Austrian Traces in Theresienstadt
With this project we, the Terezín Initiative Institute, would like to build a living bridge between the Czech Republic and Austria in order to shed light on an important part of our shared Central European history. We strive to fill the gaps in Holocaust education by developing teaching materials that reveal a hitherto hidden aspect of this dark period. Our aim is to deconstruct the idyllic image of a Jewish town propagated by the Nazis and to place Theresienstadt in the broader context of the Holocaust.
Materials for School Lessons
The teaching materials are also available free of charge in digital form.
Brochure
The first part describes the history of the ghetto and the Theresienstadt concentration camp in general, with a special focus on the Austrian traces. Questions are asked after each chapter to help students reflect on and deepen understanding of what they have read.
The second part contains original documents and their translations on the fate of Regina Machlupová. By examining these documents, the pupils should learn not only what information can be gleaned from the archives, but also gain an insight into Regina Machlupová's life.
On the final page, students can look forward to a poem by Leo Strauss, which he wrote during his time in Theresienstadt. This poetic depiction of a dark time asks students not only to consider the content of the poem, but also to reflect on the profound background. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the emotions and experiences of people in difficult situations and to recognize humanity in the midst of horror.
Group work
The topic offers the opportunity to approach the fate of individuals by means of group work. Further information and descriptions can be found in the following document:
We recommend that you follow the enclosed guidelines when working with personal stories and testimonials. This also provides helpful information regarding possible questions.
As part of the group work, Regina Machlupová’s original documents of will be used and will be supplemented by the fate of Adéla Friedová.
In addition to Leo Strauss' text "Als-Ob", we would like to offer the writer Myra Gruhenberg-Strauss a well-deserved platform too. To this end, we present two texts which Gruhenberg-Strauss wrote during her time in Theresienstadt for the so-called "literary Strauss cabaret" and which are also suitable for interpretation as part of group work.
Helga Pollak's drawing can also be used for group work and interpretation.
Workshop
We also offer the option of coming to your school and holding a workshop on the topic. This can be tailored to your needs and interests. Everything is possible, from a general overview of the history of Austrian Jews in Theresienstadt to in-depth insights into individual fates. Our aim is to offer pupils an interactive and educational experience.
If you are interested, please contact Thomas Elmecker at thomas.elmecker@terezinstudies.cz.
This project was funded by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency and the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism.
You can also visit
This year's Yom HaShoah also includes the exhibition MemoMap: the History of the Holocaust in Prague. It will be on display in the outdoor spaces of the Klementinum from Monday, May 6 (Yom HaShoah), until Sunday, May 19, 2024.
In 16 panels, the exhibition shows how the space of Prague was reduced, for those who were identified as Jews, in response to the Protectorate's issuance of anti-Jewish decrees. The orders and regulations led to the creation of invisible barriers that prevented contact between Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Prague even before Jews were called to transports and deported to concentration camps.
On Tuesday, the director of the Terezín Initiative Institute, Tomáš Kraus, accompanied German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his walk through Prague. The topics of the cordial conversation included the past and present of the Czech Jewish community, the literary legacy of Franz Kafka, the Musica Non Grata project and, last but not least, the activities of the ITI.
You are cordially invited to the public reading of the names of Holocaust victims on Yom HaShoah 2024, which will take place this year on May 6. Come together to remember those whose lives were tragically cut short during the Holocaust. The event will be held in various cities, so check the attached poster for times and locations. Take a moment to reflect and remember the victims. We would be delighted if you could join us.
It includes an invitation to Yom HaShoah in Prague and other cities in the Czech Republic, an article on the 30th anniversary of ITI and information about our many activities:
- Commemoration at Auschwitz-Birkenau
- The MemoMap exhibition: History of the Holocaust in Prague
- International cooperation
- Anne Frank Youth Network
- MemoGIS Workshop
- Austrian Traces in Terezín
This year's 19th annual public reading of the names of Holocaust victims, "Yom HaShoah", will take place on 6 May 2024. The names of victims of Nazi persecution will be read in 31 cities across the Czech Republic, commemorating the fate of those who were murdered during the Second World War.
About a month ago, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Terezín Initiative Institute at the invitation of Austrian Ambassador Bettina Kirnbauer. Till Janzer from Radio Prague International also reported on the event. You can read or listen to the article under the following link (only in German).
We would like to invite you to an educational workshop called "Art Against Death", which we are organizing. This workshop will take place on April 13, 2024 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm in Prague.