The Governments of the United States and Germany have set further significant milestones in their Dialogue on Holocaust Issues, marking a crucial step in combating Holocaust denial and distortion. Launched at the ministerial level in 2021, the Dialogue aims to combat forms of antisemitism that undermine societal cohesion, freedom, democracy, and security.
As part of this effort, Holocaust education has been integrated annually into the flagship Program on Applied Security Studies (PASS) at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. The program is jointly funded and administered by the United States and Germany. Since its successful pilot in 2022, staff from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Stiftung Denkmal have presented a module on the Holocaust to over 230 senior military and civilian officials participating in PASS from more than 50 countries.
PASS participants have repeatedly expressed the relevance of the Holocaust module for their work protecting life and liberty in a multinational context today. The module has been adjusted based on participant feedback over the last three years and broadened to include topics such as the Nazis' rise to power, the transnational impact and implications of Nazi policy in the years leading up to World War II, and common early warning signs for mass atrocities.
In addition, the Dialogue is working on a guidance paper to address attempts to restore the reputations of Holocaust-era criminals and individuals who promoted Holocaust-era crimes. The document has been jointly developed by Dialogue members USHMM and Stiftung Denkmal after consulting international experts.
The Governments of the United States and Germany also recognize the importance of decentralized Holocaust remembrance work, which often focuses on local initiatives that make local Holocaust history accessible and visible through local research and acts of remembrance. These efforts deserve increased attention and support, as they provide a unique opportunity to build knowledge of the history of the Holocaust.
In recent months, the Dialogue has welcomed growing awareness of this type of initiative in host countries such as Ukraine. The Governments are committed to continuing their efforts to counter antisemitism by addressing Holocaust denial and distortion. By highlighting and encouraging local initiatives, they aim to ensure that opportunities to hear directly from Holocaust survivors are preserved for future generations.
The lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant today, serving as a crucial guide in safeguarding open democratic societies and strengthening security. The US-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues is a testament to the importance of cooperation between nations in combating hate and promoting education, tolerance, and understanding.