Last weekend in April, the Terezín Memorial hosted the 8th Meeting of Czech and German Youth, organized by Tandem, whose main activity is the coordination of youth exchange between these two countries. The event was attended by approximately 80 Czechs and Germans at the age of 16 to 26.
The programme reflected its motto Together on the Path to Memories. This focus became most accomplished through a meeting with eye-witnesses of the Terezín ghetto and other camps, Mrs. Dagmar Lieblova and Mr. Felix Kolmer. Both witnesses were rewarded with thunderous applause after the talk. They deserved it not only for their cordial demeanour, but also for their encouraging words about each individual’s responsible approach to contemporary society-wide developments.
Another emotional experience of the meeting came with the presentation of the children’s opera Brundibar performed by Disman Radio Children Ensemble. Scientific scope of the programme was ensured by lecturers of many inland and foreign institutions representingthe Jewish Museum in Prague, Lidice Memorial, Terezin Initiative Institute, Institute of History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, USC Shoah Foundation, Bavarian Youth Labour Union, Collegium Bohemicum, Brücke/Most Foundation, House of Conference in Wannsee, Terezín Memorial, Centre for Visual History Malach, Memory of Nations and others. The common theme of their activities, whether lectures, workshops or discussions, were the possibilities of using memorable places for today’s young people. The participants completed their intensive collective, but also individual return to the past by a memorial assembly at the National Cemetery in front of the Small Fortress.
Šm
Photo: Filip Singer
