The 2006 International Conference on the Holocaust in Tehran

Name: The 2006 International Conference on the Holocaust in Tehran
Start: 1956-12-11
Location: Unspecified

The Opening of the 2006 International Conference on the Holocaust

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Conference

On December 11, 2006, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opened an international conference entitled "Review of the Global Vision of the Holocaust" in Tehran. This event was marked by its controversial nature, as Ahmadinejad had previously made statements questioning the **Holocaust**, drawing international condemnation.

The Purpose and Goals of the Conference

The conference aimed to question the widely accepted narrative of the **Holocaust**, specifically its historical accuracy and implications on modern geopolitics. By inviting scholars, intellectuals, and activists, Ahmadinejad sought to provide a platform for voices that criticized the mainstream understanding of the Holocaust.

Responses from the Global Community

The International Condemnation

The opening of the Tehran conference sparked outrage from governments and organizations around the world. Many viewed it as an attempt to **promote anti-Semitism** and **Holocaust denial**. The United Nations and major Jewish organizations condemned the gathering, characterizing it as revisionist history and an affront to the memorialization of the victims.

Defending the Conference's Intentions

Supporters of the conference argued that it aimed to foster open dialogue about historical narratives and challenge perceived injustices against Palestinians in light of World War II and the subsequent creation of Israel. Some attendees defended the conference, stating it was an essential pursuit of **academic freedom** and **historical inquiry**.

Fun Fact

The Global Impact of Ahmadinejad's Statements

Ahmadinejad's statements about the Holocaust during his presidency not only strained Iran's relationships with many countries but also boosted his domestic support among hardliners who endorsed his **anti-Western stance** and criticisms of what they perceived as Western imperialism.