Volkswagen is committed to preserving the memories of the Holocaust and promoting understanding of its impact by supporting visits to the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin where the exhibition, ‚Flashes of Memory’, is being hosted. This exhibition, developed by the World Holocaust Remembrance Center Yad Vashem, features photographs and films documenting the Holocaust from the perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and liberators.

Volkswagen facilitated visits for its employees from various Group facilities to see the exhibition, which will be open until January 28, 2024. The exhibition presents visual records of deportations of Jewish people, living conditions in Jewish ghettos, and the liberation of concentration camps. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Dieter Landenberger, Volkswagen’s Head of Heritage, regarding the significance of fostering a strong culture of remembrance and the ongoing fight against racism, discrimination, and antisemitism.

Moreover, Volkswagen also invited students from the Carl Hahn School in Wolfsburg to visit the exhibition as part of their efforts to better understand the plight of refugees and provide assistance. In recognition of the students’ initiative, Volkswagen’s Youth and Trainee Council presented the Sara Frenkel Award for respect, tolerance, and civic courage to the project team. This award, named after Sara Frenkel, a Holocaust survivor and former forced laborer, honors her lifelong dedication to combating antisemitism and encouraging young people to engage in remembrance work.

These exhibition visits align with Volkswagen’s comprehensive remembrance initiatives, which reflect the company’s commitment to confronting its history and actively combating antisemitism, discrimination, and racism.

Benita von Maltzahn, Director Cultural Engagement of the Volkswagen Group, stated, ‘The extended display of the exhibition, ‚Flashes of Memory’, in Berlin underscores the urgent need to address the devastating effects of antisemitism and serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of this issue today. As a partner of the exhibition, we have established a platform for both the general public and our employees to engage with this critical topic and its lessons.’

Since the opening of the exhibition, ‚Flashes of Memory. Photography during the Holocaust.’, Volkswagen has served as an education partner, supporting the development and implementation of educational programs such as, ‚Ask Me!’ and ‚Close Up!’. These programs provide visitors with opportunities to ask questions and engage with experts on various topics related to the exhibition, free of charge.