A comprehensive study of the Holocaust must also include the initiatives undertaken by some citizens to stop or mitigate the atrocities committed against the Jewish people. No matter how marginal the clandestine rescue efforts and underground support systems were, they remain a part of the history of the Holocaust. Analyzing examples of resistance or interventions that saved lives contributes to a better understanding of the power of individual citizens.
Studying the Holocaust also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the fragility of democracy, the importance of our participation as citizens and the necessity of holding people in power to account. It contributes to civics and human rights education. Also, it invites us to reflect on fundamental themes of life in society and the negative impacts of common realities such as racism, discrimination, and hatred.
The historical study of the Holocaust and Nazism teaches us that genocide occurs in phases and that it is possible to identify them in advance, in order to prevent future genocides. Doing so successfully requires the engagement of all levels of society, from the international community to governments and citizens.