Gabriel Senderowicz, President of the Jewish Community of Porto, views Holocaust education as an essential tool to combat modern antisemitism, though he strongly argues that it must be tied to the historical continuity of anti-Jewish persecution. He believes that the promise of "Never Again" runs the risk of becoming an empty slogan unless education actively connects the Holocaust to centuries of antisemitic genocides and pogroms.
"Modern antisemitism manifests as a total rejection of Jewish people, principles, and institutions," he told PJN. "Continued Holocaust education is vital to help society recognize how modern antisemites use the exact same myths and methods employed in the past to destroy Jewish life."
Senderowicz emphasizes that "Holocaust education must explicitly teach that the primary aim of the Final Solution was specifically to exterminate the Jewish people, rather than minorities in general." He advocates for an educational framework that traces the roots of the Holocaust back through historical atrocities in Europe. Under his leadership, the Jewish Community of Porto expanded its scope to teach students about earlier events like the 1506 Lisbon Massacre and the 1493 abduction of Spanish Jewish children.
In a speech recorded by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Senderowicz criticized "European governments that confuse Jewish life with Jewish heritage, treating Judaism merely as rehabilitated ancient houses." He stated he was honored to lead a community with a living infrastructure, including a "Holocaust museum that welcomes 50,000 children a year."
In 2025, when the Community's educational services received official Portuguese state recognition, Senderowicz stated on Ynetnews that financial benefits were secondary to the museum's educational mission. He noted, "What really matters is that today’s young Portuguese people become responsible men and women tomorrow, aware that the Jewish people were very important in the history of Portugal."
During International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations at the museum, Senderowicz expressed frustration with static remembrance. "We want to see real action that acknowledges the Holocaust's connection to centuries of genocides against Jews."
