Marking Holocaust Remembrance Day: ETUCE President Stresses the Role of Education

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On January 27, 2025, Holocaust Remembrance Day, educators and union leaders from over 20 countries gathered in Krakow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The event, hosted and organized by ZNP together with GEW, VBE from Germany and ITU from Israel, with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Polish ministry of Education, honored Holocaust victims and underscored the critical role of education in combating antisemitism, racism, and the resurgence of far-right ideologies.

ETUCE President John MacGabhann delivered a powerful keynote, stating, “What happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau was not inevitable—it was deliberate, planned, and could have been prevented.” He called on educators to uphold truth, equality, and humanity, warning against the spread of misinformation and hate in the digital age. “Education must remain a bastion of truth and mutual respect,” he added, urging governments to involve teachers in shaping inclusive curricula that foster critical thinking and global citizenship.

The event featured discussions on innovative Holocaust education, personal stories of victims, and a guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. Participants laid wreaths at the Birkenau memorial, honoring those who perished and renewing their commitment to ensuring history’s lessons are not forgotten.

MacGabhann praised the decades-long partnership between unions from Poland, Israel, and Germany, describing it as “an example to all.” He concluded by calling for collective action to prevent the rise of authoritarianism and ensure that the values of peace, justice, and humanity prevail.

Find the full keynote text here.