Caen Colloquium - The Holocaust in Belarus: historical perspectives and methodological innovations

The history of Belarus in the Second World War and the fate of its people of whom a quarter were killed, i.e. 2,230,000 people and among them 600,000 to 800,000 Jews,  remains an area which is still little investigated. In France, very little attention has been devoted to date to the Second World War and the Holocaust in Belarus.

This one-day conference, taking place on December 16, 2022 at the Caen Peace Memorial, aims to provide new insight into World War II and the Holocaust in Belarus.

The presentations, intended for a large audience, will focus on the history of the Jewish presence in Belarus as well as the detailed story of how the Holocaust was implemented in the country.

Emphasis will be placed on the importance of ghettos with a focus on that of Brest-Litovsk, the sites of massacres and the historical use of testimonials. We will also explore how the Shoah shaped the landscape of cities, towns and villages, as well as how the memory of a population that is practically extinct today in Belarus has been perpetuated through private and public initiatives.

Please note that there will be interpretation from French into English and Russian, from Russian into French but NOT from Russian into English.

This event is free to attend and all are welcome. If you can attend in person at the Caen Memorial, attendance is free: https://www.memorial-caen.fr/les-evenements/lagenda. If you want to join via Zoom, please click here to register.