were removed from a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony after objecting to anti-Israel comments made by the President, who used the event to criticize Jews and Israel instead of honoring the victims. - Belgium: The Israeli ambassador was disinvited from a Holocaust Remembrance event due to “security concerns,” sidelining Israel’s voice in commemorating the tragedy. - Poland: Radical Free Palestine activists disrupted Holocaust remembrance by marching with inflammatory slogans calling for the removal of Israel, politicizing the day of mourning into a platform for hate. - Britain: Journalists refused to state that Jews were targeted and murdered during the Holocaust, downplaying the genocide’s historical truth in reporting about commemorations. These incidents illustrate a concerning trend across Europe: Holocaust remembrance events, meant to reflect on past horrors and promote “Never Again,” are increasingly becoming platforms for modern-day antisemitism. Jews are excluded, Israel is demonized, and the memory of six million Jewish victims is twisted or erased altogether. Such events highlight how antisemitism has evolved—not only through outright violence or discrimination but also by appropriating history to push hateful agendas. Holocaust memory must be safeguarded from those who weaponize it against Jews and Israel. Europe must do better to ensure that the lessons of the past are honored and the voices of the Jewish community are respected. And most importantly, we must ensure this never happens in the United States.

What’s the connection between International Holocaust Remembrance Day and high-tech❓ As a long-time volunteer for זיכרון בסלון - Zikaron BaSalon and in Holocaust remembrance in general, I don’t need a news headline to remind me that January 27th marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation. What did catch my attention this morning was the report about preparations for the annual ceremony at the camp: ten years ago, marking the 70th anniversary, 100 survivors were present. Today, only 17 could attend. The phrase “a vanishing generation” is not a cliché—it’s a reality. We face an enormous challenge in preserving Holocaust memory. As time passes, it becomes harder to remember events we weren’t part of, and the number of living witnesses continues to dwindle. Survivor testimonies, which have been a cornerstone of Holocaust remembrance, are only a temporary solution. And here we are, on LinkedIn. So why am I bringing this up here (beyond the obvious reasons)? Because preserving knowledge is also one of the greatest challenges we face in high-tech. Think about it: a developer writes code, works on it for years, and then leaves the company. The handover? Often insufficient. There’s no structured training on how to document thought processes or how to teach someone to think like the original developer. The result? The code is often abandoned, deemed “legacy,” or simply wrapped in layers of new features. The cost? Countless hours of lost work and significant business pain. Perhaps if we solve the challenge of knowledge preservation in high-tech, we can draw inspiration for Holocaust remembrance—or maybe the inspiration will flow in the opposite direction. In the photo: me, in 11th grade, on a journey to Poland—a way to try to create a memory for an event I wasn’t part of. What do you think? How can we improve knowledge preservation, in any field? #HolocaustRemembranceDay #KnowledgePreservation #HighTech_Challenges #Never_Forget

This week has seen Holocaust Memorial Day and Chinese New Year. As we reflect on Holocaust Memorial Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of remembering the past to shape a better future. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the necessity of standing against hatred, prejudice, and intolerance in all forms. By honouring the memories of those who suffered and perished, we commit ourselves to fostering a society rooted in empathy, justice, and human dignity. In contrast, the celebration of Chinese New Year offers a vibrant and joyous occasion to embrace cultural diversity and renewal. This festival, rich with traditions and symbolism, encourages us to welcome new beginnings with hope and positivity. It is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Together, these observances teach us valuable lessons about the human experience. Holocaust Memorial Day urges us to remember and learn from history, ensuring that such tragedies never occur again. Chinese New Year, on the other hand, inspires us to celebrate cultural heritage and look forward to the future with optimism. As members of the Manchester Law Society, let us draw inspiration from both these significant events. By remembering the past and celebrating the present, we can contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful community.

Canada's Statement by the Prime Minister on International Holocaust Remembrance Day- Readout by Frederic Eger - On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, the largest concentration camp under Hitler's regime. The Holocaust was one of the darkest chapters of human history, with the Nazi regime systemically and senselessly killing six million Jewish people, accounting for two-thirds of the Jewish population in Europe. They also killed millions of others, including 500,000 Roma and Sinti peoples, political opponents, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and people with disabilities. The pain inflicted onto Holocaust survivors is still felt today, and we cannot bring back the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust or reunite families torn apart forever. However, we can remember and remind ourselves and each other of our obligation to stop this from ever happening again. Over the past 15 months, Jewish people in Canada and across the world have felt unsafe in their communities, workplaces, and places of worship. To combat antisemitism and hate, the Canadian government is doubling down on its commitment to the Canada Community Security Program, new investments in Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028, and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate. As social media and those who control its platforms seek to distort the horrors of the Holocaust and platform Holocaust denialism, it is now more important than ever to remember the hate and cruelty, listen to the stories of survivors, and remember those who risked and gave their lives to save countless others.

On Yom HaShoah, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance commemorated the victims and survivors of the Holocaust at a joint U.S Embassy Berlin/USC Shoah Foundation - The Institute for Visual History and Education event, which also marked the USC Shoah Foundation’s 30th anniversary with a panel discussion on Holocaust survivor testimony and public memory. Access to Holocaust archives is an invaluable tool in fostering a deep understanding and awareness of the Holocaust and its impact, as they provide the world with unparalleled insights into the past. Through documentation and testimonies, archives serve as a powerful resource for educating and dispelling misinformation, fostering understanding, while countering Holocaust denial and distortion. The IHRA’s Secretary General, Dr. Kathrin Meyer spoke of the critical role of archives in cultivating memory culture. “I think access to archives means access to the truth. We need them to tell these stories that really inform you of something, and not just rush away the truth, as is being done so often. As we enter an era when survivors are passing, this message takes on an even greater significance.” Sites, archives, and museums of the Holocaust play a pivotal role in keeping the memory of the Holocaust survivors and witnesses alive. It is precisely because of this role that they must be protected for now and for future generations. To read our Recommendations on Archival Access, visit: https://bit.ly/3ykBmnD #ProtectTheFacts

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 This year we were honored to work with the team at Six Million Voices and create the website for their world-changing mission. Their immersive platform provides a virtual, live-guided educational experience about the Holocaust, ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten. In a time marked by skyrocketing antisemitism and global unrest, the need for tolerance and factual education has never been more critical. For Avocado creating a digital space for a mission of this magnitude was not just an immense privilege but also a weighty responsibility. And especially so for me, as a granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor. The Six Million Voices virtual tours allow individuals and groups from around the globe to join a 2-hour live-guided session, making the solemn lessons of the Holocaust accessible to all. Already, over 100,000 tickets have been sold, proving the crucial need for such an educational tool. By leveraging interactive media and technology alongside knowledgeable guides, Six Million Voices ensures that the lessons of the Holocaust remain vivid and accessible. For many, visiting these historic sites in person (like the Auschwitz camp in Poland) is impossible, but this virtual experience brings critical education to everyone, everywhere. Today, as Israel observes the Holocaust Remembrance Day, we're reminded of the importance of never forgetting the past to protect our future. To learn more about their mission or to join a virtual tour, please visit Six Million Voices.

The Wave 2.0 - be Laurie. On this holocaust memorial day, I couldn't help but think of the movie "The Wave", where a highschool teacher aims to teach his students what autocracy means de-facto, and experiments how easily group pressure can take over a full community. Things quickly get out of control until hardly anyone demonstrates clear, critical thinking. The movie makes you wonder if it's truly possible to turn young people into fascists or 'simply' brain-washed to a point of no / low return.  2024 reality makes you understand that it is possible and it's very worrying not only for Israel but for any person who values liberty, inclusion and peace. Back to "The Wave" - when the teacher shows the class a documentary about the holocaust, Laurie (image below, IMDb) is emotionally affected by concentration camps footages, and deeply ponders how ordinary people could commit such terrible atrocities - or merely stand by while they occurred. She resists joining The Wave, despite her boyfriend and classmates' pressure and intimidation. Her bright, individual thinking, truth and justice seeking, and courage separate her from her classmates and show the power of a single person's free will in the face of evil. Fast forward to 2024, showing us The Wave 2.0 all over. What is terribly sad is not only that terror proxies are taking over many geographical locations, but that "normative" people have become blind, their thoughts distorted, and the bystander phenomenon - reliving. Where do you stand post October 7th Hamas attack, massacre and kidnapping? Where do you stand when innocent civilians are still held in underground terror tunnels for 7 months?! Where do you stand when students chant 'from the river to the sea' not understanding which river and which sea, demonstrating they either have historical amnesia or are deliberately calling for the destruction of the state of Israel?  Any connection between Hamas and 'freedom fighters' is dilussional, as is any connection to US woke movement. Moving to Europe, the Eurovision's opening festivities in Malmow were inappropriately held on Holocaust Remembrance Day eve. The Israeli team were absent from the event. Just one event and still, were the rest quiet bystanders? There are examples galore worldwide, forcing us to see clearly what is happening in our communities. Please stand on the actively moral side of history - be Laurie.