Report on the 10th “Future of Remembrance” Forum 2024

Under the title Remembering Nazi Crimes in the Times of an International Political Shift to the Far Right, the forum focused on intergenerational dialogue, international networking and approaches to shaping the culture of remembrance in the face of current political challenges.

Prof. Dr. Oliver von Wrochem (Foundation of Hamburg Memorials and Learning Centers) opened the forum by posing the question of how to sustain remembrance of the Nazi past in the long term. He emphasized the role of descendants of both Nazi victims and perpetrators as active participants in society. Dr. Alexandre Froidevaux, stepping in for Dr. Susann Lewerenz due to illness, addressed the relevance of remembrance culture in light of the global success of right-wing movements. The forum’s goal, he explained, is to strengthen and support one another through dialogue, fostering a society based on pluralism and solidarity.

Remembering the Murat Raid

In the first panel, Anne Servet and Marc Hivernat, descendants of French concentration camp prisoners, discussed the enduring impact of the deportations from the French town of Murat in June 1944. Both are active in the association Mémoire(s) & Déportation du Cantal, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of those deported.

Marc Hivernat described Murat's historical significance as a center of resistance and recounted the brutal Nazi retaliation, during which the town was set ablaze and over 100 men were deported. This event cast a “veil of silence” over Murat which, perpetuated by the trauma of returning survivors, shaped the local remembrance culture for decades. Both Servet and Hivernat highlighted the importance of local, collective remembrance and the challenge of passing this story on to younger generations.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia: Culture of Remembrance Against the Backdrop of the 1990s Wars

The second panel featured a discussion with Aleksandar Bančić, grandson of a Croatian partisan and former prisoner of the Neuengamme concentration camp. Bančić shared the intricate story of his grandfather’s identity, who was born a Croat but died an Italian.

He detailed his exploration of his family’s past, which he has brought to light through artistic projects and educational initiatives, including theatrical performances aimed at engaging young people with the history of National Socialism. Bančić also highlighted difficulties of establishing a unified and critical reckoning with the history of World War II in Croatia.

Current Projects of Associations and Initiatives of Descendants of Former Concentration Camp Prisoners

The first panel on the second day showcased current projects of descendant associations from Belgium, Germany, and Spain aimed at keeping the stories of Nazi victims alive.

Tom Devos (Museum Meensel-Kiegezem) presented his book Want als we hat vergeten... Meensel-Kiezegem, 80 Jaar na de Razzia’s, which seeks to preserve personal stories that might otherwise be lost as witnesses pass away.

Thomas Käpernick (Working Group Neuengamme) introduced the concept of a Wall of Names, a memorial listing the names of all Neuengamme concentration camp prisoners, envisioned as a space of remembrance for descendants. He spoke about the difficulties in recovering the names, especially in light of the destruction of SS records.

José Luis Villaverde (Amical de Neuengamme) concluded the panel by describing plans to plant a sapling from the Guernica Tree at the Wöbbelin memorial site. He explained the tree’s significance as a symbol of unity, resilience as well as an anti-war symbol.

Surinamese-Dutch Family Histories

A panel featuring Max Nods and Vincent de Kom explored the intertwined histories of their ancestors, shaped by both Nazism and colonialism. Waldemar Nods and Anton de Kom came from Suriname, a Dutch colony at the time, and lived in the Netherlands. Both were arrested for their resistance activities and deported to Neuengamme, where they perished.

Through their engagement, Nods and de Kom preserve their families’ histories while promoting awareness of social injustice and the importance of resistance. Max Nods discussed the book Sonny Boy, which recounts his grandfather’s story, while Vincent de Kom spoke about the Anton de Kom Foundation, which successfully advocated for a formal apology from the Dutch government.

“Here After All!” Children from Forbidden Relationships

The afternoon panel addressed the stigma and discrimination faced by children born of forbidden relationships between Germans and forced workers or prisoners of war.

Lucy Debus provided historical context and presented the project Here After All!, which documents these children’s life stories through academic research. Katharina Sämann and Christa Steffens shared moving accounts of their childhood struggles and quests for identity. With her mother’s poignant words - “Never let anyone take away your dignity” - Christa Steffens underscored the injustice they endured.

Fishbowl

The forum concluded with a fishbowl discussion revisiting central themes. Participants explored national differences regarding the culture of remembrance, with many expressing gratitude for the forum. The memorial was praised as a significant place where one can speak openly while also being met with attentive ears and open hearts.

The event closed with a call to confront the resurgence of far-right parties and to actively address contemporary challenges.

Report: Lisa Vitali, Translation: Ana Buka