Beringen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Beringen Library is hosting the “Children in Hiding” exhibition to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. Anne Vrints emphasizes its role in educating about the Holocaust and fostering tolerance. Seventeen local school classes are participating.
In Beringen, the local library is hosting an exhibition to commemorate an important historical event. Anne Vrints, a library representative, talked about the importance of remembering the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. She said libraries help educate people about the Holocaust. It is vital to pay attention to these events to learn from the past.
She mentioned that by showing the “Children in Hiding” exhibition, the Beringen Library helps everyone remember the Holocaust. It honours those who suffered and those who helped others. She said that this exhibition allows people to think about kindness and understanding. It encourages everyone to fight against hate and ensure such events do not happen again.
The liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is currently very much in the news. As a library, we think it is important to pay attention to this,
says Anne Vrints
What stories do the children in Hiding’s exhibition tell about Auschwitz’s liberation?
The exhibition opened today, February 1, 2025, at the Beringen Library. It will be open to visitors for the whole month, during its regular hours. On February 20, 2025, the library has a special program scheduled. They will be Former Colonel Roger Housen. He will give a speech. They explained that this speech would be about World War II.
According to authorities, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau is a reminder of the Holocaust and giving respect to heroes during World War II. There are many stories about people risking their lives to save Jewish children. They mentioned that the exhibition “Children in Hiding” shows these brave actions and tells the stories of children who had to hide themselves because of the terror of WWII.
According to the authorities, the library in Beringen also focuses on Anne Frank’s life. They have many books about her and the Holocaust. New books are still being published. Anne Vrints said it is important to keep the collection updated. This way, the stories and lessons from that time can reach new generations.
This month, many schools in Beringen are visiting the library to see the exhibition about war and peace. 17 classes from primary and secondary schools have signed up. The library and Kazerne Dossin made a special educational package for the students.
Officials mentioned that it includes tasks and materials to help them learn about the Holocaust, stories of resistance, and the need for peace and tolerance. By doing this, they help keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and teach future generations to stand against hate and violence.
17 classes from primary and secondary education have already registered. There is an educational package from Kazerne Dossin and we have all provided assignments ourselves.
says Vrints
According to officials, one key figure in the “Children in Hiding” exhibition is Simon Gronowski. He is a Holocaust survivor, and his story shows the strength of children during World War II. Simon is still alive today and is featured in the exhibition. It includes a booklet and a film about his life as a child during the war.
They mentioned that through his story, visitors, especially kids, can learn about the struggles faced by Jewish children and the pain of being separated from their families. Officials believe that the exhibition helps younger audiences understand these experiences and think about the importance of peace and human rights.
The travelling exhibition “Children in Hiding” is currently at Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen. Officials mentioned that Ii shares these stories and shows what these children went through and how others helped them.
