2024 Edition
The 2024 edition included visits to the Elie Wiesel Memorial House, the Jewish Quarter in Budapest, the "Shoes on the Danube Bank" Memorial, Dachau Concentration Camp, Theresienstadt Concentration Camp, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Complex, the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter in Krakow, and Schindler's Factory. Participants engaged in a variety of activities, including team-building exercises, debates, workshops, and informative sessions relevant to the program's theme.
After the study tour and under the supervision of the program coordinator, all participants carried out dissemination activities in their communities. These activities varied and included public presentations, organized discussions with colleagues and/or teachers, and writing articles for newspapers, school magazines, and university journals.
The seventh edition of the Elie Wiesel Study Tour was aimed at university students between the ages of 20 and 27 from across Romania, studying in various fields, enrolled at a university (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs), with knowledge about the Holocaust and a strong motivation to further explore this topic. These students could be enrolled in universities either in Romania or abroad. Eligible applications also needed to demonstrate a strong interest in better understanding critical days of our past to positively influence tomorrow. A total of 15 students from Romania participated.
The opinions expressed during the follow-on events do not represent the official position of the United States Embassy, the Polish Institute in Bucharest, the Embassy of the State of Israel, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Romania, the Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania, American Councils for International Education, or other program partners.
Throughout the tour, the group was accompanied by a professor with a strong general background in history, particularly regarding the Holocaust. The professors provided participants with additional information, facilitated discussions, and helped them better understand the knowledge they gained during the study tour. Participants also watched films and read books related to the covered topics, followed by group reflection discussions.
The Elie Wiesel Study Tour thematic program, now in its seventh edition, was funded by the U.S. Embassy in Romania, the Polish Institute in Bucharest, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Romania, and the Embassy of the State of Israel in Romania. It was implemented by American Councils for International Education with the support of the Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania, the Embassy of the Republic of Austria in Romania, the Austrian Cultural Forum Bucharest - BMEIA, OeAD-GmbH – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation, the Jewish Community Center Krakow, the Holocaust Memorial Center – Budapest, the Elie Wiesel Memorial House, the Center for the Study of the History of Romanian Jews "Wilhelm Filderman," Zizin, România Pozitivă, and Radio România Cultural.
Dragoș Ilieș
“I hold the Elie Wiesel Study Tour in high regard for creating the perfect environment for open dialogue with researchers, mentors, and fellow students, all of whom share an interest in studying and understanding the Holocaust more deeply. This experience has made me a more informed European citizen, equipping me with the tools to express my own views and better understand the perspectives of others on this important subject. It has also enabled me to effectively address Holocaust denial and engage with contemporary issues related to its history.
Anisia Bandi-Turtoi
“For me, the Elie Wiesel Study Tour (EWST) was a transformative journey.
It gave me a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and broadened my perspective on the genocide against the Jewish people during World War II. It was both an educational and emotional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone, because it is crucial to comprehend how and why such atrocities were possible if we are to change the course of history.
The past shapes our future, but it doesn’t shield us from repeating its mistakes. Today, I am proud to carry forward the message through my follow-up project, inspiring people to ask questions, stay curious, and reflect on how we can prevent the errors of our ancestors from recurring.”
Sara Munteanu
“For me, the Elie Wiesel Study Tour was an extraordinary opportunity. I had the chance to travel to places, cities, and regions that have been, and still are, key points in the history of the Jewish people and the Holocaust.This experience allowed me to truly understand the saying, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." After this tour, I can say that I have a much deeper understanding of the past, and the most helpful aspect was being placed not only in time but especially in space—spaces that are filled with so much history and meaning.
Finally, I was fortunate to be part of an extraordinary group. We discussed various topics together and had different opinions, which only enriched the experience. I highly recommend this study tour. It is an experience that has deeply changed me and contributed greatly to my personal growth.”
Benec Oana
“It was an incredible experience that enriched our existing knowledge with new and valuable information.
While it was somewhat overwhelming, it compelled us to consider the complexity of the Holocaust (and beyond), encouraging us to delve deeper into history. This experience fostered greater tolerance, patience, respect, and awareness of the future.”