Beringen (Eurotoday) – 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 honors 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 host former Colonel Roger Housen, who will give a speech about World War II.
According to authorities, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau is a reminder of the Holocaust and serves to honor the heroes of World War II. There are many stories about people risking their lives to save Jewish children. They mentioned that the exhibition “Children in Hiding” showcases these brave actions and tells the stories of children who had to hide because of the terror of WWII.
The books about Anne Frank in the spotlight. Credit: HANS PUT
The library in Beringen also highlights Anne Frank’s life. They have many books about her and the Holocaust. Anne Vrints emphasized the importance of keeping the collection updated so that stories and lessons from the past can resonate with new generations.
This month, many schools in Beringen are visiting the library to see the exhibition about war and peace. Seventeen classes from primary and secondary schools have signed up. The library has partnered with Kazerne Dossin to create a special educational package for students.
Officials mentioned that the package includes tasks and materials designed to teach students about the Holocaust, resistance stories, and the importance of peace and tolerance. By doing this, they aim to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive and inspire students to stand against hate and violence.
“Seventeen 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.
Highlighting Simon Gronowski’s Story
One key figure in the “Children in Hiding” exhibition is Simon Gronowski, a Holocaust survivor whose story exemplifies the resilience of children during World War II. Simon is still alive today and is featured in the exhibition, which includes a booklet and a film about his life as a child during the war.
Schools are invited to the library for storytelling sessions about the Second World War. Credit: HANS PUT
Through Simon’s story, visitors—especially children—can learn about the struggles Jewish children endured and the pain of being separated from their families. Officials believe that the exhibition helps younger audiences comprehend these difficult experiences and reflect on the importance of peace and human rights.
The travelling exhibition “Children in Hiding” is currently at Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen. Officials mentioned that it shares these stories and highlights what these children endured, as well as the bravery of those who helped them.
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