Creating effective Holocaust education programmes for government schools with large Muslim populations in Sydney

Abstract

Holocaust education can play a role in countering the ongoing problem of prejudice and incitement to hate that can lead to racial tension and violence. This article examines the beliefs of Muslim school children towards Jews in Sydney, Australia. It then discusses efforts to use Holocaust education to combat racist beliefs and hate language, and an alternative approach that illustrates the common values in the Abrahamic faiths. The article analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of using various school programmes to counter anti-Jewish feelings amongst Muslim children and ends with a discussion of whether such programmes should be compulsory.

Holocaust Education in Germany: Ensuring relevance and meaning in an increasingly diverse community

“…We do not know how the teachers implemented the curriculum, nor how students interpreted it (Bromley and Russell, 2010). As noted above, previous research has shown that sometimes there is a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and what is learned at home (Rutland, 2010). In addition, teachers are not receiving adequate and consistent training in how to effectively and sensitively present this subject (Nägel, et al, 2018).…”

“…While they each offered an interesting interpretation, looking at the Holocaust through the perspective of religious teaching would benefit from exploring more angles, such as sharing an Islamic response to the question of God's power and goodness. Interfaith dialogue and reflection on the Holocaust could allow for the exploration of common moral values inherent in the three major monotheistic religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism (Rutland, 2010). In addition, religious education classes could provide a suitable opportunity to discuss the Arab-Israeli conflict, including how the tension between the two groups impacts the understanding of why and how the Holocaust happened (Schechter and Salomon, 2005;Porat, 2013).…”

“…Indeed, a number of studies (see, e.g., Jikeli, 2015; Rutland, 2010; Ortloff, 2015) have described anti-Semitism among Muslim high school aged immigrant students in several nations, including Germany, as well as frequent misinformation among Muslim youth about the Holocaust. Rutland (2010) found teachers trying to counter negative attitudes in school while finding many being perpetuated within the home, such as a children's board game with a goal of conquering Jerusalem. Jikeli (2015) interviewed several Muslim youth in Berlin who thought the Jews were all infected with Typhus and therefore Hitler should be revered for preventing it from spreading.…”

“…Given the fact that there is still an active group of deniers throughout the world, this is a topic that is important to include in the texts. Reflecting on Jikeli (2015) and Rutland's (2010) studies on the misinformation and widely held denial sentiment of many students of Arabic descent, including some presently living in Germany, this is an area of Holocaust education that requires attention. Without directly and honestly addressing the causes and arguments of Holocaust denial, along with providing clear refutations, students will not be challenged to explore whether what they have previously been told is the truth.…”

To Teach and How to Teach the Holocaust: That Is the Question

“…It is envisioned that the important "moral, social and spiritual" values taught (Ibid, 10) will lead students to gain insights and make informed choices when confronted with injustice in our modern world (Salmons 2003). According to Rutland (2010), Holocaust education "can provide an important educational framework to promote…positive interfaith and interethnic relations" (75)…given that teachers are aware of suitable Holocaust teaching material and the emotional needs and reactions of their students. It is not only a moral obligation to remember and teach the Holocaust, but also a tribute to the 1,500,000 children (similar in age to the students being taught), who lost their lives in this historic genocide.…”