However, during the follow up question period, the German consul said that Muslim students were texting and otherwise not paying attention when the subject of the Shoah was presented in the school classes. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}When asked why, they replied “it (the Holocaust) has nothing to do with them.” So, the consul suggested that instead of emphasizing the killing of Jews that the period instead focus on making it “universal.” In other words, play down the destruction of 6 million Jews which comprised two of three Jews in Europe and the civilization they built. Instead, focus on preventing all mass murders.
That sounds compelling. But, following his line of reasoning, all European history and other people’s history should be ignored and only teach Muslim histories. I didn’t expect the German consul to point out that Muslim leaders did side with Hitler during and before the Shoah. But, he should have pointed to the French minister of education, who expressed the need to address teachers’ reports that Muslim students have disrupted classes in which the subject of the Shoah has been taught. He should be aware that anti-Semitism is rampant and appears in many ways, including denial of the Shoah. In fact, it is part of the broad front of attempts to destroy Jewish history and is part of the attempt to delegitimize Israel.
Of all places, Germany should stand steadfast in telling the world of its history and its relationship with Jews. I think it has done so. But, Germany is not alone among European nations which promoted the murder of Jews. Many still deny their part in the Shoah and indeed still cast themselves as “victims” of Germany.
Latvia had 98 percent of its Jewish population killed and still has rampant anti-Semitism and denial of complicity. A teachable moment was lost at this public panel discussion. Of course, no one wants mass murders of any group. Sadly, that is happening today. But, it is a crime, if not a sin, to play down the Shoah to please Muslim students in Germany. To do so, reduces its importance to “just another event.” That must never be acceptable.{/mprestriction}
