This is a joint event with the Second Generation Network, the Wiener Holocaust Library and the Austrian Embassy, London. H.E. Michael Zimmermann, Austrian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, will open the event before Dr Barbara Warnock of the Wiener Holocaust Library will give an outline of what happened during the Holocaust in Austria. The main speaker Frau Hannah Lessing, Secretary General of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism and founding member of the Shoah Walls of Names Memorial Association, will talk about the new Memorial in Vienna, describe the official opening ceremony on 9th November 2021, and will explain how members can participate in the ceremony. There will be an opportunity for Q & A. To register: https://vienna-memorial.eventbrite.co.uk For information in English about the Memorial including the Walls of Names please go to: www.shoah-namensmauern-wien.at/en/new-information-of-the-project.
Archives for 2021
Tuesday 19th October – Second Generation Network AGM and Open Mic Entertainment
The Annual General Meeting of the Second Generation Network will take place at 6:00pm BST on Tuesday 19 October 2021. All full members of the Network are very welcome to attend, hear about what’s been happening during the past year, our plans for the future, and offer comments and suggestions. Reports and audited accounts will be presented at the meeting, and there will be an election for the committee for the coming year. Motions and proposals for the AGM must be submitted at least 14 days before the date of the AGM. Please note that only current full Members may attend.
Please register to attend at https://2gn-agm.eventbrite.co.uk. If you are unable to attend, you can nominate a proxy in writing by sending the proxy form to the Membership Secretary no later than 48 hours before the AGM.
There will also be Open Mic Entertainment between the various reports, such as poetry reading, a song, a musical interlude, dancing. Sign up and join us in the fun. Each act should last approximately three minutes. David Clark will be the MC. So, please do contact David at davidclark@secondgeneration.org.uk if you would like to take part.
Monday 11th October – How Has the Holocaust Determined your Professional Choices?
Professor Judy Baumel-Schwarz of Bar Ilan University in Israel will share her latest research findings with us. Network Members who completed her questionnaires will recall Judy was investigating 2g and 3g researchers to see whether there was a link, conscious or otherwise, between their Holocaust background and their having chosen a research profession (not necessarily connected with the Holocaust), whether in the academic world, law, medicine, or other forms of research. Some grew up in homes where the Holocaust was discussed openly while in others it was a silent but constant presence. In some cases, the connection between a Holocaust-related background and personal/professional decisions is overt and obvious. It can be more subtle with some people initially stating that there is no connection at all.
Judy discovered rumination and self-exploration often uncover possible connections between our choices and our background and their significance is dependent on a subjective understanding of one’s past and present. Her talk will centre on the dynamics of the research project, and its initial conclusions. Attendees can share their own thoughts and experiences during the Q&A that will follow the talk. Please note the earlier start time of 5.20pm for 5.30pm BST, to give everyone time to check their Zoom conncetion, and the finish time of 7pm BST. Numbers are limited and Network members will be given priority. Booking details to follow.
Sunday 3 October – Cambridge Regional Group
The inaugural meeting of the Cambridge Regional Group will take place at 3pm on Sunday 3rd October in central Cambridge. Any Members of the Second and Third generations who live in or near Cambridge are welcome to join us – we will share our family histories and experiences of the impact of the Holocaust upon us and our families. For details of the venue, please email: info@secondgeneration.org.uk.
Tuesday 14 September – Discussion Group Meeting: What’s in a Name?
In this discussion group meeting we will explore the impact a name can have, revealing or concealing our Holocaust legacy. How has your name or surname affected your sense of identity? Have you considered changing your name to honour the memory of a relative or were you named after someone who died in the Holocaust? Network Member Professor Erika Hagelberg will introduce the meeting by sharing what she knows of the story of the Hagelberg name. This meeting, open to Members of the Second and Third Generations, is a chance for you to share your own experiences and those within your family. Start time 6.20pm for 6.30pm BST to give everyone time to set up and check their Zoom connection. Numbers are limited and Network members will be given priority.
If you would like to attend this meeting, please email davidwirth@secondgeneration.org.uk. A Zoom link will be provided.
Tuesday 17th August – Virtual tour of the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
Network Members Sue Smeding and Jet Herrera-Lambo, who both work at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, will discuss their work there and how this has affected their own perspective on their Holocaust legacies. This will be followed by a virtual tour of the House, with time afterwards for your comments and questions. Start time 6.15pm for 6.30pm BST. Booking details to follow.