Day 2

The German student group and the group from Israel had already arrived in Kraków on Monday. Although we had traveled from different countries, the atmosphere from the very beginning was open and curious. For many of us, it was our first time in this historic city, and we knew that many important and emotional impressions awaited us in the coming days. However, our joint program did not begin until Tuesday, 10 February 2026. On that day, we officially started our exchange project, in which we wanted to learn more together about the history of the Holocaust, explore Kraków, and engage in conversation with one another. It was not only about historical facts, but also about getting to know one another, exchanging experiences, and building trust. Already in the morning, there was a special atmosphere in the air. Many of us were curious, excited, and a little nervous. Some did not know each other well yet, but the first conversations began after only a short time. It quickly became clear that this meeting was not only an educational trip, but also an opportunity to make connections and learn from one another.

The first item on the day’s program was a city tour of Kraków. In the morning, we explored together the historic city, which plays an important role in Jewish history in Europe. Particularly interesting was the visit to the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, which is today one of the city’s best known historic districts. During the tour, we learned a great deal about Jewish life in Kraków before the Second World War. Our guide spoke about the long history of the Jewish community, which had been an important part of the city for centuries. We visited several synagogues and learned about their significance for religious and cultural life. The Old Synagogue was especially impressive, as it is considered one of the oldest synagogues in Poland. There, it was explained to us how Jewish services are conducted and what role religion played in the daily lives of many Jewish people. As we walked through the streets of Kazimierz, we saw many historic buildings, small squares, and memorials that recall the past. The tour made us realize how lively and diverse Jewish life in Kraków had once been. At the same time, we became aware of how thoroughly this community had been destroyed by the Holocaust. Many of us listened attentively and asked questions. You could feel that this history is not just a topic from a schoolbook, but something that still moves people deeply today.

After the city tour, we had a lunch break. Many of us used this time to get to know each other better. German and Israeli students sat together, exchanged ideas, and talked about school, hobbies, or their impressions from the morning. It quickly became clear that the encounter was very open and warm. Although some of us were a little shy at first, a relaxed atmosphere developed quickly. For many, it was exciting to see how similar some interests are, even though we come from different countries.

In the afternoon, we went together to the Galicia Jewish Museum in Kraków. This museum was founded to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and at the same time make the Jewish culture and history of the Galicia region visible. The museum is located in the Kazimierz district and today is an important cultural institution. It was founded in 2004. Its founder was the photojournalist Chris Schwarz, who had worked internationally for many years. In his work, he often dealt with social issues and wanted to create, through the museum, a place that contributes to remembrance and learning. The museum presents both permanent photographic exhibitions and changing exhibitions from different parts of the world. It is particularly well known for the photographic exhibition Traces of Memory, which deals with traces of Jewish life in the region. In addition, the museum organizes educational programs, workshops, and events for visitor groups.

At the museum, we first took part in a workshop that was meant to prepare us for the visit to Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. The workshop was a very intense part of the day. Together, we talked about what Auschwitz actually is, what role it plays in the history of the Holocaust, and why this place still carries such significance today. An important part of the workshop was the conversation about our feelings and expectations. Many of us knew that the visit to Auschwitz would be very emotional. Some were curious and wanted to learn more about the history, while others already felt somewhat uncertain or thoughtful in advance. As we talked about this, the mood in the room became quieter. You could tell that the subject is very serious and touches many people deeply. Some of us felt a little intimidated by the idea of soon going to a place where so many people suffered and were murdered. At the same time, it was very helpful that we had this workshop together. We were able to speak openly about our thoughts and realize that we were not alone with our feelings. It was especially moving that German and Israeli students supported one another. Whenever someone had a question or wanted to say something, everyone listened attentively. A feeling of community and trust emerged. We realized that we could support one another. If someone felt uncertain or did not know something, we could simply talk to each other. That made the situation easier.

After the workshop, we also received a tour of the Galicia Jewish Museum. During it, we learned more about the exhibitions and the museum’s work. The photos in the exhibition show places in Poland where Jewish life once took place. Some images show old synagogues, cemeteries, or buildings that have survived to this day. Other images show places where hardly anything of the Jewish past is still visible. The exhibition makes it clear that history does not exist only in books, but also continues to live on in the landscape and in cities. Many places remind us of people whose lives were destroyed by the Holocaust. We also learned that the museum not only presents exhibitions, but also organizes an extensive educational program. There are workshops, events, and projects for student groups to talk about history, remembrance, and responsibility. The museum also has a media center where films and materials on Jewish history and the Holocaust are collected. Another interesting point is that the building itself has a special history. Before the Second World War, it was used as a mill. Today, it is a renovated, modern museum building that combines old structures with new materials such as glass and metal. This creates a special atmosphere that connects past and present. During the tour, we walked together through the rooms and looked at the photos and information. Many of us became quieter because the images were very powerful. At the same time, it was also interesting to see how much effort is invested in preserving the memory of Jewish history.

For many of us, the day in Kraków was emotional, but also very valuable. In the morning, we were still full of energy and curiosity. During the workshop and the museum tour, we became more reflective. Nevertheless, it was a good experience to go through this day together. What mattered most was that we were able to support each other. If someone was sad or uncertain, you could simply talk to others. Many conversations arose quite spontaneously, while walking through the museum, over lunch, or on the way between program points. This created the feeling that we were not just there as visitors, but as a group experiencing something together.

The encounter between German and Israeli students in particular was something special. The history of the Holocaust connects our countries in a difficult way. That made it all the more important that we were able to speak to one another, ask questions, and listen to each other.

At the end of the day, we were tired, but also grateful for this experience. We had not only learned a great deal about history, but had also met new people and had important conversations. Above all, we became aware of how important it is to remember together, to speak with one another, and to learn from each other. That is exactly what made this day in Kraków such a special experience for all of us.