Program for the Governor's Conference on the Universal Implications of the Holocaust, April 23-24, 1991

Governor's Conference on "The Universal Implications of the Holocaust" April 23-24,1991 Flamingo Hilton Reno Governor's Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust Governor's Conference on "The Universal Implications of the Holocaust" April 23 - 24, 1991 Flamingo Hilton Reno The year 1991 marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the dark period in human history known as 'The Holocaust." From 1941 to 1945, the Nazi regime embarked on a far-reaching program of total extinction of European Jewry. During these five years, six million Jews were exterminated, nearly one third of the world's total Jewish population. Historical evidence shows that this "Final Solution" was endorsed not only by fanatic military leaders, but that it also received approval and support from the legal, medical, educa-tional, and clerical communities as well. This evidence compels us to ask one of the most important questions emerging out of Holocaust studies: How could people with great ethical, intellec-tual, and professional standards be enlisted in such an amoral and inhumane cause? And, more importantly, under what conditions could this happen again? The conference will provide teachers and other profes-sionals in the medical, legal, and religious professions with opportunities to explore some of the significant questions related to Holocaust study and provide them with materials that can be readily used. Participants may attend all sessions of the confer-ence or select sessions of interest to them. As Telford Taylor has written, 'The story of the Holo-caust is not a Jewish story. Nor is it a German story. The import of the Holocaust transcends all lines of race or religion: Its human significance is universal." STATE OF NEVADA BOB MILLER Governor TELEPHONE 17021 047-5*70 fit 17021 O07-44U To all conference participants: Welcome to the first Governor's Conference on "The Universal Implications of the Holocaust." The Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust has done an outstanding job in planning the program that features many interesting and educational presentations by experts and scholars from all over the world. As this prestigious conference explores some significant guestions related to the Holocaust, I hope you will all renew your own personal commitment to never let ourselves and our children forget this painful, yet amazing piece of history so that we can prevent this from ever happening again. Sincerely BOB MILLER Governor BM/jv MCHAftO 8*YAN Idnittd States Senate WASHINGTON DC 10510 April 8, 1991 Governor's Conference on "The Universal Implication* of Che Holocaust* Flamingo Hilton Hotel Reno, Nevada Dear Friends, I would like to extend my warmest regards to the participants of the Governor's Conference on "The Universal Implications of the Holocaust.* As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Holocaust, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Governor's Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust, Nevada Holocaust Education Committea, Clark County Teachers Association and the Nevada Humanities Committee for their support of this conference. The information provided during the two day conference will be of benefit to our educators and professionals alike enabling them to further understand and to teach one and all what must never bo forgotten. I urge all to Join together in rememberence of the death and destruction during one of the darkest periods of time In history. I send my best wishes for the success of the conference and my appreciation for your contributions to the programs and endeavors which improve the quality of life for all of us. United Statu Senate WASMN6T0N DC 20*10 April ?, 1991 Governor's Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust 1030 E. Twain Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Dear Council Hemborsi It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you for the development of the 1991 Governor's Conference on tho Holocaust. I am confident that this conference, with its emphasis on the legal, medical, clerical, and educational professions, will be stimulating and motivating. As we all know, the holocaust is not Just a Jewish issue; it is mankind's issue. The six million Jews who were brutally murdered were Joined by millions more because of differing political and religious beliefs. Fortunately, we live in a country that celebrates freedom, that cherishes diversity, and that welcomes people from all religious faiths. This is a liberty that must be closely guarded and carefully watched. Ke must romamber that racism, bigotry and anti-semitism still exist and that all of us must work together to protect the inalienable rights and roliglous freedoms of each individual. This is the lesson of the holocaust. I commend all of those people who are attending this important conference. We must remember the atrocities of the holocaust to ensure that this terrible tragedy never happens again. The future of our children and our children's children depends upon it. Sincerely, 4 . .? HARRY REID United States Senator HMR/wm Congrrss of tije Slnitcb States fcouBf of Rcpre?iuatibrs ?aabington. JDt 20313 April 23. 1991 Dear Friends: I would like to take this opportunity to commend Governor Miller and the Nevada State Legislature for their insight into the necessity of the conference on 'The Universal Implications of the Holocaust". I would like to also commend the conference participants on their search for the historical and universal human significance of "The Holocaust* on the 50th anniversary of this dark chapter in our common past. The realization that we must study, and learn from the horror is the first step. Only through education may we ensure that the world stands united to stop those who try to repeat the Holocaust tragedy. Never Again' Sincerely. James H. B.lbray Member of Congress JHB/kj C O N G R E S S O F T H E U N R - E D S T A T E S ? ? < * > - . ' ^ " ^ T S E: CIJI ..II.<J>..<XIM House or RCPRCSCNTATTVCS ^^ISSTIMSS FC,RF,.,NU>, WASHINGTON. D C . 2 0 3 1 S ^ c c 'sr^z: S S . -? Dear Frlands: I would like to extend my wariest and most sincere wishes to all of you attending the "Universal Implications of the Holocaust* seminar designed to educate and explore tho significant ramifications of the Holocaust and to ronember and recognize the millions of innocent victims of th?- Holocaust 50 years ago. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the most tragic eras in the history of mankind, and holds accountable those responsible for the unspeakable atrocities against the Jewish community and the entire world during World War II. Wo must never forget those who suffered at the hands of a cruel and vicious dictator. The horror of these events can not be forgotten, lest they be repeated. Prom the lessons we learned during this dark period, we are stronger and more resilient against this form of shamoful aggression. Never again will any group be forced to endure such inhumane and abominable acts. We know all to well the tragic consequences of a madman's actions, and I believe we are all relieved and heartened that the United States and our Allies were successful in defeating our modern day Hitler, Saddan Hussein. In remembrance of the individuals who went bravely and proudly to their death, we can offer no better tostiment to their memory than making sure that another Holocaust will Sincerely, BARBARA F. VUCANOVICH Member of Congress Brvspp Keynote Address Dr. Elisabeth Maxwell is a noted scholar, researcher, philanthropist, and business-woman from Oxford, England. Together with scholars from Israel, the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, Dr. Maxwell organized the inter-national conference, "Remembering for the Future," which took place in Oxford and London in 1988. She is currently a member of the executive committee of the Anglo-Israel Association and an executive member of the Council of Christians and Jews, serving as chairman of the Media and Publication Advisory Committee. Dr. Maxwell is also vice president of the International Council of Christians and Jews. In 1988 she was awarded the Sir Sigmund Sternberg Annual Award for her interfaith work. That same year she was presented with the Interfaith Medallion. In 1989 she received the Anne Frank's Institute Eternal Flame Award. She is an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters of Temple University, Philadelphia. Keynote Dinner Tuesday, April 23 (Town Hall) Reception 6:30 p.m. - Dinner 7:00 p.m. Master of Ceremonies John Henry Brebbia, Esq. Invocation Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad Congregation Ner Tamid, Las Vegas Welcome Governor Bob Miller Opening Remarks Edythe Katz Presentation of University Medal Dr. Joseph Crowley President, University of Nevada, Reno Keynote Address "The Universal Implications of Holocaust" Dr. Elisabeth Maxwell Panel Discussion Moderator: Dr. Eugene Paslov Superintendent, Nevada Department of Education Judge Jack Lehman Senator Dina Titus Fr. Patrick Leary, C.S.P. Thomas Cinque, M.D. Leonard Weinberg, Ph.D. Tuesday, April 23 Conference Schedule Wednesday, April 24 9:30 a.m. Symposium for the Medical and Legal Professions (Town Hall) "The Conscience and Ethical Choices in the Professions: The Nazi Era versus the Nineties' Registration 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Introduction Program Moderator The Honorable Charles E. Springer, Vice Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada "The Holocaust and You' Rabbi Pinchas Lipner, Dean, Institute for Jewish Medical Ethics, San Francisco, California The Individual versus Society A Matter of Informed Consent?" Howard Taubenfeld, Esq., Professor of International Law and Legal Ethics, Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas, Texas "Physicians versus the Slate A Matter of Conscience?* Michael Thaler, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, President, Holocaust Center of Northern California, Holocaust survivor, and has conducted original research on "Medicine During the Nazi Period' "Decision Making in a Democratic Society Bedside or the Courts or Are There Other Alternatives?" Carlos Rizowy, Ph.D., J.D., Gottieib and Schwartz, Chicago, Illinois, a son of Holocaust survivors, a prominent practicing attorney in Chicago, a university profes-sor, and an authority on international relations. 12:30 -1:30 p.m. Lunch (Showroom) 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Round Table Discussion (Showroom) Dr. Thomas J. Cinque, Associate Dean, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Moderator Panel Members: Hon. Charles E. Springer, Rabbi Pinchas Lipner, Howard Taubenfeld, Esq., Dr. Michael Thaler, Dr. Carlos Rizowy, and Dr. Robert Daugherty, Dean, University of Nevada School of Medicine Session for Clergy and Academic Scholars (Town Hall 1) 8:30 a.m. Registration 9:00-11:30 a.m. "Recent Issues in Holocaust Studies' Round Table Discussion Session for Educators (Town Hall 2,3) "Implementing the Holocaust in Your Curriculum" 9:00 a.m.- noon "Why Teach the Holocaust ?" Phyllis Darling, Presenter, Social Studies Specialist, Clark County School District Video Presentation: "Lessons of the Holocaust" 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break Dr. Hubert Locke, Dean Emeritus, Professor of the Graduate School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, and serves on the Board of Directors, National Institute on the Holocaust Dr. Vern Mattson, Associate Professor of History, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dr. Leonard Weinberg, Professor of Political Science, University of Nevada, Reno Discussion Topics: "Resistance and Discrimination: The Middle School Curriculum" "Graphic Films, Propaganda in the Media, and the Righteous Gentile: World History Unit" The Historical Context of the Holocaust the United States' Role in the Holocaust: High School Unit" Noon -1:30 p.m. Lunch (Showroom) Luncheon Address The Fate of the Dutch Jews: Lessons for Education and Clergy" Dr. Hubert Locke and Dr. Franklin Littell 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Town Hall 1) Tape presentation: "Shadow on the Cross" "Moral Dilemmas of the Holocaust" Dr. Franklin Littell, Emeritus Professor of Religion, Temple University, noted author, and referred to as "the Father of Holocaust Studies in America" 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Town Hall2,3) "Literature and Films of the Holocaust" Eileen Kollins, Presenter, Librarian, Clark County School District The German Resistance" Presenters, Karl Schnibbe, Rudi Wobbe Donors and Grants This conference is made possible through grants and donations from the following organizations: Governor's Advisory Council on Education Relating to the Holocaust Edythe Katz, Chairperson; John Henry Brebbia, Vice Chairman; Hy Kashenberg, Treasurer; Members: Gene Greenberg, Norman Kaufman, William Marion, Dr. Vern Mattson, Karla McComb, Dr. Dennis Ortwein, Dr. Eugene Paslov, Dr. Leonard Weinberg, Roz Sbarra, Administrative Assistant Nevada Humanities Committee an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities The Grace Danberg Foundation provided and published "Timeline To Terra" books, David Thompson, Author Clark County Classroom Teachers Association Clark County School District Nevada Holocaust Education Committee of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas First Interstate Bank of Nevada Stephen Kollins, M.D. Sidney and Vera Stern Sisterhood of Temple Emanu El Nate Mack B'nai B'rith Lodge Acknowledgments Special thanks to. . . . Roz Sbarra Richelle O'Driscoll Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad Doris Arnold Ralph Cadwallader Kathleen Conaboy Beverly Eisen Shelley Fischer Maria Gerecht Wendell Gray Joseph Lamarca Father Patrick Leary Annette LeBlanc Judge Jack Lehman Terry Mannion Mary Peterson John Sarb Felix Stumpf Clarion Hotel, Reno Flamingo Hilton, Reno Division of Continuing Education, UNR and all of our good friends and supporters. "That which has happened is a warning. To forget it is guilt. It must be continually remembered. It was pos-sible for this to happen, and it remains possible for it to happen again at any minute. Only in knowledge can it be prevented." ? Karl Jaspers "The Origin and Goal of History" (New Haven: Yale University Press,1953)