Kazerne Dossin – Memorial

In the heart of Mechelen, Belgium, lies Kazerne Dossin – Memorial, a poignant and profound site dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and the ongoing fight for human rights. This memorial, museum, and documentation center serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of World War II and a beacon for the importance of tolerance and understanding in today's world.

The History of Kazerne Dossin – Memorial

Kazerne Dossin’s story is deeply intertwined with the dark days of the Holocaust. Originally a military barracks, this site was repurposed by the German occupiers during 1942-1944 as a transit camp for Jews, Roma, and Sinti in Belgium. Approximately 25,500 Jews and 354 Roma and Sinti were deported from this location, most of them to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Tragically, less than five percent of these individuals survived.

In the early years of the Nazi occupation, Jews in Belgium faced increasing restrictions and persecution. By June 1942, Adolf Eichmann ordered the deportation of Jews, a directive that was met with minimal resistance from the Belgian administration due to the small percentage of Belgian Jews. The Dossinkazerne, strategically located between Brussels and Antwerp, became the central hub for these deportations, with a convenient railway line facilitating the transport of prisoners to extermination camps.

The camp was initially under the harsh control of SS-Sturmbannführer Philipp Schmitt, later replaced by Hans Johannes Gerhard Frank, who adopted a slightly more lenient approach. Despite these changes, the conditions remained dire, with deportees facing constant threats of violence and humiliation. The prisoners were deceived into believing they were being relocated for forced labor, a tactic to prevent resistance and maintain order.

The Museum: A Journey Through History

In 2011, Kazerne Dossin was rebranded to emphasize its dual role as a memorial and a museum dedicated to the Holocaust and human rights. The museum’s mission is to reflect on the historical persecution of Jews and the Holocaust, using this narrative as a lens to examine contemporary issues of racism, exclusion, and discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, belief, skin color, gender, and sexual orientation.

The museum is spread across three floors, each meticulously curated to tell the story of the Holocaust from a Belgian perspective. Visitors are introduced to the rise of antisemitism, the German occupation, and the collaboration of local authorities. The narratives are presented from both the victims' and perpetrators' viewpoints, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events. Additionally, the museum highlights the acts of resistance and aid provided to the victims, prompting visitors to reflect on the broader themes of human rights and social justice.

One of the most striking features of the museum is the wall of photographs, a haunting tribute to the thousands of Jews who were deported. The black-and-white photographs represent those who perished, while the few color images signify survivors. This visual representation underscores the immense loss and serves as a powerful reminder of the individual lives affected by the Holocaust.

The Memorial: Honoring the Victims

The memorial aspect of Kazerne Dossin is housed in four rooms of the original barracks. Each room is designed to evoke the memory and presence of the victims. The first room, Their Traces, contains original artifacts from the Dossin site, providing a tangible connection to the past. The Loss features a poignant artwork by Philippe Aguirre, capturing the tragedy of the events.

Their Names is a room where the names of the deported are continuously read aloud in three languages, creating an auditory tribute to those who were lost. Finally, Their Faces displays thousands of photographs of the deported, allowing visitors to see the faces behind the statistics. At the end of this emotional journey, visitors are invited to share their impressions and feelings, fostering a personal connection to the history they have just experienced.

The Documentation Center: Preserving History

The documentation center at Kazerne Dossin plays a crucial role in preserving the history of the deported individuals. It houses around three thousand bundles of documents, including letters, identity cards, and work permits of 4,400 people sent to extermination camps via Mechelen. This center is accessible to family members of victims and researchers, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are not forgotten.

Recognized as an official archive by the Flemish Community, the documentation center is a vital resource for understanding the Holocaust's impact on Belgium. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting and remembering historical atrocities to prevent their recurrence.

The Architectural Symbolism

The new museum building, designed by the architectural firm AWG and Bob Van Reeth, stands opposite the old Kazerne Dossin. This structure is a monument against forgetting, with its windows bricked up using 25,267 bricks, each representing a deported individual. The building’s design is a stark, minimalist reminder of the past, with a terrace offering a view of the old barracks' courtyard, where the deportees were once gathered.

In conclusion, Kazerne Dossin – Memorial is not just a historical site; it is a place of reflection, education, and remembrance. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering the past to build a more just and tolerant future. A visit to this memorial is a deeply moving experience, offering insights into the horrors of the Holocaust and the ongoing struggle for human rights.