A significant trajectory of the conference was the relation of Holocaust research and commemoration to wider studies of genocide, to mass political violence, and not least of all to the European and extra-European contexts of colonialism, imperialism, and enslavement. In this respect, as Professor John Torpey from the CUNY Graduate Center commented in his closing remarks, which were live-streamed following the final session of the conference held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Holocaust has occupied a central, unique, and historical role not only in broader research into genocide and memory, but also in the development of human rights legislation, the prosecution of genocide and other crimes against humanity, and in the international political commitment to justice and responsibility. Precisely given the recent trends of forgetfulness, coupled with a resurgence in right-wing populism and antisemitism along with new forms of anti-immigrant and anti-refugee politicking, it seems clear that Holocaust research still has a central role to play here – to learn from past tragedies of human making and thereby to strengthen democratic values in the present and future.
The cover of the conference program featured the infamous gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau in the background as a visible reminder of the centrality of Auschwitz to the memory of the Holocaust. As demonstrated by this high-profile international conference, Holocaust research, commemoration, and education is analogously central to the pursuit of justice, responsibility, and human rights in the global community today. The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust was proud to co-present this important event, and remains committed to the realization of these lofty ideals through its ongoing public educational work.