To mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the House of European History has launched a digital trail enabling visitors to explore the lives of child Holocaust survivors in Brussels.
The digital trail, termed ‘IWalk’, interweaves history, geographical locations, and personal survivor stories in an educational framework.
The IWalk initiative originated from the USC Shoah Foundation and is designed to offer a tailored learning experience at memorial sites worldwide. The paths are all accessible through the free "IWalk" app.
The Brussels journey brings to life the experiences of four children – Michel, Sonia, Hélène, and Gilbert. Hailing from Poland, Hungary, and Romania, they lived in the Marolles and central Brussels districts. They were all separated from their families during the pre-war and occupation eras.
To escape Nazi persecution, they frequently had to hide their identities and live double lives, often relying on clandestine resistance support.
'Legacy of hope'
"Visitors can literally follow in the footsteps of these resilient individuals who not only survived the Holocaust but also carried their history with them throughout the decades. Their experiences bear witness to the human spirit and the lasting legacy of hope," notes Laurence Bragard, the Head of Formal Learning at the House of European History.
Featuring seven stops over a 2.2 km route and lasting approximately one hour, the tour begins on Rue de Lenglentier in the Marolles district, concluding on the Grand-Place.
The tour, suitable for adults and teenagers over 14, incorporates video clips featuring testimonies, historical footage, and biographical texts, combined with contemporary signage, doors, and buildings.
The annual Remembrance Day on 27 January was established by the United Nations in 2005 to commemorate the Holocaust. It marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp by the Soviet Red Army on that day in 1945. The day is commemorated each year by the EU institutions.
For more information, please visit the website. IWalk App also available for download on Apple Store.
