23 January 2025
Time to read: 2 mins
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance issues urgent Holocaust distortion warning
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is calling on the public to recognize the immediate threat of Holocaust distortion and trivialization, and the importance of remembrance on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The warning comes against the backdrop of global commemoration events for International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27th January, which will mark one of the last occasions to hear from Holocaust survivors.
On a global level a UNESCO study showed that 16% of all Holocaust-related content across social media is denying or distorting the Holocaust. At the same time reports of antisemitism are at record highs.
The 80th anniversary has fallen during the UK’s presidency of the IHRA. The theme of the presidency is “In Plain Sight”, highlighting how hatred and indifference allowed such an atrocity to happen right before everyone’s eyes.
To date, the UK’s chairmanship has launched several flagship projects, including a Holocaust Testimony Portal, an innovative platform which consolidates survivor and refugee testimonies, and a Holocaust in 80 objects digital exhibition, which uses personal artefacts to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors. The ambition of the projects has been to strengthen Holocaust education among younger generations and support efforts to contain Holocaust distortion.
Speaking about Holocaust distortion and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, IHRA Chair and UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, Lord Eric Pickles said:
“On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it is deeply worrying that the legacy and historical truth of the Holocaust are threatened by distortion. This is not only disrespectful to the memory of the victims and survivors, but it is also a threat to our democracies.
“As an organization dedicated to Holocaust education, remembrance, and research, we encourage the public to learn about the Holocaust from factually accurate sources and take a clear stand against disinformation and distortion. The Holocaust was a watershed moment in our history, and it is everyone’s moral responsibility to remember and honour the victims and survivors.
“Holocaust distortion is not a legitimate opinion; it is a prediction of a lie. This year especially, it is more important than ever to honour the remaining survivors, to listen to their stories, and to protect the facts.”
For more information, please contact Mara Antoce at mara.antoce@plmr.co.uk or +44 (0)785 284 4323
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research worldwide and uphold the commitments of the 2000 Stockholm Declaration and the 2020 IHRA Ministerial Declaration.
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