The events of the Holocaust seem to lie far in the history. However, they are only a few generations away from us. The witnesses of the Holocaust, back then children and teenagers, still live among us. Each one of them has a deeply moving story to tell. Our generation is the last one to hear their stories first hand – and this is what we want to do in our new project ‘Memories Alive’.
During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Holocaust survivors have been forced to endure weeks of social isolation, which often intensifies their traumas and evokes difficult memories. It is for this reason that March of Life has launched unique ZOOM-Encounters with befriended Holocaust survivors, groups of students and young people. The project has been met with great enthusiasm – both from the survivors as well as the young participants.
We invite you to gather a group of people and register to hear ‘Memories Alive’ on ZOOM. The March of Life staff will assist you with the preparations and arrange a meeting with a Holocaust survivor for you.
Testimonials
The ZOOM meeting with the Holocaust survivor Tirza was a very special moment for our students. In history lessons they had dealt with the Second World War and the Holocaust. Through Tirza’s narration of her escape as a small Jewish child from Germany over the Rhine to Switzerland – very close to us – the history lesson became tangible and relevant. Tirza’s enthusiasm and charisma deeply impressed us all. It will remain in the students’ memories for a long time and will have a very positive influence on their attitude towards xenophobia and antisemitism.
Michael Ruh, Secondary School Principal in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
The ZOOM meeting with Violetta was very moving for me. Just a few weeks before, I had been in Budapest, Hungary – the city where she and her family experienced and survived the Holocaust. It was so special that we were able to talk to her via ZOOM despite the distance. Her experiences have shown me how important it is to stand up against antisemitism and racism also today, so that this sort of thing cannot happen again.
Leonie Waldert, History student
The meeting with Holocaust survivor Luda was very exciting and moving for us. It was extremely interesting to hear her life story, which is linked to the history of Belarus and Russia. We were also very impressed by her joy and the warmth that characterized the meeting, which allowed very open questions and honest answers.
Jana Schmidt, Tjumen, Russia
General conditions of participation
- Please fill out the online application form.
- Your application will be reviewed and confirmed if it meets the requirements.
- Your group should consist of at least 5 participants.
- Our offer is aimed at pupils, students and adults.
- The meeting will take place via ZOOM. A good internet connection is required.
- Please plan about 90 minutes for the meeting.
- Before the meeting with the Holocaust survivor there will be a preparatory talk with the March of Life host.
- We will try to connect your group with a Holocaust survivor who speaks your language. If it is not possible, the meeting will need to be translated.
What Holocaust Survivors say about the project
Our meeting took place during the Corona quarantine. The time spent together with you was very touching and I appreciate your efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. To see the faces of the young people on the screen, who stand up against antisemitism and are eager to continue the exchange with the Holocaust survivors, is very precious, valuable and unforgettable for me. God bless you!
Gita Koifman, Holocaust survivor,
Chairperson of the Association of Concentration Camp and Ghetto Survivors in Israel
I was very moved, because these students came from a place 10 minutes away from my birthplace Gailingen (I was born on November 4, 1934). My father was Rabbi Bohrer, who was beaten to death in Dachau. I spoke honestly about the time until our escape in January 1939 and did not gloss over any details.
Tirza Halivni, Holocaust survivor, Ramat HaSharon, Israel
The children, all about 11 years old, were highly concentrated on my story which was accompanied by a presentation and video clips. They were lovely and performed a dance for me. I was excited and it was a wonderful atmosphere – I had the impression that the children felt and understood all what I had shared.
Dr. Arie Itamar, Holocaust survivor, Beit Nir, Israel
Call for Donations
It is our heart’s desire to give Holocaust survivors a voice. Since it will not be possible for us to hear their stories in person for very long, these meetings are worth every investment. Your donation will enable us to continue doing so in the years to come.
