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A 15-hour teacher training seminar titled “Portugal and the Holocaust: A Safe Haven in Exile and the Portuguese Righteous Among the Nations” took place on April 20 and 21 at the Holocaust Museum of Porto, bringing together educators from across the country for an intensive program focused on Holocaust education, historical memory, and civic responsibility.

The seminar, attended by 30 teachers from primary (1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles) and secondary schools, was sponsored by the Jewish Community of Porto and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, an international organization dedicated to securing compensation and restitution for Holocaust survivors worldwide.

Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major Jewish organizations, the Claims Conference operates offices in New York, Israel, and Germany. It negotiates with governments—most notably Germany—to provide financial compensation to victims of Nazi persecution and supports educational and remembrance initiatives. Since 1952, agreements facilitated by the Claims Conference have resulted in approximately $95 billion in compensation payments by the German government, through its Federal Ministry of Finance, to individuals who suffered under the Nazi regime.

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The Porto seminar featured contributions from renowned academics and experienced educators specializing in Holocaust studies. The opening address was delivered by Matilde Gouveia Rocha, Councillor for Education at Porto City Hall, representing the mayor. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to address complex historical realities and combat intolerance in contemporary society.

Over the course of two days, participants engaged with a wide range of topics, including the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, Portugal’s role during the Holocaust, and the system of “Fixed Residence Zones” imposed on Jewish refugees. Particular attention was given to the stories of the four Portuguese recognized as Righteous Among the Nations, highlighting acts of courage and moral clarity during one of history’s darkest periods.

The seminar also explored the experiences of Jewish refugees who found temporary refuge in Porto during World War II, as well as pedagogical approaches to teaching the Holocaust in classrooms of varying age groups. A deeply moving component of the program was the presentation of family histories from Holocaust survivors. These included the story of Chaja Lassmann, accompanied by the emotional presence of her son, Joseph Lassmann.

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Beyond lectures and presentations, the event fostered dialogue and reflection. Participants shared meals, engaged in discussions with speakers, and took part in commemorative moments, including the lighting of an eternal flame and a minute of silence in memory of Holocaust victims.

The seminar also had a guided tour of the Holocaust Museum of Porto, led by its director, Michael Rothwell. The visit provided educators with a deeper understanding of the museum’s exhibits and educational mission, reinforcing the role of historical institutions in preserving memory and promoting awareness.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment in Portugal to Holocaust education, not only as a historical subject but as a vital tool in fostering critical thinking, empathy, and the defense of universal values in future generations.