News

Launch of the "Shoah Project: Memory and Legacy of the Holocaust"

April 1, 2008
On Monday, April 14, the official launch of the “Shoah Project: Memory and Legacy of the Holocaust” took place in the Hall of Lost Steps at the Legislative Palace, before an audience of approximately one thousand people. The project has been designated as being of National Interest by the Office of the President of the Republic, of Municipal Interest by the Municipality of Montevideo, and of Educational Interest by the authorities of CODICEN.

This initiative began three years ago as a project conceived by three young Uruguayans: Patricia Catz, Uri Lichtenstein, and Samuel Dresel, a student in the Bachelor’s program in Management and Administration. From the outset, it has enjoyed the academic support of the Department of Jewish Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay. The centerpiece of the project is an interactive educational exhibition taking place at the Plaza Fabini Municipal Subway Station from April 14 through June 6.

During the launch ceremony, Samuel Dresel spoke about the special significance that the realization of this dream holds for him and his peers. The keynote speaker at the event was historian Prof. Gerardo Caetano.

An audiovisual presentation featuring the song “El pianista del Gueto de Varsovia” by Uruguayan singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler and a performance of Jewish music by the Nathan duo filled the atmosphere with emotion and deep meaning.

Universidad ORT Uruguay the main institutional supporter of this initiative, within the framework of which it will offer a course for teachers of history and related subjects in the national secondary school system titled “The Universal Legacy of the Shoah,” as well as a series of lectures open to the general public that will take place every Tuesday in May at the ORT Pocitos Auditorium.