“It is of high importance to all of us, to maintain the memory of the Holocaust as a warning. It is the only way to prevent that such inhuman crimes and violations are being committed ever again. We would like to sincerely thank Yad Vashem, the international Holocaust remembrance center for letting us be part of this exhibition outside Jerusalem” said Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, during the opening ceremony where he was joined by Ron Prosor,
Ambassador of the State of Israel in Germany, and Claudia Roth, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal Government and Commissioner for Culture and the Media. At the opening event, Mr. Kilian underlined that photographs are an essential element of a vivid and engaging culture of remembrance. This applies especially for a time of this dark chapter of Germany’s history, where no first-hand witnesses will be available anymore.
Volkswagen maintains a long-standing and multi-layered corporate culture of remembrance with a successful focus on a broad audience. The partnerships for these activities include a 30-year-long collaboration with Christoph Heubner from the International Auschwitz Committee (IAC). Every year, trainees and managers from all divisions of the Volkswagen Group travel to Auschwitz to help with the preservation of the memorial site and to learn from the history.
"The photographs featured in the remarkable exhibition ‛Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust’ serve as a poignant reminder to the world of the always subjective intent of the person behind the camera," states Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. "Through this exhibition, we are reminded of the vital importance of understanding the context in which images are taken and utilized. We are grateful to Volkswagen for their involvement in this exhibition, currently on display at the Museum for Photography (Museum für Fotografie) in Berlin. This connection highlights Volkswagen's commitment to Holocaust remembrance and awareness, nearly eighty years after these atrocities were committed, is a significant statement and provides great educational value."
As partner of the exhibition project, Volkswagen helps to realize two educational formats:
The “Ask Me!” format invites visitors to address guides with all their relevant questions regarding the works presented. “Close Up!” brings together scientists and researchers from the fields of photography, film, historical studies, Holocaust studies and Jewish studies. During public talks, they are going to share their views on the presented photographs.
Both formats reflect Volkswagen’s efforts in offering wide-ranging access to cultural works and ideas. With its cultural engagement, the Group creates spaces and formats that drive dialogues within the society, and it assumes responsibility for one today’s key tasks by strengthening cultural and social education.
Educational formats offered at the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin and supported by the Volkswagen Group: