When Liberation Revealed the Unthinkable: The Camps and Their Discovery 

Why January 27?&nbsp;On January 27, 1945, soldiers of the Soviet Red Army reached Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp in the town of Oświęcim, located at an important railway junction. What they discovered was a scene of unimaginable suffering and devastation. The camp, which had operated as a centre of systematic extermination since 1942, was largely abandoned by the Nazis as they retreated from advancing Allied forces. However, over 7,000 prisoners, many of them gravely ill or dying, remained behind.&nbsp;Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest site of mass murder during the Holocaust. More than 1.1 million people—predominantly Jews—were murdered there, alongside tens of thousands of Poles, Roma and Sinti, Soviet prisoners of war, and others deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. Victims were sent to gas chambers upon arrival or subjected to inhumane forced labour, medical experiments, and starvation.&nbsp;The liberation of Auschwitz revealed the full scale of the Nazi crimes to the world, providing undeniable evidence of their genocidal policies. Testimonies from survivors and photographs taken by Soviet troops documented the systematic nature of the Holocaust, shocking an international audience and galvanizing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.&nbsp;Established by the United Nations in 2005, the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ensures that these crimes against humanity are remembered, its victims honoured, and its lessons passed on to future generations. January 27 is a date of global significance, the U.N. resolution for its introduction urges all countries to promote educational programs and combat antisemitism. The date serves as a reminder not only of the atrocities committed but also of the international community’s responsibility to confront hatred and genocide in all its forms.&nbsp;Auschwitz as a Symbol of Memory&nbsp;Auschwitz-Birkenau remains one of the most significant Holocaust memorial sites in the world. Declared a museum in 1947, it stands as a place of remembrance and education, visited by millions annually. The preservation of its barracks, ruins of gas chambers, and personal belongings of victims ensures that the horrors of the Holocaust remain tangible to future generations.&nbsp;Exhibits at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum include photographs, survivors’ testimonies, and recovered artefacts such as shoes, suitcases, and children’s toys. These items underscore the individual human stories behind the incomprehensible scale of loss. For visitors, the site is both a historical record and a powerful reminder of the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and unchecked hatred.&nbsp;The museum also works internationally to advance Holocaust education. Its programs for teachers and students explore not only the history of Auschwitz but also the broader context of Nazi ideology, antisemitism, and genocide.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commemorative Activities&nbsp;Each year, commemorative events are held worldwide to honour the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. At Auschwitz-Birkenau, survivors and dignitaries gather for ceremonies that include moments of silence, wreath-laying, and survivors’ personal accounts. These events emphasize the importance of firsthand accounts in preserving Holocaust memory.&nbsp;For 2025, the theme “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights” has been announced, focusing on how the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant to contemporary human rights issues. This theme underscores the connection between remembering the past and addressing present-day challenges like antisemitism, racism, and persecution.&nbsp;

January 27: Honoring the International Holocaust Remembrance Day 

In 1942, Heinrich Himmler ordered the deportation of Sinti and Roma people to the Extermination Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Rudolf’s parents and three sisters were taken to the newly established “Gypsy Family Camp” there, where they were later murdered. In May 1944, Criminal Investigation Department officers chased and arrested Rudolf, then 15, and deported him to the same camp, where he learned of his family’s fate.&nbsp;After the liquidation of the family camp in Auschwitz, Rudolf was sent to Buchenwald Concentration Camp along with hundreds of other Sinti and Roma men and boys, to serve as forced labourers. But even here, he was deemed expendable. Within weeks, the SS sent him back to Auschwitz, where most of his companions were murdered upon arrival. Rudolf was among the few who survived, defying the odds stacked so heavily against his people.&nbsp;In early 1945, Rudolf was transferred to Flossenbürg Concentration Camp in Germany during the chaotic final months of the war. As the Nazis forced prisoners on death marches, Rudolf seized the opportunity to escape and find freedom.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the war, Rudolf Böhmer sought to rebuild his life, but the discrimination against Sinti and Roma in postwar Germany proved insurmountable. Like so many survivors of his community, Rudolf faced systemic barriers, prejudice, and a lack of recognition for the suffering he endured. At just 40 years old, Rudolf Böhmer passed away. His life is a testament to resilience, but also to the profound impact of generations of marginalization.&nbsp; <div data-youtube-video=""><iframe class="video" width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Lgg6VSfqvU" start="0"></iframe></div>The animation is part of the Persecution Through Their Eyes project and a result of the collaboration with the St. Joost School of Art &amp; Design in Den Bosch and Breda.

Rudolf Böhmer: The Untold story of a Sinti Boy's Survival during the Holocaust 

The relationship between love and war is intimate and as old as mankind. Under the threat of death, life and love are experienced much more intensely. World War II affected the love life of a whole generation of people. They - as always - got butterflies in their stomachs: in the air-raid shelter, in hiding, at the front or simply on the streets. The 'Love in wartime' exhibition, from 5 June 2024 to 30 March 2025, shows how people found each other under difficult circumstances. And how feelings can overcome everything. After all, what is 'right' or 'wrong' in love? In the 'Love in Wartime' exhibition, we see war from its most intimate, human side. From a boy who met his first boyfriend during forced labour in Germany to a newly married couple who survived Auschwitz, always looking for a sign that the other was still alive. These personal love stories often had major consequences, such as: the journey of thousands of wartime brides to and from the Netherlands, the at least as many children fathered by an Allied or German soldier, the persecution of homosexuals and large-scale paid love in the war years. Behind special curtains, adults can even peek into stories about wartime sex and admire vibrators from the 1940s.Love in Wartime is a unique exhibition that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of a cosy 1940s street with fully historically decorated rooms on either side. Behind one door is a living room, behind the other a hiding place or a café celebrating the liberation. This makes the exhibition an adventurous experience for young and old. The exhibition 'Love in wartime' is inspired by Steffie van den Oord's book of the same name, available in new print from 4 June 2024.The Freedom Museum shows the passionate story of love with unique masterpieces such as sheet music, diaries, love letters and wedding dresses. An intimate exhibition with never-before-seen material that will make your heart beat faster!

The Netherlands

Love in Wartime

With the performance ‘We'll meet again’, singing trio The Forces Sweethearts reflects on 80 years of freedom in the Netherlands. Memories are brought to life thanks to beautiful stories and anecdotes from the time surrounding World War II. All this will be framed musically by music from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Think of the big hits by Vera Lynn, Doris Day and, of course, The Andrews Sisters. Do you remember them? ‘Bei mir bist du schon’, ‘Rum and coca cola’, ‘Those were the days’ and of course ‘We'll meet again’! Thanks to their beautiful three-part vocals, swinging dance moves and stylish outfits, The Forces Sweethearts will make this performance a feast of recognition and allow us to reflect together on this special milestone.

Theatre concert 'We'll meet again'- 80 years freedom

After long years of absence of freedom Pilsen celebrated its 45th Anniversary of the liberation by the US Army in 1990 with the participation of the president Václav Havel and the US Ambassador in Prague Shirley Temple Black. Together with the living history clubs, the City of Pilsen preserves the tradition of celebrating the liberation, that is why the first days in May belong to the Liberation Festival. For this event, visitors from all around the world come to celebrate - with the citizens, American veterans, their family relative at present respectively – the freedom. Traditional parts of the celebrations are commemorative acts at the memorials of the American units participating in the liberation of the city, the unique display of vintage military vehicles Convoy of Liberty and the presentation of the living history clubs offering impressive interpretation of history with the period equipment and gear held on a year basis. The military history program is enhanced by culture show intended for the broad public with the participation of Czech and foreign performers.The Liberation Festival is unforgettable experience with its unique atmosphere remembering the contribution of the US Army to the liberation of Europe.

Czech Republic

Liberation Festival Pilsen - the liberation by the US Army

This tour offers an authentic and thoughtful journey through that remarkable period. You'll gain a deeper understanding of both the military side of the occupation and the daily struggles, ingenuity, and strength of the islanders who lived through it. Dispelling sensationalist myths, it reveals the human story behind the history books.What makes this experience truly unique is that it’s personal. Half of my family remained on the island throughout those difficult years, while the other half, part of a military family stationed here, was evacuated in 1940. They were joyfully reunited after the war. I’ll share their rare and poignant stories with you as we explore the places that shaped their lives.Every tour is private and customized just for you—offering a memorable, insightful, and heartfelt journey into Jersey’s past. Let me guide you through this compelling chapter of history, where courage and hope prevailed.

Jersey

1940 - 1945: Occupation to Liberation

Step Back in Time—Where History Comes AliveDiscover the untold stories of the Channel Islands during World War II with Marc Yates, the only accredited Battlefield Guide in the region. On these exclusive tours, you’ll explore one of history’s most dramatic chapters—the Nazi occupation of the only British soil to fall under enemy control.Walk among the massive fortifications built in preparation for an Allied invasion that never came. These islands, transformed into the most heavily fortified part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, remain a concrete testament to five years of occupation, fear, and resilience.Journey Through Hidden History Your tour takes you inside imposing bunkers and along defensive strongholds where soldiers once stood guard, bracing for D-Day landings. With Marc’s engaging storytelling, the echoes of that time will come vividly to life as you uncover the strategic importance of these islands and the incredible lengths the Nazis went to hold onto them at all costs. Beyond the concrete, hear stories of courage, defiance, and the enduring human spirit that prevailed through five challenging years of occupation.Personalized Tours Designed for You Whether you're a family, history enthusiast, or simply curious, these private tours offer a completely bespoke experience. Traveling in our luxurious, fully licensed vehicles, you’ll enjoy comfort and convenience as we pick you up from your desired location.Marc's passion for history and deep expertise ensure that every tour is tailored to your interests and questions, whether you're a group of two or sixteen. The cost remains the same regardless of group size, making it ideal for intimate gatherings or larger parties.More Than a Tour—An Experience to Remember This is your chance to connect with history, to stand where history was made, and to leave with unforgettable stories etched in your memory.Visit our website for full tour details and bookings.

Nazi Occupation: Fortification Ready for D-Day

SPECIAL LIBERATION 80 SEAFARI! Your guide will aim to help you understand the history of the D-Day invasion and will provide insight into what actually went on in the Island during this time. You will honestly be shocked at what the Third Reich was able to create with slave labour, captured weapons &amp; lots of concrete!<h3>Highlights&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Unique opportunity to take photos of the Fortifications &amp; significant landmarks on the South Coast from the sea</li><li>Learn all about the arrival of the&nbsp;‘tommies’&nbsp;on Liberation Day</li><li>Interactive guiding of the South Coast&nbsp;Batteries, Strongpoints and Resistance nest built during the WW2 Occupation&nbsp;</li><li>Hear fascinating and carefully researched stories about the raids, crashes, battles and invasion throughout the occupation</li></ul>Please note these are run in partnership with Jersey War Tours and run only a few times in the season. Dates to be released at the beginning of the season.Please contact us if&nbsp;interested in a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jerseyseafaris.com/private-groups">private charter?</a>

South Coast Liberation Seafari

Being so close to the Normandy coast, your guide will aim to help you understand the history of the D-Day invasion and will provide insight into what actually went on in the Island during this time.<h4>Highlights</h4><ul><li>Unique opportunity to take photos of the Fortifications on the North Coast from the sea</li><li>Visit the landing site of the only Allied Commando Raid on Jersey</li><li>Interactive guiding of the North Coast Batteries, Strongpoints and Resistance nest Built during the WW2 Occupation</li><li>Carefully researched stories covering local and Allied WW2 stories from raids, crashes, battles and invasion</li></ul>Please note these are run in partnership with Jersey War Tours and run only a few times in the season. Due to high demand, we recommend booking as early as you can to avoid disappointment.<h4>Dates</h4><ul><li>19 April at 09:30</li><li>04 May at 08:45, 11 May at 09:15, 31 May at 09:15</li><li>15 June at 09:45, 29 June at 09:00</li><li>13 July at 08:45</li><li>09 August at 09:00</li><li>06 September at 09:00</li></ul>Are you interested in a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jerseyseafaris.com/private-groups">private charter?</a> Please get in contact with our team to organise your ideal adventure.

North Coast War Tour Seafari

As you journey through the winding passages, you’ll be transported to a time of resilience and survival, where the bravery of the islanders is brought to life through powerful exhibits and immersive storytelling. Stand where history was made and explore the tunnels that stretch over 1,000 meters, an eerie yet fascinating reminder of wartime struggles.<ul><li>Feel the Past Come Alive: Walk through life-sized exhibits that capture the occupation’s harsh realities and the hope that endured.</li><li>Go Beyond the Walls: Learn personal stories of hardship and heroism, from islanders and workers whose lives were changed forever.</li><li>Experience the Unimaginable: See artifacts, propaganda, and military equipment that paint a vivid picture of life under German rule.</li></ul>Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply looking for a powerful experience, the Jersey War Tunnels will captivate your heart and mind.Dive deep into the mysteries of World War II with 'Operation Constellation' and 'Prison Break'. Can you crack codes, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets to escape in time? Gather your team and embark on an unforgettable adventure where history meets adrenaline at Jersey War Tunnels Escape Rooms.Don’t just read about history—step inside it.

Jersey War Tunnels

You will be led on an adventure through time with Blue Badge Guide, Martin Walton a specialist in military tours from Napoleonic to WW2 and German Occupation of Jersey during WW2. You will visit sites around St. Helier's Harbour with poignant reminders of events from both the Occupation and Liberation of the island and hear what really happened during those fateful days.These guided tours will take place every Saturday and Sunday from April through July. Please get in contact with Martin Walton direct to book your spot on these special themed experiences.

St. Helier: Occupation to Liberation Tour

<h4>Part 1: Smuggling Reenactment &amp; Procession (26 April, 1-4pm)</h4>Feel the pulse of history as a dramatic boat-smuggling reenactment unfolds. Join the procession from Norman’s Warehouse to Gorey Pier, following a horse-drawn cart symbolizing wartime escapes. Along the way, musical performances will bring the story to life, with stops at Georgetown, Grouville Church, and Gorey Church.After D-Day, brave Jersey men risked their lives to escape Nazi-occupied Jersey for France. Relive this compelling history as musicians and reenactors tell their story through song and procession, blending heritage and artistry for an unforgettable afternoon.<hr><h4>Part 2: Granville RIB Adventure &amp; Concert (17 May, 8:30am–1:30pm)</h4>Recreate the daring escape from Jersey to France aboard a high-speed RIB departing Gorey at 8:30am. Cross the Channel to the beautiful port of Granville, where you’ll explore the historic town and attend a stirring event at Notre-Dame de Granville (11:30am–12:15pm). Through dramatic readings and live music, the stories of escapees come vividly to life.Return to Jersey by 1:30pm, but the adventure doesn’t end there! Join us for Part 3, an evening concert at Gouray Church (6pm) where a renowned string quartet will perform a captivating program inspired by the seas.<hr><h4>Part 3: The Gorey Story &amp; Boat Launch (17 May, 6–7:30pm)</h4>End your journey with an emotionally charged concert at Gouray Church featuring acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie, violist Dorothea Vogel, and cellist Urška Horvat. Immerse yourself in hauntingly beautiful music inspired by the courage of those who fled Jersey by boat between 1944-1945.As night falls, witness the ceremonial launch of the escape boat at Gorey Harbour (7:30pm), a symbolic tribute to the spirit of resilience and hope that defined this pivotal time in history.<hr>✨ Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey into history, brought to life with music, adventure, and storytelling.📅 For Tickets: Call 01534 761767 or visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.musicjersey.com">www.musicjersey.com</a>.

Escape to France: A Three-part Experience

<h4>Discover some of the best preserved WW2 Fortifications in Europe!</h4>The Channel Island Occupation Society (CIOS) Jersey is a voluntary registered charity that has been preserving, restoring and opening German fortifications for around 50 years and has under its wing an impressive range of the standard types of fortifications (Regelbau) constructed locally with most constructed to strict ‘Fortress Standards’ with 2 meter thick concrete reinforced walls and roofs. Many of these structures are restored to near operation condition as well as presenting details of the original crew who manned them and the forced labour used in the construction. A visit to one of our open days will present you with a working atmosphere feel with the chance to get hands on with equipment used at the time as well as events with living history groups presenting relevant displays. How or when can I visit? We open the three largest sites in our care regularly, with details below, which are Battery Lothringen (Noirmont Point), Strongpoint Corbiere and Battery Moltke (Les Landes Common), along with other openings that be pre-advertised on CIOS social media platforms. Visit any of our sites on a guided tour with the experts at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jerseybunkertours.com/">Jersey War Tours</a> or join us on one of our open days!RESISTANCE NEST MILLBROOK | Regelbau 631b Flanking Anti-Tank Gun Casemate for a 4.7cm Gun with coaxial Machine Gun. INFANTRY RESISTANCE NEST LA CARRIERE | Regelbau 631 Flanking Anti-Tank Gun Casemate for a 4.7cm gun with coaxial machine gun and a Regelbau Jaegerstand Coastal Defense Gun Casemate.‘KERNWERK’ BATTLE HEADQUARTERS AT L’ALEVAL | Regelbau Kanalinsel Nr. 531 Infantry Regiment Command Post.INFANTRY RESISTANCE NEST LA MARE MILL | Regelbau Wa.Prüf 543 4-Loopholed Heavy Machine Gun Turret Bunker. *Currently closed while undergoing renovation*BATTERY LOTHRINGEN | Kriegsmarine (Naval) 15cm coastal artillery battery. Regelbau M 132 Leitstand (Command Bunker) &amp; Naval Direction and Range Finding Tower MP1 plus multiple other constructions in the battery.Confirmed Sunday Opening Times 2-5pm | May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st &amp; October 19th Admission: Adults £8, under 16s free. INFANTRY STRONGPOINT CORBIERE | Early Type Regelbau 633 5cm M19 automatic Fortress Mortar Bunker connected to a Regelbau 634 6-Loopholed Heavy Machine Gun Turret Bunker, Regelbau Jaegerstand Coastal Defence Gun Casemate “Kanone 2” for mounting a 10.5cm gun, Regelbau Kanalinsel Nr. 514 Group Personnel Shelter &amp; Regelbau Jaegerstand Coastal Defence Gun Casemate “Kanone 1” for mounting a 10.5cm gunConfirmed Sunday Opening Times 2-5pm with a minimum of 3 bunkers open | April 27th, May 11th, June 8th &amp; 29th, July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th &amp; October 5thAdmission: Adults £10, under 16s free.KRIEGSMARINE STRONGPOINT BUTTS AT LES LANDES COMMON | Naval Direction and Range Finding Tower MP3 and a Regelbau Fl 242 2cm Anti-Aircraft Gun Emplacement.BATTERY ‘MOLTKE’ AT LES LANDES COMMON | The position consists of the following interconnected structures: Regelbau M 151 Personnel Shelter for 25 Men , Regelbau M 153 Emplacement for a 15cm Turreted Naval Gun, 2 x Regelbau 512 Ammunition bunkers and a ‘temporary’ Emplacement for a 155mm Field Gun. Confirmed Sunday Opening Times 2-5pm | May 4th, June 1st, July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th &amp; October 5th Admission: Adults £8, under 16s free.

Channel Island Occupation Society: Bunker Open Days

Interview with Mathieu Billa (Bastogne War Museum)

From moving veteran testimonies to thrilling reenactments, vintage planes, concerts, and moments with actors from Band of Brothers, the event was a powerful tribute this important part of history.

Commemorate the end of WWII – 80 years later

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