An exhibition devoted to stories of Holocaust survivors and rescuers from twelve European countries has started its tour in Slovakia.
The Jewish genocide in the war-torn Europe claimed millions of lives. In the face of the tragic fate of Jews, local populations of the German-occupied countries and some of the ordinary Germans were put in a dilemma which they probably had never imagined they would face: how to react to such mass atrocity? Attitudes differed widely, but only few offered help to people seeking to survive. For both groups that was a risky undertaking which could even cost them their life.
By outlining stories of survivors along with those of rescuers, we seek to give a voice to both of these groups. We draw attention to their endeavours, courage and will to live, as well as wartime circumstances with which they had to deal. Their fates are shown against a broader historical background, giving a better understanding of local possibilities for Jews to survive and for helpers to provide aid.
The exhibition, which had its premiere at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, has originally presented accounts of rescue from twelve European countries. Especially for its showing in Slovakia it has been complemented with stories from this country.
The exhibition began its Slovak tour in Bratislava, at the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, where it will be on display until 26 April. The exhibition will then move to the following venues:
▪️ Košice
Venue: Východoslovenské múzeum v Košiciach (Eastslovakian Museum in Košice
Dates: 30 April – 22 May 2024
▪️ Nitra
Venue: Podnitrianske múzeum
Dates: 24 May – 20 June 2024
▪️ Zvolen
Venue: District Library
Dates: 21 June – 19 July 2024
▪️ Trnava
Venue: Západoslovenské múzeum v Trnave
Dates: 22 July – 12 August 2024
The project is a joint initiative of the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Warsaw) and the Silent Heroes Memorial Centre (Berlin). The exhibition had its premiere in Brussels at the headquarters of European Commission in January 2018, marking the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Since then, it has travelled to several cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Bratislava, Vilnius, Wroclaw, Budapest and many others. It has also been presented in Japan.
Learn more about the exhibition
The presentation of the exhibition in Slovakia is co-funded by the European Union.