Holocaust lessons remembered as centre opens
“I SWORE never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.”
These were the words of world-renowned Holocaust survivor Eli Wiesel, who was quoted during the dedication ceremony for the Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Johannesburg this week.
Tali Nates, the founder and director of the centre, said: “It is envisioned that the new centre will be a place of learning where young and old, from all walks of life, come together to learn from the histories of the Holocaust and the genocide in Rwanda.
“We want society to understand and learn about the consequences of prejudice, racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and xenophobia and the dangers of indifference, apathy and silence,” Nates said.
“In this space, people will gain that knowledge, share their stories, experience thought-provoking films, exhibitions, lectures and attend book launches.”
The centre has been operating from a temporary location since 2008.
“Despite this, it has already played a major role in the South African educational field.
“In the past seven years, more than 35 000 pupils have attended our programmes in Gauteng alone,” Nates said.
With tears streaming down her face, Hungarian Holocaust survivor Veronica Phillips donated her childhood doll as an artefact to the museum.
“I found my favourite little doll, which I now donate to this museum.”
Rwandan genocide survivor Bonaventure Kageruka presented items which belonged to his friend Xavier.
The front door key and a rosary were found in the hand of Xavier’s mother, who was murdered during the genocide.
Professor Jonathan Jansen, vice-chancellor and rector of the University of the Free State, said that never before had the question of memory and memorials become so contentious in South Africa, on campuses and in the broader society.
“There is nothing more dangerous than an uneducated activist.
“The establishment of this centre could not have come at a better time since it offers a powerful educational rationale for remembering in the wake of tragedy,” he said.
The centre will also serve as a memorial for the Armenian genocide during World War I and the Herero and Namaqua genocide in Namibia.
The centre is due to open early next year.