Why do Israeli schools emphasize Holocaust studies?
These studies commemorate a formative event in the modern Hebrew state. They unite the younger generation of Israelis in a joint identity – even those who don’t have a personal family connection to the Holocaust. From Israel’s rebirth in 1948, remembering the Holocaust has been a spark to ignite dedication to why we are here and what we are here to prevent.
This extends to the IDF. The Israeli Army sends young officers as part of their training to Eastern Europe to visit the concentration camps and gain a personal, emotional connection with why they are helping to ensure “Never Again.”
As we have reported in the past, Israel uses these sobering memories annually in an intentionally intense sequence. Holocaust Remembrance Day comes first. Then one week later the IDF Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, and then the following day reaches the climax with the celebration of Israeli Independence Day. The message is clear – to be thankful together for what we now have, which was born out of sacrifice, pain and loss.
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