The planned installation of Stolpersteine, or “Memory Stones,” in the Brussels region commune of Anderlecht will proceed without the involvement of local schools, breaking from tradition. The decision stems from concerns raised by parents in light of the current conflict in Gaza.
Stolpersteine are brass plaques embedded in pavements to commemorate victims of Nazism during the war. The Association for Holocaust Memory has been installing these stones in collaboration with Brussels’ municipalities. The latest installation in Anderlecht will take place in areas where many Jews lived in the 1930s.
Typically, schools near the installation sites are invited to participate in the ceremonies, supported by educational projects, often including testimonies from Holocaust survivors. However, no schools from Anderlecht will be present this time.
Stolpersteine are brass plaques embedded in pavements to commemorate victims of Nazism. The Association for Holocaust Memory has been installing these stones in collaboration with Brussels’ municipalities. The latest installation in Anderlecht will take place in areas where many Jews lived in the 1930s.
Typically, schools near the installation sites are invited to participate in the ceremonies, supported by educational projects, often including testimonies from Holocaust survivors. However, no schools from Anderlecht will be present this time.
The schools redirected inquiries to the municipality. Anderlecht’s newly appointed Education Councillor, Luiza Duraki, confirmed that the directors’ decision was influenced by parents’ reactions and concerns over potential tensions.