Learning about the Holocaust is an important way for Thai children to understand the importance of respecting diversity and standing up against injustices.
Orna Sagiv, the Israeli ambassador, said the Holocaust happened more than 80 years ago, but it is still valid evidence of the results of hatred and intolerance towards people who are different. Although it is unfortunate that hatred and discrimination still prevail in the world -- this can be solved through Holocaust education, she says.
"If we want a better future for our children and society, we must start today by teaching lessons from the Holocaust. We need to teach people that it is okay to live among those who are different to you. It is okay to disagree and to have conflict but resolving conflicts through violence is not okay," she said.
"We can start by remembering the Holocaust and learning about it. It sounds clichéd, but if we don't learn from past tragedies, how will the future be for us? This is why I believe that even if Thai people live on the other side of the world and, fortunately, were not part of the Holocaust, still children around the world need to learn about our tragic past and how one person could annihilate six million people.
"The Holocaust also teaches students how to be better people and to respect differences," she said.
Her remarks came on Wednesday when the embassy held the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is designated on Jan 27 in memory of Holocaust victims.
Glen Chatelier, the International Affairs Director at Assumption University, said Holocaust education could be introduced to students in Thailand because the Holocaust is an example of the dangers of intolerance. In Buddhism, for example, tolerance is a virtue and value, and the reversal of that is what happened in the Holocaust.
Students should use the lessons from the Holocaust to sharpen their thoughts on being aware of their surroundings, especially when using social media where there are many misleading messages, especially messages that embody prejudice against differences.
Education on the Holocaust should emphasise the moral and ethical implications of indifferences, prejudice and discrimination, fostering a sense of responsibility among students to prevent such atrocities in the future.
"The Holocaust provides a heartfelt context about human rights, encouraging students to recognise and defend the rights of all individuals regardless of their background. It also can contribute to the promotion of tolerance and diversity, encouraging society to embrace inclusivity and diversity and respect for all individuals," he added.