The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) is concerned about the growing popularity of using Adolf Hitler and other Nazi symbols as cultural icons in Thailand. As an organization dedicated to promoting Holocaust education in Asia, we see this trend as the result of a lack of effective education and awareness of the Second World War and the Holocaust.

Even if those using Hitler’s drawing at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University did not intend to support Nazi ideas and anti-semitism, their actions reduce the horrific significance of Hitler’s legacy in human history. The apologies and condemnations released following this shameful incident are appropriate.  However, the best way to ensure against similar incidents being repeated is through education, particularly among younger people who may be less familiar with the mass genocide wrought by Hitler and the Nazis. HKHTC will continue its efforts to actively spread the lessons of the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance in Asia.

• Read about the incident in this International Business Times article

[Photo: http://www.wiesenthal.com ]