On October 1, 2021, two important events were held at Grigol Robakidze University: Through the joint efforts of Grigol Robakidze University and the “Israel House”, the “Israel Cabinet” was opened at the university, and David Bitan, a member of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) and a friend of Georgia, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Grigol Robakidze University for his contribution to the process of teaching the history of the Holocaust and Israel.
At the event, the Rector of the University, Professor Mamuka Tavkhelidze, in front of the university community and other guests from Israel, extensively reviewed the university’s contribution to the teaching of the history of the Holocaust in Georgia. In particular, as he noted, the university has been successfully teaching the “Holocaust History” course for the second year under the leadership of Associate Professor Nona Chanturia. Many students have already completed the course, and young people with the relevant knowledge and reasoning have been prepared. This semester, 77 students chose the course again, which confirms its popularity. In addition, various interesting events were held within the framework of the course, including public lectures with the participation of Jewish speakers and a tour of Tbilisi synagogues and the David Baazov Museum.
It is noteworthy that, with the funding of the Israeli side, it is also planned to send the most academically successful students of the “Holocaust History” course to Israel. Accordingly, the appropriate ground has been prepared for more fruitful cooperation with the State of Israel.
In the future, Grigol Robakidze University plans many other events in the direction of teaching and researching the history of the Holocaust.