With the goal of strengthening Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism in Mexico, TOLI, in collaboration with the Museum of Memory and Tolerance and the Central Committee of the Jewish Community of Mexico, held its first seminar for teachers in the country.
Over the course of five days, 36 teachers from different regions of Mexico participated in an intensive training program that combined the historical study of the Holocaust with innovative pedagogical tools to address antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and human rights in the classroom. The seminar included lectures by national and international specialists, history of the Mexican Jewish community, as well as guided visits to the Museum of Memory and Tolerance and the Bet-El synagogue.
The program was led by Oana Nestian-Sandu, TOLI International Director, and TOLI facilitator and Faculty Advisor, Corey Harbaugh. Teachers acquired tools and strategies that encourage critical thinking to bring the lessons of the Holocaust to schools and classrooms.
The Mexican teachers will join TOLI’s international network – over 6000 educators – and will receive support from the Institute in implementing school and community projects and intercultural collaborations.
A welcome reception was held at the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, led by its co-founder and vice president, Mily Cohen, and by TOLI president, Mark Berez, who emphasized that “Education is the most effective path to combat intolerance and build a more just society.”
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Israel to Mexico, Einat Kranz Neiger; and Cristina Zametzer, Minister Counselor of the German Embassy, who highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fight against antisemitism. Alberto Romano, representing the Central Committee of the Jewish Community of Mexico, stressed that this first seminar marks a milestone in education for memory, tolerance, and social responsibility in Mexico.
The Mexico seminar received widespread media coverage in Mexico and throughout Latin America.
The TOLI seminar deeply moved and inspired me, both personally and professionally. It encouraged me to develop new strategies for teaching about Jewish culture and to highlight the richness of human experience. I am deeply grateful to the TOLI Institute for the opportunity to participate in this seminar. Their dedication, knowledge, and generous support in preparing the teaching community are truly invaluable. I am certain that their investment of time and effort will have a lasting impact, not only on us as educators but also on the many students who will benefit from this learning.
Brenda Flores
Guanajato, Mexico
Click each image for more information!
