The Holocaust is one of the most tragic pages in the history of the Hebrew and Ukrainian peoples. It was one of the recent historic moments that have had a lasting effect on the lives of the nations of the whole world.
We in Ukraine lay particular emphasis on teaching and studying history, since the study of the Holocaust is not only to make the young generation aware of the Shoa tragedy, but also to help them learn understanding, tolerance and respect for people regardless of their race or ethnic background.
The study of the Holocaust in Ukraine began back in 1996. The considerable spur to this process was given at the International Forum in Stockholm in January, 2000. Its Declaration stated the necessity to expose a horrendous truth about the Holocaust, to strengthen the moral values of people, political qualities of governments, to encourage the study of this tragedy at schools and universities. In the year 2000 the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine disseminated its acquired experience in teaching the Holocaust issues and bringing up students in the spirit of racial and ethnic tolerance. The problems of the Holocaust are in the curricula of more than 40 universities for thousands of students.
A special subject The Holocaust: historical, philosophical and ethnic aspects has been introduced in the syllabus of higher educational establishments. Manuals, reference materials on the history of the Holocaust are being worked out for pupils, students, teachers in many schools.
In many schools of Ukraine there is an optional course on the history of the Holocaust; various research competitions among students are held. 60 years have past since the disclosure of the Nazi crimes - Jewish people catastrophe.
According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, this historical episode should be reflected in education and upbringing of youth because the more truth they learn about the time, the better they will be prepared for life, the stronger they will resist different nationalistic neofascist, hostile and terror actions.
National contest devoted to the Holocaust, meetings with war veterans, genocide victims, relatives of those who died, archive documents search and other educational activities are expected to take place.
Taking into account the bitter experience of the Holocaust, we have to draw appropriate conclusions and develop the feeling of justice and respect for representatives of any nation, ethnic group and religious belief among young people.
I am sure that the new Holocaust museum in Yad Va-Shem will help to realize these ideas. The new educational centre, a part of the Holocaust museum complex, employing the latest educational methods, will foster this.
I wish the participants of this forum and all the Hebrew people good health, peace, happiness, and prosperity.
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