Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

In response to the rise of anti-Semitism in the OSCE region - which often finds its expressions in violent attacks on Jews and Jewish Institutions, anti-Semitic vandalism, neo-Nazi activities and Holocaust denial - OSCE participating States committed themselves to promote educational programmes to combat anti-Semitism.

ODIHR's 2005 study Education on the Holocaust and on Anti-Semitism: An Overview and Analysis of Educational Approaches assesses existing programmes, highlights good practices among OSCE states, and identifies gaps in the area of education on anti-Semitism.

To follow up on the study and to assist participating States to fulfil their commitments, ODIHR has developed technical-assistance programmes in co-operation with a number or partners, including the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research, the Yad Vashem International School of Holocaust Studies in Israel, and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Together with such partners, ODIHR is developing guidelines and teaching tools for educators to support their efforts to address contemporary anti-Semitism.

Teaching Materials to Combat anti-Semitism - country-specific teaching materials for 12 OSCE states are currently under development with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. These teaching materials aim to give insight into the phenomenon of anti-Semitism and draw parallels between historical and current forms of anti-Semitism. The materials demonstrate how prejudice works and how much it can influence individuals and societies. They also illustrate factors that are common to anti-Semitic and other forms of discrimination.

Addressing Anti-Semitism: Why and How? A Guide for Educators - this was developed with Yad Vashem as another classroom tool. It has been translated into nine languages. The guide provides educators with facts, background information and good practices regarding how to address anti-Semitism in the classroom. It also contains a working definition of anti-Semitism.