Icelanders known for their way of doing things differently. While the rest of the world was mentioning yesterday the international Holocaust day in ceremonies and programs for kids in school, here in Iceland the subject is almost ignored. Although Iceland didn't play important role in the Second World War. The Icelandic authorities didn't agree to accept refugees who escaped for their lives, which is one of the reasons why this is one of the only countries in Europe which is almost Jew free.Neo-Nazi groups did operate in Iceland until recently and were part of the political scene. The photo on the left shows a parade of the Nationalist party of Iceland who were active around the time of WWII.
When most of Europe and the world acknowledges the importance of teaching the youth about the Holocaust, it's roots and tragic results. Iceland choose to ignore this day. Maybe hatred, racism and fascism is not in its everyday agenda but it's definitely exists not so deep under the surface. Iceland is a closed country which is very much xenophobic, up to this day many refugees are kept in prison like conditions without much hope of get an asylum.
Icelanders should learn more about one of the most important events in human history, which is also (I hope) one of humanities biggest lessons and tasks. To make sure horrors like this will never happen again.
11 comments:
It's interesting since Iceland was one of the 1st countries to recognize the right of the Jewish people to raise the State of Israel and their Prime Minister was the 1st foreign leader who spoke in the Knesset in the 50's...
But I wonder what is the real reason, countries in other continents mentioned it, so a European one should do it as well.
Besote para todos!!
Stay on 'em, 9uy. They'll come around.
Very interesting. In the 6th grade here in the states - at least at my kids' Christian school - they study the Holocaust and the effect it had on the Jewish people... Last year they had a Holocaust survivor talk - very sad story - but also very powerful.
Love to you
Kelly
Dorrit could help a little bit huh?
Most of us are really ashamed of the Icelandic authorities back then, who not only didn't want to accept Jewish refugees but also didn't want any soldiers around who weren't white-skinned.
I think most of the Jewish people that came here were musicians, actually, and they definitely did wonders for our music life. I'll always be thankful for that.
Elie Is Grand :-
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE60Q42O20100127
Thank you so much for this piece. I find it tragic that anyone in any country could be filled with such blind hatred. Perhaps you could help spread the word. Interesting, indeed, Abigail, and my thought as well.
Deborah
Interesting, the holocaust must never be forgotten.
I wasn;t aware of how little part Iceland played during the war.
New Zealand played a huge part in the war even though we are so fr away. We don't have very many Jewish people here either but they are welcome when they do come.
Would you please make another post. I miss hearing from you!
Thanks Fred, it's really nice to hear that. I know it's been awhile since I wrote here. I was occupied with my other website. www.iceland.co.il. I got many things in mind, I'll be back soon...
Ah, you were reading my blog!
http://postdoc.blog.is/blog/postdoc/entry/448477/
Thanks, you are not alone, but you are wasting your time. Icelanders are keen on practising their anti-Semitism. A Jew is wasting his time in Iceland, if he wants to be accepted or understood. These days Icelander don´t even understand themselves, trying to creap away from problems by joining the EU.
Iceland has ratified international treaties promising to incorporate the Holocaust into the school curriculum. Nothing happened since then, i.e.10 years ago at the Holocaust conference in Stockholm. Since then I contacted the Icelandic Ministry of Education on few occasions. Some civil servant I spoke with on the telephone, was rude and started comparing the Warsaw ghetto with Gaza. Kol haKavot!
Vilhjálmur Örn Vilhjálmsson
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