Estimated Time: ~ 15 minutes to 1.5 hours

Learn and Inform

The first step to countering Holocaust distortion is understanding how to recognize it.

Learn about Holocaust distortion with our publication Understanding Holocaust Distortion. And then organize a film screening and discussion of “Holocaust Distortion: A Growing Threat” as part of your activities and programs.

Doing this activity as a:

Policymaker

Memorial or Museum Professional

Trainer or Educator

Use the short film to start a conversation at your embassy or ministry about the need to counter Holocaust distortion.

Watch this 12-minute explanatory film for an introduction to the issue of Holocaust distortion.

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“Holocaust Distortion: A Growing Threat” examines Holocaust distortion through an international lens. A first introduction to the topic, it makes an ideal starting point for discussion or programming on countering distortion and Holocaust denial. Promote the #CounteringDistortion film on social media.

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Watch this lecture by Professor Yehuda Bauer to learn about the dangers and detailed manifestations of Holocaust distortion.

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In this 30-minutes lecture, IHRA Honorary Chair Professor Yehuda Bauer explores the definition of Holocaust distortion, historical and contemporary manifestations from various contexts and gives a perspective on the IHRA’s important work in this field.

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Read more about Holocaust distortion and share this knowledge with others.

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For in-depth background on this issue, read our explanatory publication, Understanding Holocaust Distortion: Contexts, Influences and Examples. Learn about the history of Holocaust distortion, the political contexts it can be found in, and contemporary examples. This publication breaks down a complex topic to help you be able to better identify incidents of distortion and denial.

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Host an event on understanding Holocaust distortion.

Take a moment to reflect upon key questions while organizing your event.

  • Motivation: Why are you choosing to organize an event or a film screening on distortion?
  • Partnering: Do you wish to partner with others like museums, national agencies, NGOs or other civil society organizations that have expertise in Holocaust-related matters?
  • Speakers: Are there institutions or individuals in your country dealing with the topic of distortion that you might wish to invite to contribute?
  • Recent Incidents: Have you observed any incidents of distortion in your country recently that make the topic of countering distortion particularly timely? Have any incidents of Holocaust distortion been reported on in the national news recently?
  • Statements: Has your government made any statements on the topic of Holocaust distortion or related issues?
  • Audiences: Who are your specific audiences? Thinking of each audience, what is their respective knowledge of the Holocaust and of distortion in particular?
  • Resources: Do you know where to find further resources on distortion? Check out the relevant page on the IHRA website.

Promote your event by making use of our pre-written social media captions.

Holocaust distortion is a growing issue. Join us for a screening of #CounteringDistortion film to learn how this issue spreads across international borders and different parts of society, and why it’s so hard to counter: [include link to your event]
Respecting Holocaust victims means remembering the truth of what happened. But this history faces opposition from a growing threat: Holocaust distortion. Join us for a screening of #CounteringDistortion film and a discussion: [include link to your event]
Holocaust distortion: what is it, and why is it considered the foremost challenge to Holocaust memory today? Join us for a screening of the 12-minute #CounteringDistortion film, followed by a discussion of why it’s a problem: [include link to your event]
Holocaust distortion is on the rise. Stoked by the pandemic, it can be found at all layers of society, and its various forms threaten Holocaust memory today. Join [organization] for a screening of #CounteringDistortion film: [include link to your event]

Follow these instructions to screen “Holocaust Distortion: A Growing Threat” at your event.

  • The film is available on YouTube.
  • For screenings, we recommend streaming the video on 1080p for the best video quality.
  • Make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection.
  • Turn on the captions by clicking the CC icon at the bottom of the YouTube video, and select your language or adjust caption settings by clicking the gear icon.

After viewing the film, have a conversation on Holocaust distortion and explore ways to counter it. These questions can help guide your discussion.

  • Why is recognizing and countering Holocaust distortion relevant?
  • What are key forms and manifestations of Holocaust distortion?
  • What is the difference between Holocaust denial and distortion?
  • What are international, national, and local contexts?
  • How does Holocaust distortion relate to phenomena including general historical misrepresentations, antisemitism, hate speech/hate crimes, or freedom of speech?
  • If national histories distort memory or understanding of the Holocaust, what is the individual’s responsibility to rectify this problem?
  • What are effective ways to prevent and counter Holocaust distortion in the target group’s respective field of work, while respecting freedom of expression?
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