History

The first part of the travel project "Overcoming Borders" occurred from July 6th to 9th, 2023. Seventeen students from Nijmegen, Hamburg, and Poznan gathered in Cologne to explore the historical footsteps of Jewish and Christian women, Edith Stein and Etty Hillesum. Accompanied by academic leaders and cooperation partners, the journey aimed to provide a profound understanding of the individuals' experiences during the Nazi era, fostering reflections on identity, faith, and responsibility.

The second part of the trinational travel project concluded on September 4th in Poznan. After preparing for the trip to Auschwitz, students examined diverse national narratives and engaged in historical workshops to better comprehend Jewish life in Oświęcim.

The trip concluded in Krakow, with visits to the Galicja Museum and a profound meeting with a Holocaust survivor, Monika Goldwasser, offering personal insights into the lifelong impact of survival.

Mission

The project's mission was to go beyond traditional history education, allowing students to engage directly with historical figures through letters, diaries, and academic writings.

By intertwining international and intercultural exchange, the students could explore and reflect on the culture of remembrance from various perspectives, offering valuable insights into the diverse ways the Nazi regime was experienced and processed across Europe.

Approach

The project brought together 17 students from three countries, guiding them through key historical sites. In Cologne, they studied the personal stories of Hillesum and Stein. In Poznan, they prepared for their visit to Auschwitz through discussions on Jewish history and national narratives. The experience culminated in Krakow with visits to historical sites and a meeting with Holocaust survivor Monika Goldwasser, providing personal insight into history's lasting impact.

Impact

The journey served as a powerful means to examine and compare different national narratives related to the history and experiences of Nazi Germany, as taught in schools. The visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau, while emotionally and mentally challenging, aimed to deepen understanding, providing a space for personal reflection and processing.

Students gained first hand exposure to historical sites, engaging with different perspectives on remembrance. The experience encouraged critical thinking on how history is taught and remembered across Europe, promoting dialogue on collective memory and identity.

Our Involvement

ALTHAFEN foundation provided funding for the project realisation of the 3-Nations Study Tour to explore and research the lives and works of Etty Hillesum and EdithStein.