Stefania Manca’s Post

“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.

In a bid to tackle rising challenges to Holocaust remembrance posed by far-right and far-left movements, a 2023 IHRA Grant Call Winner, the University of Haifa in partnership with the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam seeks to counter Holocaust distortion and combat antisemitism through their research project. Drawing inspiration from a previous study by Novis-Deutsch, Lderman, Adams & Kochavi, this project strives to decipher the “cultural code” of Holocaust memory through Europe across varying political spectrums. Employing a mixed method multi- modal design, researchers will conduct quantitative survey across 10 European nations, coupled with qualitative investigations in Ukraine, France, the Netherlands, and Romania. By analyzing parliamentary debates, social media discourse, and media reporting, the study aims to unveil the nuanced relationship with political ideologies and perceptions of the Holocaust. To learn more about the 2023 IHRA Grant Call Winners, visit: https://bit.ly/3TLjadS

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

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. 

Are societies inclined towards populist politics more susceptible to Holocaust distortion? A 2023 IHRA Grant Call Winner, the Uniwersytet Warszawski, will organize a nation-wide survey to test how endorsement of populist visions of democracy are linked to the tendency to distort Holocaust history. The survey, which will be conducted across Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, aims to gather valuable insights to effectively counter Holocaust distortion in societies where populist attitudes are prevalent. Developing innovative tools to counter Holocaust distortion in various societies is imperative to protecting the Holocaust’s truth. To find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/3TLjadS

About the mills of justice and a story of light over darkness We were just following the masses. We didn’t know. Nobody told us. We thought it’s not true. Sounds somewhat familiar in 2024 - when we are looking at the exploding antisemitism and hate against Israel on US campuses and all over the world. We’re looking at coward administrations, silent “ look aways” and gleeful triumphant people who think they are on the winning side. Let’s talk about “ collaborators “. - The Holocaust would never have been possible without willing collaborators and executioners to the Nazis in the occupied countries . Nazi Germany was the organiser and master of industrialised mass murder on the European Jewry but wherever they went - they found willing collaborators. France has been trying to look away from some ugly parts of collaboration with the Nazis for a very, very long time. One of the largest collaborators and profiteers in France from the Nazi Holocaust was the SNCF - the French Railway. The SNCF sent huge invoices to the “ Reich” while transporting Jews into concentration camps. Now there’s a German saying: the mills of justice are grinding slowly but surely. It took more than seven decades for Holocaust survivors in their fight against the SNCF for justice to prevail. “The podcast below is also a heroes’ journey across seven decades, a story of light over darkness and hope over despair, a story of loss but also of tremendous love and the ties that bind us, of accountability and the importance of ultimately taking responsibility and saying you are sorry,” Justice ultimately prevailed; in 2016 the US State Department began paying out the first French reparations to Holocaust survivors living in the US who were taken to Nazi extermination camps aboard French trains. There’s a lot of sadness and dark clouds over the Jewish communities after 7/ 10 and the waves of antisemitism sweeping across Europe and the US and Canada and beyond. But this is not 1933 or 1938. - there might be similarities but the three are differences. There’s cowardice and spineless people. But there’s always a ray of light breaking through the clouds- in form of someone like Argentina’s president Milei, courageous politicians like Assita Kanko in the EU Parliament, some US politicians standing up and saying ENOUGH, many of us here on this platform speaking out and supporting you. The journey might be longer but the light and justice will prevail in the end. Hate , intimidation, bullying, violence and people tolerating, keeping silent and looking away will be losers wherever they are and wherever they go. Antisemitism is destructive , corrosive and dangerous for humanity , our societies and our democracies. Wherever you are, whatever responsibilities you are carrying- don’t look away and don’t stay silent. We are all the last line of defence. https://lnkd.in/d2qT5yE4

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.

Today, as we observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, we at Savee reaffirm our commitment to combating Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism on social networks. Our mission is fueled by the belief that knowledge and truth hold the power to foster understanding and prevent hatred. Behind the Scenes at Savee: Our journey began with the creation of a simple yet powerful tool, and since our last update, we’ve been tirelessly working to enhance its capabilities and reach. We’re thrilled to share that Savee has been forging meaningful collaborations with various educational and historical organizations. These partnerships are vital as they enrich our database and algorithms, making our responses even more robust and grounded in well-documented facts. Supporting Conversations on REDDIT: We’ve expanded our presence on REDDIT, a platform where intense discussions often need the most factual backing. The Savee Chrome extension now allows users like you to engage effectively in these forums. By using Savee, you can generate informed responses right where they are needed most, fostering a culture of truth and respect in online communities. How You Can Help: Continue using Savee: Your active participation is crucial. Every use of the extension not only spreads truth but also enhances our AI through real-world application. Provide feedback: As we continue to refine SAVEE, your insights are invaluable. Please let us know about your experiences or suggest improvements. Spread the word: Encourage friends and family to join our cause by installing Savee and becoming advocates for truth in their own social circles. As we remember the horrors of the Holocaust today, let’s also remind ourselves of the strength found in unity and truth. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten nor repeated. Thank you to our growing community. Thay support not only propels our project forward but also upholds the memory of millions. #HolocaustRemembrance #NeverForget #AntisemitismAwareness #DigitalActivism #SocialImpact #TechForGood #CommunitySupport #EducationalTools #OnlineSafety #FightHateSpeech #Savee #SaveeAi

Preserving Survivors’ Legacy Through Holocaust Stories Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6:30 pm ET The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC Holocaust stories, whether scripted or nonfiction, remain a powerful tool to understand one of the darkest chapters in human history, helping to inform the present about the need to combat any form of hatred or antisemitism. The stories of the Holocaust especially help to educate a younger generation about the systematic horrors of the Nazi regime, while honoring the experiences of the survivors and victims. Amid the rising tide of antisemitism, Holocaust narratives endure as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked prejudice and can inspire an audience to promote tolerance. Contemporary filmmakers have discovered compelling stories that shed new light on the Holocaust. The Paley Center will bring together documentary and fiction filmmakers to explore new ways Holocaust stories are being told, especially to engage the next generation. The panel will explore why we must learn lessons from this dark past to combat antisemitism and work toward a more tolerant future. This event is made possible by generous support from The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation. More info: https://bit.ly/3XnRL58 #PaleyImpact