In honor of International Holocaust Day 2021 - Modiin and the FVG Region, Italy

The city of Modiin Maccabim Reut, Israel, and the FVG Region, Italy, continue to strengthen ties and cooperation between Learning Cities, to create a natural connection for the Younger generation, the generation of the future. In order to enhance a multi-cultural dialogue between Learning Communities, a dialogue establishing a bridge of inclusivity, overcoming cultural differences, and connecting past – present and future, in order to promote humanistic values that we all share, as a Global Learning Society.

This collaboration is supported by the Chair of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, Haim Bibas, and the President of the FVG Region in Italy, Massimiliano Fedriga.

On January 25th, we held a virtual International encounter, in honor of International Holocaust day (January 27th), in cooperation with:

• Mayor of Modiin Maccabim Reut, Haim Bibas
• Mayor of Pordenone, Alessandro Ciriani
• Director of Multi-Disciplinary & Israeli Learning Cities Center, Dr. Orna Mager
• FVG Regional Labor & Education Minister, Alessia Rosolen
• Councilor for Education, Pordenone Municipality, Alessandro Basso
• Vicedirettore centrale, FVG Region, Ketty Segatti
• Director Università delle LiberEtà, in Udine, Pina Raso
• Rabbi of Trieste, Alexandre Meloni

We joined the Israeli initiative, promoted by the Federation of local authorities, called: "Zikaron Basalon": a social initiative, literally meaning "remembrance in the living room" in Hebrew. The idea was born from the understanding that the connection between today's society and the memories of the Holocaust, has significantly deteriorated.

Alongside formal events, Zikaron BaSalon offers a new, meaningful and intimate way to commemorate this day and address its implications through discussions at home among family, friends and guests. It is a unique and authentic tradition of people gathering together to open their hearts to the stories of the survivors, sing, think, read, talk, and most importantly—listen.

The choice to host an event is strongly linked to the sense of responsibility for shaping the way the Holocaust is commemorated both as a community and as an individual.

The event hosted 55 participants. Including Municipal representatives from Pordenone and Modiin, School staff, and Senior partners & friends of the FVG Region.

We were fortunate enough, to coordinate this event in a short time, involving high school students from "Ironi Bet" Modiin, Israel, and from "Leo Major" Pordenone, Italy, who cooperated beautifully, thanks to their professional, responsive and supportive staff.

The event was comprised of three parts, representing: Past, Present, and Future. And we chose to focus on: "The Righteous among the nations".

We began with greetings.

The first part included watching a documentary of Sydney Zoltak, a Holocaust survivor who was sheltered by a righteous among the nations: the Krinsky family.

The second part included the following collection of pictures, collected from the Israeli and Italian students, reflecting their connection to the Holocaust.

*This Israeli song: "Rikma Enosheet" (translating into "human tapestry") played in the background, adding to a powerful and moving experience.

Link to song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLGX-Op9vj0

Link to a clip of pictures: https://jerusalem365-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/1001988968_jerusal...

The third part dealt with questions for discussion, shared in advance for the students to process and think about.

The Rabbi of Trieste shared his insights, and led a respectful and inclusive discussion, relating to:

• Acceptance of others and whether "loving thy other" is truly possible;
• Acts of kindness and what motivates people to help others, especially when endangering themselves;
• Obligation towards taking responsibility and- an active stand, vs. remaining indifferent to situations surrounding us.

This raises "food for thought", for us all: in our individual lives, as well as the communal impact our actions have.

An additional, very relevant question presented, connects the past to the present: How has the covid-19 period affected our approach towards others' suffering?

The students listened and participated actively, and reported it was a successful encounter, expressing their interest (in both schools) to develop the discussion and collaboration further.

This special event, not only strengthens and creates new paths for learning, and development of our longstanding collaboration and friendship between Modiin, Israel, and the FVG Region of Italy, but also emphasizes the thirst that people have for meeting and connecting, especially during this time of social distancing, and the importance of sharing & discussing, worldwide, the ramifications of the Holocaust and its' effects in our personal lives.