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The harmful effects of social media and the rise in antisemitism are reminders that the lessons of the Holocaust are still relevant today, a Jewish educational leader has said.

As buildings across Caerphilly County Borough and the UK prepare to light up in purple to mark today’s Holocaust Memorial Day, south Wales schoolchildren are being given the chance to learn about the genocide through a new educational project.

The Jewish History Association of Wales (JHASW), with funding from the European Union, has produced a series of free educational resources to help pupils connect to the stories of those affected by the Holocaust – including video testimonies of young refugees who came to Wales fleeing persecution.

Emelye Clifford, education officer with the charity, said: “The pernicious effects of social media and the rise in antisemitic hate incidents are a chilling reminder that the lessons of the Holocaust continue to have urgent relevance today.

“Our new Holocaust education materials aim to confront the devastating, disorienting truths of how and why the Holocaust happened, as well as educating children on the full depth and vitality of Jewish life that was lost.

“As part of the project, I have been struck by the extraordinary voices and memories of the Holocaust survivors who escaped to Wales – they are enlightening and profoundly necessary. Teaching through these voices and memories is fundamental in combating anti-Jewish sentiment, countering false narratives and lies and illuminating our present.”

‘Ordinary People’ – this year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day

January 27 – Holocaust Memorial Day – marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

This year’s theme is ‘Ordinary People’ – highlighting the fact that ordinary people were persecuted, the ordinary people who actively took part in the genocide and the ordinary people who allowed it to happen.

Cllr Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly Council’s Equalities Champion, said: “It is important that we continue to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, as the atrocities of the Holocaust and other genocides throughout the world must never be forgotten.
 
“This year’s theme, ‘Ordinary People’ prompts us to consider how ordinary people, such as ourselves, can perhaps play a bigger part than we might imagine in challenging prejudice today.
 
“We are encouraging children and family members to take part in practical and engaging activities that raises awareness about the Holocaust and genocide and the people and countries that have suffered.”