The Holocaust is not only a chapter of history but a call to action for today and a responsibility for the future. The work of ECCAR member cities shows that local authorities play a crucial role in preserving memory, promoting human and minority rights, and combating antisemitism, antigypsyism, and all forms of racism and discrimination through education and civic engagement.
Strong Cooperation Between Cities and Communities
Across Europe, many cities maintain strong cooperation with those local communities affected by the Holocaust. They facilitate an ongoing dialogue and Holocaust remembrance projects. Cooperation is often built through direct contacts between community leaders and city authorities, specific local projects, or established work within institutions. Where these structures are less developed, regular coordination and exchange mechanisms are often lacking.
Education as a Tool Against Hate
Educational initiatives are central to raising awareness and combating antisemitism, antigypsyism and hostility towards those seen as “Others” in society. Cities provide both curricular and extracurricular programmes, teacher training, and opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with history. Through seminars, workshops, and visits to memorial sites, young people learn to understand historical injustices and recognise modern forms of discrimination and hate speech.
Living Memorials in the Urban Space
Public spaces themselves can become sites of remembrance. “Stolpersteine” (Stumbling stones), memorial walls engraved with the names of victims, digital maps, and historical markers all make memory visible, connecting local histories with broader global narratives. These initiatives remind the city dwellers daily of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, transforming urban landscapes into active memorials.
Building a Culture of Remembrance Together
From multi-generational meetings between Jewish families, Sinti and Roma, and other persecuted communities, to collaborative projects with archives, museums, and schools, cities show that remembering the Holocaust is not a one-day event. It is a continuous commitment to human rights, minority rights, civic responsibility, and active vigilance against hate.
ECCAR’s 10 Point Plan of Action encourages cities to continue fostering dialogue, education, and remembrance. Memory is a powerful tool for shaping communities committed to respect, equality, and justice.
