To the Editor:

Your piece on September 2, “Hamas Objects to Possible Lessons on Holocaust in U.N.-Run Schools in Gaza,” perfectly captures why there has not been peace in the Middle East. It’s simple: Palestinian extremists don’t want it, and will go to any lengths to fight it.

The vehement Hamas objection to a plan to teach Palestinian children about the Holocaust clearly and unequivocally demonstrates how Hamas’ rejection of Israel, and its constant anti-Jewish and anti-Israel stances, will always stand in the way of true peace efforts.

According to a statement from Hamas: "Talk about the holocaust and the execution of the Jews contradicts and is against our culture, our principles, our traditions, values, heritage and religion.” Hamas leaders also said teaching children about the Holocaust would be "marketing a lie.”

The Holocaust is an indisputable fact of history. Hamas’ Holocaust denial is a predictable attempt to keep Palestinian youth uneducated and misinformed – the better to indoctrinate them to Hamas’ credo.

Teaching the next generations about the Holocaust, and making sure its lessons are understood, would go a long way toward establishing peace in the region.

Daniel S. Mariaschin
B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President
Washington, D.C.