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The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission has condemned a Nazi-themed drinking game played by students in a New Jersey High school. The game included a Jews vs. Nazis” theme, where cups were arranged as a swastika and Star of David, and rules such as the “Anne Frank” move and the “Auschwitz” move. According to reports, the game has been labelled “Holocaust pong” or “alcoholocaust”.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), issued the following statement:

“This anti-Semitic game crosses many red lines and is profoundly offensive and hurtful.  It’s clear that when it comes to the Holocaust, nothing is off limits, and that there is no aspect or symbol of this indescribable tragedy that is not subject to perverse abuse and cheap trivialisation. And this trend is hitting new lows as time passes and as Holocaust survivors and the memory of what really happened during World War II dwindles. The systematic extermination of six million Jews and millions of others should not form the basis for any game. No holocaust survivor living today would see the humour in this episode. The students who played this game made a mockery of the suffering of the victims, the survivors and their families, and dishonoured the brave sacrifices made by those who fought to defeat Hitler’s evil regime. Such vulgar and shocking games pollute society’s understanding of the human horrors perpetrated by the Nazis, and stupidly dilute the crimes against humanity they perpetrated.  Also, the students have further fuelled the escalating scourge of anti-Semitism.  This incident is a wake-up call about the need for mandatory Holocaust education in Australian schools so such distressing actions do not happen here. We hope that the students involved apologise for their outrageous and tasteless conduct.”

The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.

For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677

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or visit our website at antidef.org.au