Training "Who writes history and why?"

Team members of the International School for Holocaust Studies, Yad Vashem: 

“To take part in such a unique learning experience was a wonderful opportunity for the Israeli participants. Learning about such an urgent topic, one which takes on different meanings and shades in different cultural contexts, created both a foundation for discourse, as well as an opportunity to reflect and examine different positions and insights. As professionals who encounter these issues in a variety of direct and indirect ways, the many positions we were exposed to were at times extremely disturbing.” 

“The seminar offered participants many perspectives on current and emerging issues around Holocaust remembrance within the framework of post-colonial and multicultural thought and also informed us of the many different forms of antisemitism that exist. The seminar employed a variety of methods: lectures, discussions, investigation, tours, panels, and workshops. These methods, which placed a strong emphasis on discourse and used an informed and multi-layered approach, enabled new and contemporary forms of dialogue. We readdressed issues for which the discourse is long outdated, thus providing an opportunity to reconsider them in new ways. A creative approach was employed from the very first session, which aimed to acquaint us with a  variety of Jewish identities in Germany today: It was held in a unique location that illustrated these very complexities: a kindergarten.” 

“As educators addressing the subject of the Holocaust, in particular by creating seminars for a diverse range of educators, we deeply appreciated the uniqueness of meeting with the staff of an institution that is continually asking itself honest questions about how to commemorate, while also reassessing its goals and the assumptions behind its work. It should be noted that the renewed exploration of familiar topics actually began with a task we were assigned before our arrival: to create a poster that represents the ideas of the institution we come from as they relate to the basic questions addressed in the seminar. For us, veteran staff experienced in teaching and discussing these topics, this was a unique opportunity to engage in an internal dialogue on topics that form the basis of our work, and this created a welcome brainstorming session and led to a fascinating discussion. 
Another unique aspect of the seminar was the inclusion of representatives from various Holocaust institutes in Israel. Although we all work in related fields in a rather small country, it was the first time many of us had met. The seminar’s unique atmosphere allowed for an open Israeli discourse, while also enriching it with the perspectives of the Wannsee Memorial, in its uniqueness and outstanding professionalism. 
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Debbie Hartmann, Aya Zarfati and the entire staff for their generous hospitality and for the entire experience, the intellectual and emotional effects of which are sure to stay with us for a long time to come. We look forward to their reciprocal visit and ongoing cooperation.” 

Yaron Tzur, Pedagogical Director of the Ghetto Fighters Museum: 

Between February 12 and 17, I participated in a seminar at the Memorial and Educational Site House of the Wannsee Conference (GHWK) on the very challenging topic of: "Who writes history and why? Historikerstreit 2.0, 'competing' memories and the discourse about the Holocaust in contemporary Germany." 

I was part of a group of educators from different Holocaust memorial institutions from all over Israel. During the seminar, our perceptions about Holocaust memory in Germany (and elsewhere) were frequently challenged. On the very first day, we spoke about Jewish life in Germany before, during and after the Shoah. I believe that for all of us, this topic raises many questions and dilemmas regarding the ability to create and maintain a prosperous Jewish community, culture, and education system. (Using the Jewish kindergarten as a starting point was both effective and moving). 

From then on, Aya and Deborah promoted and created an atmosphere that encouraged a very open dialogue in which we, the participants, were more than willing to share our thoughts and emotions, to debate, and speak our minds openly. In my opinion (and I am sure that my colleagues from Israel would agree), this is not something to be taken for granted. 

Our guided tour of the new permanent historical exhibition at the Memorial and Education Site House of the Wannsee Conference was fascinating. We could have stayed there for hours. The methods employed during the guided tour were innovative, using the exhibition to encourage dialogue and open questions about German society during that period. As part of the process, we received a historical task that led us to peer learning. This type of learning encouraged a reflective discussion on our part later on. 

Towards the end of the seminar, we had a city tour with M.S. Mboro from Dekoloniale. It was both moving and important and gave us a broader perspective on the culture of memory in Germany.  

On our last day of the seminar, the topic was: "A never passing past: how the Shoah continues to affect our present." I believe that this subject is very relevant to all of us Holocaust educators at memorial institutions, especially in the present day. 

On behalf of the entire group, I want to thank Deborah Hartmann and Aya Zarfati, the Wannsee Memorial staff, and everyone who took part and contributed to this seminar. I would like to add that this seminar was very meaningful to us, both as educators and as individuals. The seminar content constantly challenged our perceptions of Holocaust memory and its meanings, both from a German and an Israeli point of view.