New support hub in The Hague helps teachers tackle Holocaust education challenges
Teachers in The Hague can now access guidance on Holocaust education through a new support point, addressing rising antisemitism and trivialization in classrooms. This initiative aims to equip educators with tools to foster safer, more informed discussions on discrimination and history.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Haags Steunpunt Holocausteducatie |
| Location | The Hague, Netherlands |
| Collaborators | Municipality of The Hague, National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB) |
| Target Audience | Teachers and educational institutions |
| Secondary School Findings | 14% encountered Holocaust denial, 42% witnessed antisemitic incidents (2022) |
| National Website | www.leeroverdeholocaust.nl |
| Additional Cities Involved | Amsterdam (first municipality with a local hub) |
The municipality of The Hague plays a key role in local education policy, ensuring schools have the resources to address sensitive historical topics like the Holocaust. The National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB) supports national efforts to combat discrimination and promote Holocaust education across Dutch schools.
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The Hague Support Point for Holocaust Education Launches
The municipality of The Hague, in collaboration with the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism (NCAB), has established a support point for schools where teachers can seek guidance on Holocaust education, the Haags Steunpunt Holocausteducatie.
Eddo Verdoner, NCAB: “The history of the Holocaust and its impact on the Jewish community in The Hague remains of lasting significance. Before the Second World War, the city had a vibrant Jewish community, a very large part of which was murdered. Keeping the memory alive and passing on its lessons to new generations is essential to learning about the mechanisms of discrimination and exclusion. The Haags Steunpunt Holocausteducatie supports teachers and educational institutions in this important task.”
High demand for support
Research by the Anne Frank House revealed that in 2022, 14% of secondary school teachers encountered denial or trivialization of the Holocaust. A further 42% witnessed antisemitic incidents in the classroom. These figures underscore the need to better support teachers.
With the new support point, The Hague—after Amsterdam—becomes the second municipality in the Netherlands to open a local hub for Holocaust education. The support point can refer teachers to suitable teaching methods and assist schools with pedagogical support to make classroom discussions easier and safer.
Overview of teaching materials and educational opportunities
The support point is also listed on www.leeroverdeholocaust.nl, the national website launched by the NCAB. The site provides an overview of teaching materials, guest lectures, visit locations, and training sessions. It also features an interactive map highlighting significant historical sites in the city. In the coming period, more municipalities will be approached to expand the map with additional cities, locations, and monuments.
Eddo Verdoner: “Holocaust education is a crucial part of the fight against antisemitism, discrimination, and exclusion. This dark period in our history must not be overlooked by any student. I am pleased that, together with the municipality of The Hague, we are taking a step forward to help teachers address this topic in every classroom.”