OAS Commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Emphasizes Education and Combating Distortion
On January 24, 2025, the Organization of American States (OAS) marked international Holocaust Remembrance Day with a powerful discussion in its Permanent Council. Interim U.S. Permanent Representative Thomas R. Hastings delivered remarks highlighting the importance of Holocaust education, commemoration, and the urgent need to counter Holocaust denial and distortion.
The event featured a collaboration with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, which organized the exhibit Some Were Neighbors: Choice, Human Behavior and the Holocaust. Hastings expressed gratitude to Mr. Stahnke and the museum for their partnership, noting the exhibit’s profound impact on attendees.
“Today’s discussion is an important acknowledgement by this institution that commemorating the Holocaust is part of our joint commitment to upholding human rights,” Hastings stated. He emphasized that supporting accurate Holocaust education and countering denial are critical to addressing antisemitism and its global human rights implications.
The Holocaust, Hastings noted, was an unprecedented attempt to annihilate European Jews and their culture. “Studying the Holocaust is critically important as while it shows us the horrific ends to which antisemitism can lead, it also shows us that genocide is not inevitable.It is a process that can be challenged.”
Despite overwhelming evidence, including survivor testimonies and eyewitness accounts, Holocaust distortion persists as a pernicious form of antisemitism. Hastings highlighted the role of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), of which the united States is a founding member, in combating this issue. He congratulated Argentina,which will assume the IHRA presidency in 2026,marking the first time a South American country holds this position.
The IHRA’s Global Task Force on Holocaust Distortion has been instrumental in addressing the rehabilitation of individuals who collaborated with the Nazis. Hastings pointed out that some countries glorify these figures as national heroes, naming streets and stadiums after them, while downplaying their roles in the Holocaust.“All countries need to face up to the bad as well as the good in their histories,” he asserted.
The event concluded with a tribute to Judge Thomas Buergenthal, a Holocaust survivor and distinguished jurist who dedicated his life to defending human rights. “Justice is the foundation of peace, and human rights are its cornerstone,” Buergenthal once said. Hastings urged attendees to carry these words forward as they work to counter antisemitism, confront intolerance, and ensure such atrocities never happen again.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| The OAS commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 24, 2025.|
| The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum partnered with the OAS to display the exhibit Some Were Neighbors. |
| Holocaust denial and distortion remain meaningful forms of antisemitism. |
| The IHRA plays a crucial role in combating Holocaust distortion globally. |
| Argentina will become the first South American country to hold the IHRA presidency in 2026. |
| Judge Thomas Buergenthal’s legacy was honored for his contributions to human rights. |
As the world reflects on the lessons of the Holocaust, the OAS’s commitment to education and remembrance serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of safeguarding human dignity.
The Importance of Holocaust Education and Combating Distortion in the Modern World
Table of Contents
On January 24, 2025, the Organization of American States (OAS) commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a powerful event emphasizing the critical role of Holocaust education and the fight against distortion and denial. To delve deeper into the meaning of this commemoration, we spoke with Dr. Miriam Goldstein, a renowned historian and expert on Holocaust studies, who has worked extensively with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial museum and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
The Role of Holocaust Education in Combating Antisemitism
Senior Editor: Dr. Goldstein, thank you for joining us. The OAS event highlighted the importance of Holocaust education in addressing antisemitism.Why is this education so critical today?
Dr. Miriam Goldstein: Thank you for having me. Holocaust education is essential as it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred and prejudice. The Holocaust was not just a tragedy for the Jewish people; it was a catastrophic failure of humanity.By studying it, we learn how antisemitism can escalate into genocide and how societies can either enable or resist such atrocities. Education empowers individuals to recognize and challenge hate speech, discrimination, and misinformation, which are still prevalent today.
Holocaust Denial and Distortion: A Persistent Threat
Senior Editor: Despite overwhelming evidence,Holocaust denial and distortion persist. Why do you think these forms of antisemitism remain so pervasive?
Dr. Miriam goldstein: Holocaust denial and distortion are insidious because they exploit ignorance and manipulate historical facts. Deniers often present themselves as revisionists, claiming to uncover “hidden truths,” while distorters selectively reinterpret history to downplay or justify the crimes of the Nazis. These tactics are particularly dangerous in the digital age,where misinformation spreads rapidly. They not only insult the memory of the victims but also undermine efforts to combat contemporary antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.
The IHRA’s Global Efforts to Combat Distortion
Senior Editor: The OAS event also highlighted the work of the IHRA,particularly its Global Task Force on Holocaust Distortion. Can you elaborate on its role?
Dr. Miriam Goldstein: Absolutely. The IHRA’s task force is a vital initiative that addresses the rehabilitation of individuals who collaborated with the Nazis. In some countries, these collaborators are glorified as national heroes, with streets and stadiums named after them. This not only distorts history but also perpetuates harmful narratives. the task force works to hold countries accountable, encouraging them to confront the darker aspects of their past. this is crucial for fostering a culture of truth and reconciliation.
Argentina’s Historic IHRA Presidency
Senior Editor: Argentina will assume the IHRA presidency in 2026, marking a historic first for South America. What does this mean for the region?
Dr. Miriam Goldstein: Argentina’s presidency is a significant milestone. It reflects the country’s commitment to Holocaust education and human rights, and it brings a fresh outlook to the IHRA’s work. As the first South American nation to hold this position, Argentina can definitely help amplify the voices of countries in the region that are also grappling with their histories. This is an chance to strengthen global collaboration in combating Holocaust distortion and promoting remembrance.
Honoring Judge Thomas Buergenthal’s Legacy
Senior Editor: The event concluded with a tribute to Judge Thomas Buergenthal, a Holocaust survivor and human rights advocate. How does his legacy inspire current efforts?
Dr. Miriam Goldstein: judge Buergenthal’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and justice. As a survivor, he dedicated his career to defending human rights and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. His famous words,“Justice is the foundation of peace,and human rights are its cornerstone,” resonate deeply today. His legacy reminds us that combating antisemitism and intolerance is not just about remembering the past but also about building a more just and equitable future.
Conclusion: Lessons for the Future
Senior Editor: As we reflect on the OAS event and its themes, what are the key takeaways for our readers?
Dr. Miriam Goldstein: The key takeaway is that Holocaust education and remembrance are not just about honoring the past; they are about safeguarding our future.By understanding the Holocaust, we can recognize the warning signs of hatred and take action to prevent atrocities. The OAS’s commitment to this cause, along with the efforts of organizations like the IHRA and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, is a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action. As Judge Buergenthal said, justice and human rights are the cornerstones of peace, and we must all work to uphold them.
Thank you, Dr. Goldstein, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today.
