Sharaka Foundation’s Holocaust Education Delegation Unites Arab Muslims at March of the Living

Introduction

In a powerful demonstration of cross-cultural solidarity, the Sharaka – شراكة Foundation has organized its third consecutive delegation of Arab and Muslim participants to commemorate Holocaust victims at the Auschwitz Memorial. This remarkable initiative, led by activist and political expert Dan Feferman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharaka Foundation, represents a significant step toward fostering understanding between communities historically separated by conflict and misunderstanding.

The Delegation’s Mission

A Diverse Group United for Education

Led by Dan Feferman, the delegation included religious leaders, social media influencers, politicians, senior journalists, and civic society activists. Their mission is clear and twofold:

• Educate Arabs and Muslims on the Holocaust: By confronting one of the most sensitive and painful chapters of Jewish and world history, they aim to break taboos and combat dangerous disinformation and Holocaust denial rampant in the Middle East.
• Show Solidarity with the Jewish World: The delegation seeks to demonstrate that there are allies in the Middle East committed to peace and mutual respect.

According to Feferman, the delegation’s mission serves two essential purposes. First, it aims to educate Arabs and Muslims about one of the most sensitive chapters in Jewish and world history. By confronting this painful past directly, the initiative works to dismantle taboos and counter dangerous disinformation and Holocaust denial that remains prevalent in parts of the Middle East. This educational component helps humanize both communities to each other while warning against the dangers of extremism directed at any group.

The second purpose is equally meaningful: demonstrating to the Jewish world that they have allies in the Middle East who recognize their historical suffering and stand in solidarity with them. This mutual recognition creates pathways for deeper understanding and cooperation.

The group proudly participated in the March of the Living at Auschwitz, an annual event that honors Holocaust victims and educates participants about the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Feferman emphasized, “We proudly marched together… to humanize each other and to warn against the perils of extremism against any group of people.”

Educating on the Holocaust

Tackling Disinformation in the Middle East

Holocaust denial and distortion persist in many parts of the Middle East, often fueled by political agendas and a lack of accurate historical education. By visiting Auschwitz and witnessing the evidence of Nazi atrocities firsthand, the delegation members are equipped to counter these falsehoods in their communities. This education is not just about historical accuracy—it’s about understanding the consequences of unchecked hatred and preventing future atrocities. As Feferman noted, this effort is a critical step toward humanizing history and fostering empathy across cultural divides.

Building Bridges

Fostering Jewish-Arab Understanding

Beyond education, the visit aims to build meaningful connections between Arab and Jewish communities. Engaging with this tragic chapter of Jewish history shows empathy and solidarity, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for dialogue. This gesture is especially significant in a region where mutual distrust has long hindered peace efforts. The delegation’s participation in the March of the Living symbolizes a shared commitment to combating extremism and promoting coexistence.

Transformation of House 88

From Horror to Hope

A poignant moment of the visit was the exploration of “House 88,” the former residence of the Auschwitz commander. Currently undergoing renovation, this site is being transformed into a cultural center dedicated to tolerance and the fight against extremism. Feferman described the experience as “eery” and “almost sickening,” given its association with one of history’s most sadistic mass murderers. Yet, he found inspiration in its new purpose, noting, “It is inspiring to see it being transformed into something so positive.” This shift from a place of horror to a beacon of hope underscores the potential for change through education and reflection.

Personal Reflections

A Journey of Emotion and Understanding

Jonathan Elkhoury, a Lebanese-Israeli participant, shared his emotional response to the visit: “I still don’t know how to put into words the feelings I’m experiencing… it’s a privilege to be here, and to expose communities that until recently some of them have denied, or knew nothing about the Holocaust.” His reflections highlight the profound impact of the experience, particularly for those confronting this history for the first time. Walking from Auschwitz to Birkenau as part of the delegation, Elkhoury and his peers embodied a “Parade of Life”—a testament to resilience and understanding 80 years after the camps’ liberation.

The Sharaka Foundation: Building Partnerships for Peace

The Sharaka Foundation (Sharaka means “partnership” in Arabic) continues to expand its work each year, making measurable progress toward peace. As Feferman noted, peace is not inevitable, and there are forces actively working against it. However, through initiatives like this Holocaust remembrance delegation, the foundation demonstrates a commitment to overcoming obstacles through education, dialogue, and shared human experiences.

By bringing together diverse voices from across the Arab and Muslim world to acknowledge one of the most painful chapters in Jewish history, the Sharaka Foundation creates space for authentic healing and understanding. These efforts represent crucial steps toward dismantling barriers of misunderstanding and building a more peaceful future in a region long divided by conflict.Learn more about their mission at Sharaka’s website.

Conclusion

The Arab delegation’s visit to Auschwitz marks a significant step toward greater understanding and cooperation across communities. By confronting the past and educating their peers, these activists are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful future. As Feferman asserts, “Peace is not inevitable, and there are bad people working actively against it. But we will keep on fighting.” This initiative reminds us that through education and empathy, even the deepest divides can be bridged.

Call to Action

What are your thoughts on this inspiring journey? Share your reflections in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this post on social media. To support similar efforts, visit the Sharaka Foundation and join the movement for peace and understanding.

About The Author