PLENARY MEETING Trondheim, 3 December 2009 FINAL REPORT

PLENARY MEETING Trondheim, 3 December 2009 Executive Summary of the Final Report (The comprehensive report is attached.) Item 1: Welcome; Opening statement by the Mayor of Trondheim, Rita Ottervik Mayor Rita Ottervik gave an opening statement contained in annex 1. Item 2: Approval of the agenda; Future chairmanships The enclosed agenda (annex 2) was adopted. The Plenary decided to: Endorse the proposal by the Netherlands to take the Chair of the ITF in 2011. The incoming ITF Chair for 2010, Mr. Dan Tichon of Israel, made a statement (annex 3). Item 3: Chair’s proposals for decisions based on Working Group Recommendations Based on the reports from the Working Groups, the Chair – in consultation with the “Friends of the Chair” – identified four issues of particular concern to the ITF that he submitted to the Plenary for consideration. a) The situation of the Roma The Chair noted the deteriorating situation of the Roma in several European countries. The EWG Chair Ms. Monique Eckmann gave a statement on the deliberations and recommendations of the EWG regarding this issue (annex 4). The Plenary decided to: 1. Ask the Chair to observe the situation of Roma and take the necessary and appropriate steps, in concert with the Plenary, to prevent discrimination against the Roma and protect the Roma communities. 2. Encourage the Working Groups to observe the Roma issue closely within their respective fields and report their findings to the Chair. 3. Endorse the draft statement concerning hate crimes and discrimination targeting Roma in Europe proposed by the EWG to the ITF in Oslo, June 2009, as outlined in annex 5. 4. Include the issue of the Roma genocide in its consultations with other international organizations (COE, OSCE/ODIHR, EU/FRA, UNESCO, and the UN) in order to identify areas of cooperation. 5. Encourage the EWG sub-committee to continue with its efforts to reach out to Roma organizations for the development of teaching materials. 2

b) Holocaust Memorial Days The Chair noted that a core issue within the ITF’s mandate, reflected in one of the programmes in the Chair’s proposal for the ITF Grant Strategy 2010-2013, is how to make better use of Holocaust Memorial Days to increase the Holocaust awareness in member Countries and beyond. The MMWG Chair, Mr. Jon Reitan, give a statement on the MMWG's deliberations on this issue (annex 6). The Plenary decided to: 6. Task the MMWG to produce a catalogue of practices on Holocaust Memorial Days to be published on the ITF website. 7. Encourage member and affiliated Countries to consult this catalogue in order to learn from other Countries’ experiences. 8. Encourage the ITF member Countries to provide regular updates regarding their activities on Holocaust Memorial Days through the Secretariat. 9. Cooperate with the OSCE/ODIHR with regard to sharing information on Holocaust Memorial Days in the ITF member Countries. c) Marketing the mandate and work of the ITF in the field of academic research The Chair noted the increasing importance of academic research into the Holocaust and drew attention to the need for the ITF to consider how it should market itself, its ideologies and experience in the struggle for attention in a highly competitive international environment. The designated representative of the AWG, Mr. Paul Shapiro, gave a statement about the ideas within the AWG on these questions (annex 7). Belgium suggested that in order to give visibility to current research into the Holocaust a prize should be created by the ITF and given on a semi-annual basis to the author of outstanding research works on the Holocaust or Holocaust-related studies. The Chair encouraged the AWG to look into the Belgium suggestion and develop a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the Plenary for consideration. The Plenary decided: 10. That the ITF in cooperation with the chairing Country should sponsor and support annually at least one expert conference in the field of Holocaust education, remembrance and research. These conferences should be result-oriented. The Working Groups are welcome to organize joint conferences. 11. To encourage the Chair to mandate experts within the ITF to represent the ITF and deliver statements on behalf of the ITF at academic conferences or events in the field of Holocaust education, remembrance and research. d) Communication/Public relation strategy The Chair noted the need for the ITF to address how it could develop a communication/public relations strategy designed to improve the organisation’s public profile and by what means it could achieve more attention for its policies and initiatives. 3

The CWG Chair, Mr. Hugo Poliart, gave a statement on the CWG’s reflections on these issues (annex 8). He also announced his resignation from the chairmanship of the CWG. The CWG delegate from Poland will become the new CWG Chair and the Canadian delegate will assume the CWG Co-Chair. The Plenary decided to: 12. Recommend more frequent press releases and statements by the Chair. 13. Task the Secretariat to distribute the Chair’s press releases/statements to media institutions. 14. Encourage the ITF member Countries to send information on Holocaust education, remembrance and research to the Secretariat on a regular basis so as to enable the Secretariat to update the ITF website more frequently. 15. Task the CWG with the support of the Secretariat to produce a template for the gathering of information for the website. 16. Strengthen the CWG by requesting member Countries to appoint at least one up to a maximum of two delegates to the CWG. The delegates in the CWG should serve as national contact points for providing information to be posted on the website. Item 4: European Parliament Resolution on European Conscience and Totalitarianism (Commemorating 23 August) The Chair expressed his hope that the membership would unanimously endorse his statement issued on 17 August 2009 regarding the European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism (commemorating 23 August) and contained in annex 9. The Chair took note of the differences within the ITF membership on this issue. A number of delegations stated their positions (annexes 10 and 11). The Plenary decided to: 17. Endorse the statement dated 17 August 2009 by the ITF Chair regarding the European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism on the understanding that the ITF will continue to observe this issue closely. Item 5: Chair’s proposal for the ITF Grant Programme 2010-2013 The Chair submitted two papers for consideration by the Plenary: (1) ITF Grant Strategy 2010-2013 and (2) Template for Contracts with Grant Recipient. The Chair noted that should the Plenary adopt the Grant Strategy proposal, the next step would be to develop guidelines for potential applicants to be posted on the ITF website, which would translate the requirements contained in the Strategy, the template for contract and the document adopted at the Oslo Plenary into clear and informative instructions by the Secretariat. The Plenary decided to: 18. Adopt the ITF funding strategy 2010-2013 as outlined in annex 12.

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19. Adopt the template for contracts with grant recipients of ITF funds as outlined in annex 13. This template will form the basis for individual contracts between the ITF and grant recipients of ITF funds. The Chair may adjust the template when deemed necessary. 20. Task the Executive Secretary to develop guidelines for potential applicants to be posted on the ITF website. The guidelines should translate the requirements contained in the Grant Strategy 2010-2013, the document entitled “recommendations on project application, review, allocation, reporting, auditing and evaluation processes” and the template for contracts into clear and informative instructions to the potential applicants on the ITF funding process. The Chair concluded that the decisions taken were profound ones for the future of the ITF and noted that he would study the nominations submitted by the Working Groups for the composition of a Funds Review Committee and Evaluation Board. Item 6: Establishment of a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial The Chair reiterated the urgent need to establish a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial. He directed the Plenary’s attention to his letter of 4 September 2009 (annex 14), a memorandum on the mandates of other intergovernmental organizations in the field (annex 15) and to the ‘Terms of Reference for the Standing Committee’ (annex 16). The Chair suggested that the Joint Working Group Committee submit an annual report with recommendations to the Standing Committee by the end of April. Based on this input, the Standing Committee should: (1) Discuss the recommendations of the Joint Working Group Committee; (2) Translate the recommendations into proposals for political action by the Plenary: and (3) Identify potential areas of cooperation with other international actors. Several participants expressed their support for the initiative, and pointed to possible sources of assistance for the Committees. The Plenary decided to: 21. Establish a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial as outlined in the letter from the Chair dated 4 September 2009, ref. annex 14. 22. The Standing Committee will be composed of the Troika, three representatives of the EWG, two representatives of the AWG, one representative of the MMWG, one representative of the CWG, the Academic Advisor. It will be open to all Heads of Delegations. 23. To adopt the “Terms of Reference” for the Standing Committee as outlined in annex 16. Item 7: Legal status of the ITF and the Secretariat The Chair noted the complexity of the issue of the legal status of the ITF, and acknowledged the contributions made by various delegations on the subject. He proposed that a long-term solution be sought under the following chairmanship. As a short-term remedy, the Chair drew attention to his letter to the Executive Secretary dated 23 November 2009 (annex 17) authorizing her to sign contracts on behalf of the ITF with recipients of ITF grants. 5

Germany reassured the Plenary that ongoing issues regarding the legal status of the ITF were not an obstacle to the proper functioning of Secretariat in Berlin. Austria stated its continued interest in finding a way to provide the Secretariat with adequate international standing through an agreement with the host country. Item 8: Permanent Observer Status for UNESCO UNESCO made a statement (annex 18). The Plenary decided to: 24. Accept UNESCO as a Permanent Observer of the ITF. Item 9: Preservation of Memorial Sites a) Gusen Concentration Camp Memorial The Chair summarised the continuing communication between the ITF and Austria regarding the preservation of the Gusen Concentration Camp Memorial. Austria gave a report about the Gusen complex and the Mauthausen Memorial (annex 19). b) Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial The Chair reported on his visit to Brussels on 19 November, during which he explored the possibilities of securing financial contributions from the EU in support of the Polish efforts to preserve the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. After meetings with representatives of the Financial Mechanism Office, DG Culture and Education and DG Regio, the Chair concluded that it was for the Polish authorities to decide on how to prioritize the funding received through the different channels of the EU system. The Chair stressed that the ITF is not in a position to obtain or bring about funding from the EU. He therefore suggested that the Plenary take note of his report from the meetings in Brussels and that the agenda item be closed. c) Recommendations on the Preservation of Memorial Sites The Chair referred to the “Historic Sites Questionnaire” developed by the MMWG, which aims at giving an overview of the legal, political and cultural status of Holocaust-related sites in ITF member Countries. The MMWG Chair gave a statement regarding this issue (annex 20). The Plenary decided to: 25. Emphasize the importance of maintaining historic sites, recalling the resolution from Prague in June 2007, to preserve and protect historic sites. 26. Call on all member Countries to open and make accessible for the public, the historic sites that are still closed. 27. Call on all member Countries that have not yet replied to the Historic Sites Questionnaire developed by the MMWG to do so by 30 January 2010. Item 10: Report of the Chair on Liaison and Observer Countries and on Future Candidacies

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Serbia made a statement contained in annex 21. Slovenia made a statement contained in annex 22. The Plenary decided to: 28. Accept Slovenia as a Liaison Country to the ITF. 29. Accept Serbia as a Liaison Country to the ITF. Item 11: Location of SIWG/PPC meetings; Endorsement of 2010 budget Sweden made a proposal that at least one of the semi-annual SIWG/PPC meetings be held in Berlin, Germany (annex 23). The Netherlands announced that it would include this suggestion in the reform package it intends to put forward under its chairmanship in 2011. Item 12: Any Other Business The Plenary endorsed the overall ITF budget for 2010 as presented on 2 December 2009. The Czech Republic introduced the director of the European Legacy Shoah Institute, Mr. Lukas Pribyl, who made a statement contained in annex 24. Turkey made a statement contained in annex 25. The Chair noted that Portugal had circulated a statement, contained in annex 26. The Chair encouraged the affiliated Countries and Organizations to circulate their statements in advance so that member Countries could have the opportunity to make comments. On 2 December 2009, Austria had referred to the ITF technical mission to the Vatican on the 12-13 October 2009 headed by Ambassador Trauttmansdorff, in which the Academic Advisor and the Chair of the AWG participated. Item 13: Closing of the Plenary Meeting The Chair’s closing statement is contained in annex 27.

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Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research Plenary Meeting Trondheim, 3 December 2009 FINAL REPORT

Item 1: Welcome; Opening statement by the Mayor of Trondheim, Rita Ottervik 1.

The Chair, Ambassador Tom Vraalsen, welcomed the ITF members to the second Plenary meeting under the Norwegian chairmanship in Trondheim. He introduced the Mayor of Trondheim, Ms. Rita Ottervik.

2.

Mayor Ottervik gave a statement contained in annex 1.

3.

The Chair recalled that the main goal of the Norwegian Chairmanship was to make the ITF a player with real and profound political impact on the global scene. To fulfil this ambitious goal, the ITF had adopted a reform package at the Oslo Plenary that entails changes in the organization’s modus operandi.

4.

The Chair’s aim during this session was to have substantive discussions making maximal use of what the Mayor referred to as “an unmatched reservoir of academic and practical experience”. The Chair expressed his hope that the ITF take political action on several substantive issues on the agenda, including his two priorities: (1) to adopt the ITF Grant Programme 2010-2013, which would enable the ITF to resume the funding of activities to promote the goals of the Stockholm Declaration; and (2) to have a decision to establish the Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial.

Item 2: Approval of the agenda; Future chairmanships 5.

The enclosed agenda was adopted as proposed by the Chair (annex 2.)

6.

The Chair asked that the Plenary take a decision to welcome the offer from the Netherlands to take the Chair in 2011.

7.

The Plenary made the following decision to: Endorse the proposal by the Netherlands to take the Chair of the ITF in 2011.

8.

The Chair then introduced the incoming ITF Chair for 2010, Mr. Dan Tichon of Israel, who made a statement contained in annex 3.

9.

The Chair expressed his readiness to assist, give advice and work together with Israel to further the work of the ITF.

Item 3: Chair’s proposals for decisions based on Working Group Recommendations

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10. The Chair recalled that this agenda item was a result of the decision at the Oslo Plenary to request the Working Groups to submit written recommendations to the Plenary in advance, so as to bring more content into its work and to enable it to take action on political issues. 11. The Chair referred to the written reports from the Working Groups circulated to all delegations by e-mail from the Executive Secretary on 2 November 2009. 12. The Chair expressed his appreciation for the Working Group reports, which he had studied carefully and consulted about with the “Friends of the Chair.” On this basis he had identified four issues of particular concern to the ITF that he submitted to the Plenary for general debate: Recommendation 1: The situation of the Roma 13. The Chair noted that the situation of Roma has deteriorated seriously in several European countries in 2009. Hate crimes have led to deaths, and Roma are confronted with discrimination on an alarming scale. 14. The Chair quoted a statement made by the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Mr. Githu Muigai, to the UN General Assembly on 2 November this year. In this statement the UN Special Rapporteur drew attention to reports that Roma are still the daily victims of societal discrimination. It was stated that the growing number of such incidents requires both a national and European-wide response. Mr. Muigai called upon concerned governments to commit to find solutions addressing the root causes of the problems as well as the violent manifestations affecting Roma people in Europe. 15. The Chair said that this was a grim description of the unacceptable realities facing the Roma and expressed his strong belief that such a situation needs a response from the ITF. What should and can the ITF do to respond to the prejudices, discrimination and violence that Roma experience? 16. The Chair asked the EWG Chair, Ms. Monique Eckmann, to share her reflections based on deliberations in the EWG on the Roma issue. Her full statement is contained in annex 4. 17. She explained that the dramatic situation presently facing Roma across Europe called for a renewed focus on educating about the Roma genocide. 18. The EWG had set-up a dynamic Joint Working Group Committee on the Roma Genocide which had developed expertise in this field. Over the course of the last eighteen months a consensus had emerged that the Roma genocide needed to be taught comprehensively as part of Holocaust education, and that the present situation demanded that the situation of Roma, as Europe’s largest minority population, be addressed. Because of this, the EWG Chair called upon the Plenary to endorse the statement proposed by the EWG concerning the Roma contained in annex 5. In this context, she highlighted five conclusions:

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1. The Stockholm Declaration is concerned with all the victims of the Nazi regime. 2. In the framework of Holocaust education, the Roma issue appear as an educational challenge within the context of Holocaust denial within the classroom. Thus, the Roma genocide should be taught as part of general Holocaust education. 3. There is not much knowledge about the Roma genocide among teachers and they are not equipped to respond to hate and discrimination against Roma. There are now no good arguments to counter prejudice expressed against Roma. 4. Teaching materials on the Roma genocide, entitled “The Fate of the Central European Roma and Sinti During the Holocaust,” have been recently created and presented to the EWG in Trondheim. These materials are being made available in many languages for dissemination via the ITF website. 5. It is important that the educational field has pedagogical programs concerning this issue. The ITF should include the history of Roma in Europe, the Roma genocide and anti-Roma sentiments today within its focus. 19. The Czech Republic welcomed the proposed statement and emphasized its particular support for conclusions 3, 4 and 5. The ITF should react to forms of hatred and racism directed against Roma, and complement teachings about the Roma genocide within the context of Holocaust education. Teaching materials about the Holocaust should include Roma. 20. The Academic Advisor, Ms. Dina Porat, concurred and noted that the report was based on events and issues up to June 2009 but that the situation has deteriorated even further since then. She supported the inclusion of the Roma issue within the ITF’s work and supported that the proposed statement on this issue be issued by the ITF. 21. The Claims Conference expressed concern that there is no Roma representative present at the ITF. The ITF should encourage such representation at Working Group meetings in the future. 22. Based on the recommendations of the EWG and AWG, the Plenary made the following decisions to: 1. Ask the Chair to observe the situation of Roma and take the necessary and appropriate steps, in concert with the Plenary, to prevent discrimination against the Roma and protect the Roma communities. 2. Encourage the Working Groups to observe the Roma issue closely within their respective fields and report their findings to the Chair. 3. Endorse the draft statement concerning hate crimes and discrimination targeting Roma in Europe proposed by the EWG to the ITF in Oslo, June 2009, as outlined in annex 5. 4. Include the issue of the Roma genocide in its consultations with other international organizations (COE, OSCE/ODIHR, EU/FRA, UNESCO, and the UN) in order to identify areas of cooperation. 10

5. Encourage the EWG sub-committee to continue with its efforts to reach out to Roma organizations for the development of teaching materials. 23. The Chair informed the ITF that he intends to make one or two additional country visits before he leaves his position, and that during these visits the Roma issue will be high on the agenda. Recommendation 2: Holocaust Memorial Days 24. The Chair noted that in joining the ITF member Countries must demonstrate, according to the Stockholm Declaration, their commitment to “commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.” Member Countries should endeavour to “share a commitment to throw light on the still obscured shadows of the Holocaust.” The Chair referred to the presentation to the ITF by the Academic Advisor on 2 December on the same topic. 25. This is a core issue within the ITF’s mandate. It is reflected in one of the programmes in the Chair’s proposal for the ITF Grant Strategy 2010-2013. The Chair stated that the ITF should ask itself the following questions: How to make better use of Holocaust Memorial Days (HMD) to increase Holocaust awareness in member Countries and beyond? How can the ITF contribute to injecting substance, real meaning and educational value into the observations of HMD? How should the ITF communicate to a broader public the missions of the ITF in this regard? 26. The Chair asked the MMWG Chair, Mr. Jon Reitan, to give insight on the MMWG's thinking about this issue. The MMWG Chair’s full statement is contained in annex 6. 27. The MMWG Chair referred to the MMWG-EWG joint conference on the topic of learning at memorial sites at the Falstad Memorial Centre on 28-29 November 2009. He suggested stronger cooperation with the EWG aimed at exchanging experiences and addressing how the two main targets of prospective educational activities combine with the retrospective ritual of remembrance in order to strengthen and supplement the Working Groups’ work. In this regard, he specifically suggested that a joint meeting on this particular topic be arranged in Israel in 2010. 28. In cooperation with OSCE/ODIHR, the MMWG aimed at producing a catalogue of practices on HMD within the ITF member countries. OSCE/ODIHR will publish a report on HMD on 27 January 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Such efforts and activities should also be seen in light of the ITF’s grant strategy. 29. The Chair stated that HMD should not simply be treated as an opportunity for politicians to make convenient statements. It should be used for educational purposes to promote the values of the Stockholm Declaration. This should be an ongoing process throughout the year. It is important that countries share experiences with and learn from each other, for example through the ITF website.

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30. Based on the recommendations of the MMWG, the Plenary made the following decisions to: 6. Task the MMWG to produce a catalogue of practices on Holocaust Memorial Days to be published on the ITF website. 7. Encourage member and affiliated Countries to consult this catalogue in order to learn from other Countries’ experiences. 8. Encourage the ITF member Countries to provide regular updates regarding their activities on Holocaust Memorial Days through the Secretariat. 9. Cooperate with the OSCE/ODIHR with regard to sharing information on Holocaust Memorial Days in the ITF member Countries. Recommendation 3: Marketing of the mandate and work of the ITF in the field of academic research 31. The Chair explained that as the number of Holocaust witnesses is diminishing, academic research relevant to the past, present and future becomes increasingly important. Today’s globalized world with fast moving agendas represents a challenge to the ITF and associated institutions. How should the ITF market itself, its ideologies and experience in the struggle for attention in a highly competitive international environment? 32. The Chair asked the designated representative from the AWG, Mr. Paul Shapiro, to give insight into the thoughts and ideas within the AWG on these questions. The Acting AWG Chair’s full statement is contained in annex 7. 33. The Acting AWG Chair strongly recommended that the ITF and the AWG organize a scholarly conference on the Holocaust each year going forward. Such conferences should give a platform for new and young scholars working on doctoral dissertations. The content of such symposia should focus on local priorities and issues relevant to the chairing country should be addressed. This will give the rotation of chairmanships an added meaning. Papers delivered at such conferences should be made available on the website to give the public access to them. The Acting AWG Chair further recommended that all ITF delegates, both scholars and government representatives, should carry the work of ITF into other professional meetings throughout the year. 34. Belgium suggested that in order to give visibility to current research into the Holocaust, a prize should be created by the ITF and given on a semi-annual basis to the author of outstanding research works on the Holocaust or Holocaust-related studies. To this end, the AWG could set-up a scientific committee consisting of ITF members and advisors from university research centres. The selection of the prize-winner should be made according to scientific rules in terms of the quality of the paper and originality of research. At the end of the process, the scientific committee should make a proposal to the Chair as to who should receive the award. The prize should be given in front of the press, and the prize-winner could be offered a symbolic amount of money with the assurance that he or she would be invited to other scholarly activities of the ITF. 12

35. Israel and the Academic Advisor voiced their support for the Belgium suggestion. Israel suggested that the prize-winner could give a presentation of his or her research at the Plenary. 36. The Academic Advisor addressed the issue of funding the prize and pointed to the fact that the ITF is short of budget. Furthermore, she informed the Plenary that Israel is already preparing for a conference that will include a focus on research into how the Jewish community in pre-state Israel related to the Holocaust as it was happening. It will also be devoted to how Holocaust research is dealt with by emerging scholars in Israel. 37. The Chair took note of the proposal from Belgium and said that the ITF should revert to it. He encouraged the AWG to follow-up on this suggestion with a carefully considered and comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the Plenary for consideration. 38. Based on the recommendations of the AWG, the Plenary made the following decisions: 10. That the ITF in cooperation with the chairing Country should sponsor and support annually at least one expert conference in the field of Holocaust education, remembrance and research. These conferences should be result-oriented. The Working Groups are welcome to organize joint conferences. 11. To encourage the Chair to mandate experts within the ITF to represent the ITF and deliver statements on behalf of the ITF at academic conferences or events in the field of Holocaust education, remembrance and research. Recommendation 4: Communication/Public relation strategy: 39. The Chair recalled that an important step in raising the visibility of the ITF had already been taken at the last SIWG/PPC meeting: to allocate a budget to hire an agency specialized in organizational branding in order to rebrand the ITF. 40. The Chair stated that the ITF is virtually unknown by decision-makers and the general public, even in the member Countries. How can the ITF develop a communication/public relations strategy designed to improve the organisation’s public profile? What could be ways and means for the ITF to achieve more attention for its policies and initiatives? 41. The Chair asked the CWG Chair, Mr. Hugo Poliart, to share the reflections in the CWG on these questions. The CWG Chair’s full statement is contained in annex 8. 42. At the outset the CWG informed the Plenary that he is resigning as Chair of the CWG. The CWG delegate from Poland will become the new CWG Chair and the Canadian delegate will assume the CWG Co-Chair.

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43. He stressed the importance that the ITF continue issuing press releases on relevant current issues, and the need for such press releases to be widely disseminated. He encouraged all member Countries to use the ITF website to post news items related to the organization’s mandate, and for all ITF affiliated organizations to link to the ITF website and to display their affiliation with the ITF on their own websites. He encouraged more member Countries to send delegates to CWG meetings, and suggested to the membership that if Countries do not send delegates in the future then the ITF may need to rethink the role and structure of the CWG as a whole. He underlined the fact that effective communication by the ITF is a key challenge for the future of the organization in order to raise the visibility of the ITF, as well as Holocaust awareness as such. 44. Several delegations expressed their gratitude to Mr Poliart. 45. Spain informed the Plenary that the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs was developing its own communication strategy in connection with its ITF membership. The Spanish MFA’s website had recently opened a specific section to highlight its membership in the ITF, and would henceforth make Holocaust-related materials accessible there. 46. Belgium made the suggestion, supported by Poland, that the chairing Country organize press conferences around the Plenary sessions and other important events to raise the visibility of the ITF in the media. 47. The Chair replied that Norway tried its best in this regard, but that it is hard to attract attention to the ITF in today’s competitive media environment. The Chair promised to continue his efforts in this regard and noted the importance of bringing the ITF’s important message into the public space. 48. Based on the recommendations of the CWG, the Plenary made the following decisions to: 12. Recommend more frequent press releases and statements by the Chair. 13. Task the Secretariat to distribute the Chair’s press releases/statements to media institutions. 14. Encourage the ITF member Countries to send information on Holocaust education, remembrance and research to the Secretariat on a regular basis so as to enable the Secretariat to update the ITF website more frequently. 15. Task the CWG with the support of the Secretariat to produce a template for the gathering of information for the website. 16. Strengthen the CWG by requesting member Countries to appoint at least one up to a maximum of two delegates to the CWG. The delegates in the CWG should serve as national contact points for providing information to be posted on the website.

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Item 4: European Parliament Resolution on European Conscience and Totalitarianism (Commemorating 23 August) 49. With reference to the discussions at the recent SIWG/PPC meeting, the Chair expressed his hope that the membership would unanimously endorse his statement issued on 17 August regarding the European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism (commemorating 23 August) and contained in annex 9. He noted that during the meeting in Bergen it was clearly established that there are major differences within the ITF’s membership on this issue. It is a sensitive matter for some of the ITF members as it touches upon basic aspects of national history and historic nation building. 50. Poland expressed the opinion that because both countries in question, Germany and Russia, are no longer totalitarian states but more or less democratic today, the issue before the Plenary has become politically sensitive. It is important to remember that immediately after the first week of the German invasion of the Soviet Union, the Germans started their annihilation program of the Jews. The Soviet Union was not involved in the Holocaust and therefore the ITF should be reluctant to join those stressing the importance of this day as a general symbol of warning against totalitarian regimes. Therefore, Poland fully supported the Chair’s statement on the European Parliament resolution. 51. Estonia referred to the position paper on the issue it had circulated to the membership (annex 10.) Estonia expressed its strong support for the Chair’s statement on the issue. The two commemoration days, International Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January and the Day of Remembrance on 23 August do not conflict because there can never be too much commemoration of the victims of totalitarian regimes. Moreover, according to Stockholm Declaration the goal is not to limit the commemoration of victims to one day but to find other opportunities for commemoration in addition to Holocaust remembrance days. Estonia will therefore encourage appropriate forms of commemoration on both days. 52. Latvia drew reference to a position paper on the issue it had circulated to the membership (annex 11.) Latvia assured that it is fully committed to the Stockholm Declaration. The ITF represents different Countries with different historical experiences, some of them European Union members and some not. However, the unifying factor is the fact that all Countries have in one way or another suffered from Nazism. Latvia concluded by expressing its strong support for the Chair’s statement. 53. Lithuania expressed its support for the Chair’s statement. Only now are Countries beginning to discover and delve into archives to do research on the millions killed under totalitarian regimes. As a result of Soviet totalitarianism, millions died from hunger in Ukraine and Russia. The flood of new information evoked the European Parliament resolution. The Russian President Dmitry Medvedev recently gave a speech stressing that the horrors of Stalinism cannot be forgotten. Lithuania’s position was that the Shoah made Nazism incomparable to other totalitarian regimes because people were killed just because they were Jews. The European Parliament resolution was designed to address political oppression in general.

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54. Israel endorsed the Chair’s statement. It expressed its opinion that the younger generations should not be confused by comparisons between different historical phenomena. Knowledge of the Holocaust should be delivered in the clearest way possible so as not to confuse and not to equate Nazism with communism. 55. The Academic Advisor highlighted the consensus of the ITF’s experts that the European Parliament resolution is highly problematic in that it puts responsibility for WWII equally on the USSR and Nazi Germany, which is completely untrue. She expressed her agreement with the remarks of Poland and Lithuania in this regard and noted that the Chair’s statement on this issue had been carefully balanced. She encouraged the ITF to find new ways to restate the uniqueness of the Holocaust in the aftermath of the resolution. 56. The Chair concluded by welcoming the current consensus regarding the Chair’s statement made on 17 August about this issue. 57. Therefore, the Plenary made the following decision to: 17. Endorse the statement dated 17 August 2009 by the ITF Chair regarding the European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism on the understanding that the ITF will continue to observe this issue closely. Item 5: Chair’s proposal for the ITF Grant Programme 2010-2013 58. The Chair explained that the item was a follow-up to the decision made at the Oslo Plenary to “move from a project to a programme oriented approach for providing grants”. 59. The Chair had submitted in advance two papers for consideration by the Plenary: (1) ITF Grant Strategy 2010-2013 and (2) Template for contract with the Grant Recipient. 60. The Chair noted that he had revised the strategy slightly in order to accommodate the comments received at the SIWG/PPC and following the meeting of the “Friends of the Chair.” 61. With reference to his letter of 22 October appending the revised strategy (annex 12), the Chair highlighted that Holocaust research and education about its significance and legacy remain the core issues of the ITF. The proposed Grant Strategy is one of the instruments at the ITF’s disposal to reach the goals set out in the Stockholm Declaration. It targets actors who have some influence in political decision-making as well as opinion-makers and local leaders from civil society. The targeting of educational multipliers will ultimately sustain and enhance the quality of the teaching about the Holocaust. The strategy sets up specific and decisive criteria for allocation based on modern principles of managing development aid that will ensure predictability for both ITF and the recipients of ITF grants. The strategy will provide a sound and transparent funding policy and ensure financial accountability and oversight.

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62. The template for contracts with grant recipients (annex 13) will establish clear responsibilities on the part of the grant recipients regarding the use of funds and reporting procedures upon completion of the project. The Chair expressed his hope that the Plenary approve the draft template as a basis for the contracts with the grant recipient of ITF funds. The Plenary should however leave room for the Chair to make some adjustments to the template if this should be appropriate and necessary. 63. Provided that the Plenary adopts the Strategy for 2010-2013 and the template for contracts, the next step is to develop guidelines for potential applicants to be posted on the ITF website. Such guidelines should translate the requirements contained in the Strategy, the template for contracts and the document adopted at the Oslo Plenary into clear and informative instructions. They should provide guidance to the potential applicants about how to submit applications to the ITF and what information must be included in the application. The guidelines should also describe what kind of projects the ITF funds, the criteria that applications must comply with in order to be eligible for funding, disclaimers and the reporting requirements upon completion of the project. 64. Poland expressed its opinion that should the need arise there could be a review of the ITF Grant Programme 2010-2013 and its guidelines in due course and with the close involvement of the Working Groups. 65. The Netherlands congratulated the Chair and noted that the Chair had consulted extensively during the drafting process. The proposal gives a new direction to the ITF and focuses its overall activities, in line with the Amsterdam proposal put forward by the Netherlands in 2007. As the ITF does not have a lot of money at its disposal, it must find a way to be influential and spread its message throughout civil society and within the political sphere. As the current proposal achieves just that, the Netherlands fully supported it and encouraged the rest of the member Countries to do so as well. 66. The Plenary made the following decisions to: 18. Adopt the ITF funding strategy 2010-2013 as outlined in annex 12. 19. Adopt the template for contracts with grant recipients of ITF funds as outlined in annex 13. This template will form the basis for individual contracts between the ITF and grant recipients of ITF funds. The Chair may adjust the template when deemed necessary. 20. Task the Executive Secretary to develop guidelines for potential applicants to be posted on the ITF website. The guidelines should translate the requirements contained in the Grant Strategy 2010-2013, the document entitled “recommendations on project application, review, allocation, reporting, auditing and evaluation processes” and the template for contracts into clear and informative instructions to the potential applicants on the ITF funding process. 67. The Chair concluded that the decisions taken were profound ones in the history of the ITF, and permit ITF’s funding activities to resume shortly. The Working 17

Groups nominated members to the Review Committee and Evaluation Board and the Chair would now study these nominations and decide on the composition of the Review Committee and the Evaluation Board. Item 6: Establishment of a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial 68. With reference to his letter dated 4 September 2009 (contained in annex 14) the Chair reiterated the urgent need to establish a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial. He stressed the need for political engagement and action on this issue, and suggested that the ITF could play a role by securing sharp and clear analyses and assessment, as well as expert advice on how to combat antisemitism. He referred delegates to the annotated agenda, in which an outline of the mandate and composition of the Standing Committee could be found. 69. The Chair responded to suggestions made at SIWG/PPC in Bergen, namely that the ITF should seek to complement the work of other actors in the field of antisemitism and that the Standing Committee should be given a clear terms of reference in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Stockholm Declaration. The Chair referred to a memorandum on the mandates of other intergovernmental organizations in the field prepared by the Secretariat and included in annex 15. He also directed attention to the ‘Terms of Reference for the Standing Committee’ included in annex 16. 70. The Terms of Reference for the Standing Committee make clear the importance of Holocaust denial and trivialization as growing manifestations of antisemitism which challenge the very mandate of the ITF. The Chair proposed that Holocaust denial and trivialization be the initial focus of the Standing Committee, subject to later review and expansion. 71. The Chair pointed to the need for input from the Working Groups and drew attention to the establishment of a Joint Working Group Committee, of which the first meeting was held in Trondheim. The chair suggested that the Joint Working Group Committee submit an annual report with recommendations to the Standing Committee by the end of April. The Joint Working Group Committee should make use of data and analyses by other organizations in the field and identify trends and patterns of Holocaust denial and trivialization. Based on its input, the Standing Committee should: (1) Discuss the recommendations of the Joint Working Group Committee; (2) Translate the recommendations into proposals for political action by the Plenary, and (3) Identify potential areas of cooperation with other international actors. 72. The United States expressed support for the comprehensive efforts of the Chair. It informed the Plenary that the US Congress has mandated the State Department to prepare a global report on antisemitism from the perspective of the US on an annual basis. 73. Israel pointed to the political effort of the global forum and the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism (ICCA) as a potential source of assistance for the Joint Working Group Committee and an opportunity for the ITF to increase its visibility within these coalitions. Israel endorsed the Terms of Reference

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for the Standing Committee and look forward to further elaborations at the upcoming meeting in Israel. 74. Canada informed the Plenary that it would be hosting the next ICCA meeting in the fall of 2010 and that they looked forward to future collaborations on this at the upcoming Jerusalem meeting. 75. OSCE/ODIHR noted that it is tasked to assist Countries in implementing their commitments in the fight against antisemitism by collecting statistics and information on antisemitic hate crimes and incidents in the OSCE region. OSCE underscored that it can only to a limited extent focus on verbal versions of antisemitism. OSCE/ODIHR expressed its support for the ITF’s focus on verbal manifestations of Holocaust denial and trivialization. 76. The Plenary made the following decisions to: 21. Establish a Standing Committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial as outlined in the letter from the Chair dated 4 September 2009, ref. annex 14. 22. The Standing Committee will be composed of the Troika, three representatives of the EWG, two representatives of the AWG, one representative of the MMWG, one representative of the CWG, the Academic Advisor. It will be open to all Heads of Delegations. 23. To adopt the “Terms of Reference” for the Standing Committee as outlined in annex 16. Item 7: Legal status of the ITF and the Secretariat 77. The Chair noted the complexity of the issue of the legal status of the ITF, which has been on the agenda for some time. He acknowledged contributions made by many delegations, including papers prepared by Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria. He drew attention to the decision made at Oslo to continue consultation on this issue with Germany, as the host country of the Secretariat. At the SIWG/PPC meeting in Bergen, Germany had defined some questions that the ITF must address in order to move forward. The Chair noted that it was not possible to find answers to these questions at this stage, and proposed that a long term solution be sought under the following chairmanships. 78. In line with the German proposal and as concluded at the SIWG/PPC meeting in Bergen, the Chair sent a letter to the Executive Secretary dated 23 November 2009 (contained in annex 17) authorizing her to sign contracts on behalf of the ITF with recipients of ITF grants. The letter also contains an exemption from personal liability in carrying out the functions described in this letter. The Chair hoped that this would provide a short term remedy to the specific problems concerning funding, and suggested that the Plenary take note of the update. 79. Germany assured the Plenary that the ongoing issues regarding the legal status of the ITF were not an obstacle to the proper functioning of the Secretariat in Berlin

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and that an arrangement had been found that should ensure the smooth functioning of the office until legal status is achieved. 80. Austria stated its continued interest in finding a way to provide the Secretariat with adequate international standing through an agreement with the host country. Austria noted that this is a common interest and is prepared to continue to work on the process with the incoming chair to achieve this goal. 81. The Chair concluded by emphasizing the need to continue work on this important issue, and expressed his hope that the Israeli Chair would engage actively in finding a solution. Item 8: Permanent Observer Status for UNESCO 82. The Chair referred to a letter dated 30 September 2009 sent to UNESCO inviting it to become a Permanent Observer of the ITF and noted the positive reply received on 14 October 2009 from Mr. Nicholas Burnett, UNESCO’s Assistant Director General for Education. The Chair stated that formalizing cooperation between the ITF and UNESCO will enable the two entities to further their common goals. 83. The representative of UNESCO, Mr. Lucio Sia, made a statement contained in annex 18. 84. The Plenary made the following decision to: 24. Accept UNESCO as a Permanent Observer of the ITF. 85. At the informal meeting of the Heads of Delegation of member Countries on 1 December 2009, the Chair proposed a change in the participation of the Permanent Observers in Working Group meetings. He proposed to allow them to sit at the main table and speak during such meetings, so as to enable them to contribute to the debate. As there was no objection to this proposal, the Chair notified the Permanent Observers. Item 9: Preservation of Memorial Sites Sub-item a) Gusen Concentration Camp Memorial 86. The Chair recalled the Vienna Plenary in December 2008, when attention was drawn to the physical state of the former Gusen Concentration Camp. He referred to the report provided by Austria at the SIWG/PPC meeting in Bergen, which noted recent efforts made by national and federal authorities in Austria to maintain the camp and stabilise the tunnel system at the complex. The Chair believed that these efforts represent an important step forward in making Gusen accessible to the public as a memorial site. 87. The Chair referred to letters dated 4 November and 24 November 2009 addressed to the Austrian Minister of the Interior, Ms. Maria Fekter and the Minister of Education, Art and Culture, Ms. Claudia Schmied, in which he commended the Austrian efforts to maintain the Gusen complex. In a letter dated 12 November 20

2009, the Austrian Ministry of Interior assured the ITF that it considered the protection of both the remains of Gusen concentration camp and the galleries of St. Georgen of utmost importance. 88. Austria gave a report about the Gusen complex and the Mauthausen Memorial, included in annex 19. 89. The Chair reiterated that the ITF will continue to observe the issue closely. Sub-item b) Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial 90. The Chair reported on his visit to Brussels on 19 November made in order to examine the possibilities of securing financial contributions from the EU in support of the Polish efforts to preserve the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. He met with representatives of the Financial Mechanism Office, DG Culture and Education and DG Regio. 91. DG Regio informed the Chair that Poland is the largest beneficiary of funds from the EU Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds. While the priorities and programmes are the result of negotiations between Poland and the EU, it is entirely up to the Poles to select the individual projects under the programmes. The programme “Operational Programme – Infrastructure and Environment” was particularly relevant. The Chair was pleased to have been informed that the Polish Ministry of Regional Development has allocated funds to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum under this programme amounting to approximately €4.3 million. These funds are allocated to two projects: 92. Project 1) concerns conservation and construction works on two blocks at Auschwitz (A-2 and A-3) with the total cost of to €3.24 million. 93. Project 2) concerns the preservation of two wooden barracks at Auschwitz IIBirkenau with the total cost of €1.05 million. 94. DG Regio emphasized that the Museum could apply for additional funds under this programme. This should be negotiated between the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and the Ministry of Regional Development. DG Regio further informed the Chair of a programme run by local authorities that could be of relevance and that could be explored by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. 95. The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) implements the EEA and Norway Grants in cooperation between the donor and beneficiary states of which Poland is the largest beneficiary. From 2004 and 2009 the total allocation to Poland was €582.2 million. While conservation of European cultural heritage is one of the core areas of support, it is up to the beneficiary to define how the funds should be prioritized. 96. The Chair was informed that during the period 2004-2009 the Polish authorities have not requested funds for the preservation of Auschwitz. The FMO drew attention to the Cultural Exchange Fund which still has funds available. The current fourth round of calls for proposals was open until end of November. The final and fifth call for proposal will be open until early 2010.The Chair encouraged the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum to investigate this option. 21

97. Negotiations on possible new grant schemes are currently ongoing. The Polish authorities are encouraged to submit the maintenance of Auschwitz as an area of priority under the development of this new grant scheme. 98. DG Culture and Education informed the Chair about the Europe for Citizens Programme: Civil Society and Remembrance, as well as the Culture Programme and Actions. None of these programmes allowed for funding of renovation costs, and projects usually had to be of a multinational character. It was therefore concluded that support for the Polish efforts to maintain Auschwitz would not fit the current programmes run by DG Culture and Education. However, if a project had a broader scope – for instance sharing best practices on how to preserve concentration camps and memorial sites and three or more countries participated – it could be considered eligible for funding under the current programmes. The Chair noted that it was up to the Polish authorities to consider whether this could be an option that merits further consideration. 99. In conclusion, the Chair noted that it was now for the Polish authorities to decide on how to prioritize the funding received through the different channels of the EU system. They should decide if and to what extent support to maintenance of Auschwitz should be given priority under the current funding schemes. The Chair stressed that the ITF is not in a position to obtain or bring about funding from the EU. He therefore suggested that the Plenary take note of his report from the meetings in Brussels and that the agenda item be closed. The Chair encouraged all Heads of Delegation to bring the message back to their governments to see what can be done to raise necessary funds and support. 100. Poland requested a copy of the relevant documents, noting the difficulty for any country to decide on the funding of important memorial sites and requested that all member Countries contribute to the fund, as Norway has already done. 101. Germany announced that the German government would be making a substantial contribution to the Polish Auschwitz conservation fund in line with its historical responsibilities. 102. Belgium informed the plenary that the Belgium government has decided to provide support in 2011 or 2012. The office of the Prime Minister will give a special contribution. Sub-item c) Recommendations on the Preservation of Memorial Sites 103. The Chair said the agenda items on the preservation of Gusen and Auschwitz clearly demonstrated that that preservation of memorial sites is an issue where the ITF must remain vigilant. It must constantly remind the member Countries of their obligations under the Stockholm Declaration to preserve memorial sites. 104. He referred to the “Historic Sites Questionnaire” developed by the MMWG, which aims at giving an overview of the legal, political and cultural status of Holocaustrelated sites in ITF member Countries. The intention is to make this information available on the Internet.

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105. Mr. Jon Reitan, Chair of the MMWG, gave a statement regarding this issue contained in annex 20. 106. The Plenary made the following decisions to: 25. Emphasize the importance of maintaining historic sites, recalling the resolution from Prague in June 2007, to preserve and protect historic sites. 26. Call on all member Countries to open and make accessible for the public, the historic sites that are still closed. 27. Call on all member Countries that have not yet replied to the Historic Sites Questionnaire developed by the MMWG to do so by 30 January 2010. Item 10: Report of the Chair on Liaison and Observer Countries and on Future Candidacies Sub-item a) Slovenia 107. The Chair referred to the Slovenian application for Liaison Status submitted to the Plenary for approval in accordance with Chapter I paragraph 3 of the ITF-Rules “Membership and Functioning”. 108. Slovenia became an Observer on 12 June 2007. It submitted its Liaison Baseline Study on 1 October 2009. The baseline study was presented by the Slovenian Delegation to the Liaison Working Group. 109. The Plenary made the following decisions to: 28. Accept Slovenia as a Liaison Country to the ITF. 110. Slovenia made a statement contained in annex 21. Sub-item b) Serbia 111. The Chair referred to the Serbian application for Liaison Status submitted to the Plenary for approval in accordance with Chapter I paragraph 3 of the ITF-Rules “Membership and Functioning”. 112. Serbia became an Observer on 6 December 2006. It submitted its Liaison Baseline Study on 22 September 2009. The baseline Study was presented by the Serbian Delegation to the Liaison Working Group. 113. The Plenary made the following decisions to: 29. Accept Serbia as a Liaison Country to the ITF. 114. Serbia made a statement contained in annex 22. 23

115. The Chair welcomed Slovenia and Serbian as Liaison Countries to the ITF. Item 11: Location of SIWG/PPC meetings; Endorsement of 2010 budget 116. On 10 November 2009, Sweden submitted a paper entitled, “Proposal by Sweden regarding the Location of SIWG/PPC Meetings” contained in annex 23. 117. Sweden elaborated on its proposal to have at least one of the semi-annual SIWG/PPC meetings in Berlin, Germany. Sweden emphasized three main reasons for its proposal: (1) it would reduce travel costs for delegations; (2) it would reduce the number of travelling days for delegations; and (3) the center of ITF activity, the Secretariat, is located in Berlin. 118. The Netherlands expressed its support for the Swedish proposal and announced that it would be an element of the reform package it would put forward under its chairmanship in 2011. Austria also voiced its support for the Swedish proposal. 119. The Chair noted that the Plenary was not in a position to take a decision on the proposal at present, and that it would be reverted to under future chairmanships. Item 12: Any Other Business 120. The Chair proposed that the Plenary endorse the overall ITF budget as presented on 2 December 2009 (annex 24.) The budget was endorsed by the membership. 121. The Czech Republic introduced the director of the European Legacy Shoah Institute, Mr. Lukas Pribyl, who made a statement contained in annex 25. 122. Turkey made a statement contained in annex 26. 123. The Chair noted that Portugal had circulated a statement, contained in annex 27. 124. The Chair encouraged the affiliated Countries and Organizations to circulate their statements in advance so that member Countries could have the opportunity to make comments. 125. On 2 December 2009, Austria had referred to the ITF technical mission to the Vatican on the 12-13 October 2009 headed by Ambassador Trauttmansdorff, in which the Academic Advisor and the Chair of the AWG participated. Although the interest of the Vatican in the work of the ITF and in contributing to Holocaust education, remembrance and research activities had been reconfirmed, the decision-making process with regard to access to the archives had not advanced as expected, due to recent personnel changes at the Vatican. Austria emphasized that, in order to accelerate the preparatory process for such access, the local diplomatic resources of the ITF should be used increasingly, especially as the incoming ITF Chair is represented by a resident Ambassador to the Holy See. Austria reiterated its readiness to continue its active cooperation.

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Item 13: Closing of the Plenary Meeting 126. The Chair closed the Plenary with a statement regarding his personal reflections on the present situation of ITF. He presented his views on the organizational and structural challenges facing the ITF. He encouraged the ITF to intensify the struggle against antisemitism and Holocaust denial. He identified several areas that the ITF should address in the future including the need for a review mechanism to ensure that members Countries honour their obligations under the Stockholm Declaration. The Chair’s closing statement is contained in annex 28. 127. The Chair closed the Plenary session.

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