cover image of Between Life and Death 2020: Exhibition in Bern project

    Between Life and Death

    6-26 February 2020, Bern, Switzerland

    The Jewish genocide in the war-torn Europe claimed millions of lives. In the face of the tragic fate of Jews, local populations of the German-occupied countries and some of the ordinary Germans were put in a dilemma which they probably had never imagined they would face: how to react to such mass atrocity? Attitudes differed widely, but only few offered help to people seeking to survive. For both groups that was a risky undertaking which could even cost them their life.

    By outlining stories of survivors along with those of rescuers, we seek to give a voice to both of these groups. We draw attention to their endeavours, courage and will to live, as well as wartime circumstances with which they had to deal. Their fates are shown against a broader historical background, giving a better understanding of local possibilities for Jews to survive and for helpers to provide aid.

    The exhibition, which had its premiere at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, presents accounts of rescue from twelve European countries set against a broader historical context. A special panel dedicated to diplomats who used their posts to help those endangered by the Holocaust is also featured.

    Following its presentations in Brussels, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Vilnius, Wrocław, Markowa, Bucharest, Budapest and now Bern, the exhibition will continue its tour and be shown in other European cities. The initiative is a joint project of ENRS, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and Silent Heroes Memorial Center.

    Venue: Yehudi Menuhin Forum

    Accompanying event

    Read about the project

    "Between life and death. Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust" is a travelling exhibition prepared by ENRS, Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews and Silent Heroes Memorial Center.


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    Partners

    Organisers
    logo of ENRS
    logo of Polin Museum
    logo of Silent Heroes
    Local partner
    logo of Polish Embassy in Bern
    Partners
    logo of Lieu de Mémoire au Chambon-sur-Lignon
    logo of Mémorial de la Shoah
    logo of Danish Jewish Museum
    logo of Museum Jewish Memory and Holocaust in Ukraine
    logo of Castrum Peregrini
    logo of Museum of the Second World War
    logo of NIOD
    logo of Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum
    logo of UPN
    logo of Holocaust Memorial Center Budapest
    logo of INSHR EW
    logo of Fondazione Villa Emma
    Funding
    logo of DE Ministry
    logo of PL Ministry
    logo of HU Ministry
    logo of SL Ministry
    logo of RO Ministry