Czech Republic (Regional Seminar for Educators and Policymakers)

From October 24–26, we joined educators and educational stakeholders in Brno, Czech Republic, for the regional closing meeting of “Voices of Memory: Holocaust Education and Remembrance Across the Visegrad Countries and Moldova”.

The gathering brought together participants to reflect on experiences from five national TOLI seminars, exchange educational practices, and explore how local history, historical sites, and survivor testimonies can help keep the memory of the Holocaust alive in the post-survivor era.

Representing TOLI, Oana Nestian-Sandu shared key takeaways from the national seminars and led a session on visiting historical sites through the lens of human rights and human dignity. TOLI Board Member Dr. Kathrin Meyer also participated in a panel discussion on how to translate local educational practices into meaningful support for educators.

A highlight of the meeting was a study visit to the Museum of Survivors at the former Schindler’s Factory in Brněnec, where participants explored the power of historical spaces and place-based learning.

Through these conversations and shared experiences, we reaffirmed the importance of equipping educators with meaningful tools to teach about the Holocaust, connect history with human rights, and foster critical reflection among future generations.

At TOLI, we believe that Holocaust education is essential to building a more informed, empathetic, and human rights-conscious society. By strengthening regional cooperation and supporting educators, we help ensure that the lessons of the past continue to inform the choices we make today.