As the anniversary of Kristallnacht looms, reflection on the recent rise in antisemitism globally is front-of-mind for Holocaust education organisations worldwide.
Several antisemitic comments in the past weeks, made by former US President Donald Trump and Kayne West (Ye), have sparked concern over the brazen approach to antisemitism these public figures seem to be taking.
Rapper Kanye West rocked the entertainment industry and the Jewish community when he tweeted antisemitic remarks on his Twitter page, including stating he would go “death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE”. Major fashion label Balenciaga was quick to denounce Kanye. It is too early to discern the impact these actions will have on the Jewish population but worrying scenes referencing Kanye’s tweets – including ‘Kanye is right’ banners held above the freeway in L.A – are indicative of the breadth of his influence.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) released a report in 2021 on the increasing antisemitic behaviour, highlighting the “deliberate targeting of Jewish community facilities, especially synagogues, Jewish schools, and Jewish businesses.”
The University of Tel Aviv posted a report earlier this year on the state of global antisemitism. Their findings indicated that in 2021, antisemitic incidents increased in Australia by 35% from the previous year, with 447 reported.
The rise in antisemitic sentiment is no doubt spurred on by the global reach, accessibility, and immediacy of social media platforms. With such a large following, Kanye West’s remarks reverberate worldwide, becoming “trending news” within minutes.
Four things we can do to safeguard the truth
Preserve the facts
In a world where anyone with access to the internet can disseminate information, it becomes difficult to identify what is truth. Luckily, museums remain trusted places of authority.
Our collection, expertly managed by Dr Anna Hirsh – housing over 20,000 artefacts and 1400 survivor testimonies – spans documents, clothing, photographs, and a model of the Treblinka death camp created by Holocaust survivor Chaim Sztajer.
As the truth becomes increasingly threatened, preserving Holocaust artefacts ensures our knowledge remains cemented with tangible and irrefutable facts.
Trust established sources of information
Social media has become the double-edged sword of the 21st century. On the one hand, it allows us to connect like never before; on the other hand, it gives a platform to people without the authority to speak on complex issues such as the Holocaust.
Self-led research can be rewarding, but with the number of unvetted sources on the internet, it can be overwhelming to know what is reliable. Museums act as established authorities on their subject matter, with expert-led research bolstering their communications with the public.
With so much noise, making sure we engage with trusted sources is critical to avoid the escalation of misinformation to more harmful actions.
Educate future generations
With the 2021 statistics showing increases in antisemitic abuse and harassment, graffiti, and stickers/posters, Holocaust education has become critical in the fight against the spread of misinformation.
Incidents of antisemitism in schools are also of particular concern, with episodes of antisemitic bullying reported most recently in multiple high schools in NSW.
Holocaust education for students is critical to developing their understanding of the complex themes surrounding the Holocaust.
This publication Der Giftpilz (The Poisonous Mushroom)– published in Germany in 1938 – was a popular children’s book that was designed to spread antisemitism to young children.
An excerpt from the publication reads as follows:
“Money Is the God of the Jews: The God of the Jews is money. To earn money, he commits the greatest crimes. He will not rest until he can sit on a huge money sack until he has become the king of money.”
We utilise this item within our education program to show students how the Nazis deliberately targeted youth with their propaganda and misinformation, to give today’s students a deeper understanding of how propaganda works. We hope this will teach them the critical thinking skills they need to navigate all the information coming their way on social media and prevent them from engaging with harmful rhetoric.
Stand up to antisemitism, prejudice, and racism
It is imperative to highlight that the Holocaust did not just happen. Years of misinformation, antisemitic sentiment, propaganda, and discrimination in Europe culminated in the extermination of six million Jews.
Many Holocaust survivors who speak at MHM tell students the importance of standing up against injustice. If more people were to have stood up in the lead-up and throughout the Holocaust, maybe the outcome would have been different.
“ If you see someone being discriminated against because of a difference, stand up and protect them. The people who helped us weren’t passive bystanders.”
– Holocaust survivor Vivienne Spiegel
Learn more about the importance of Holocaust education
Every year around the anniversary of Kristallnacht, we hold our Betty & Shmuel Rosenkranz Oration. This year’s keynote speaker, Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) Sara J. Bloomfield, will speak about Holocaust education in the 21st century.
Sara J. Bloomfield has been the director of USHMM for 22 years. She serves on the International Auschwitz Council and is a recipient of the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland and five honorary doctorates. She is also the 2021 recipient of the Roger E. Joseph Prize, which is awarded annually for exceptional work done in the field of human rights and Jewish survival.
Please visit the MHM website here to learn more about this year’s event and book tickets.
About us
Founded by Holocaust survivors in 1984, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum (formerly the Jewish Holocaust Centre) is Australia’s largest institution solely dedicated to Holocaust education, research and remembrance.