ESHEM

European Sites of Holocaust Memory (ESHEM) is a flagship project of the European
Commission, included in the first EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering
Jewish Life (2021–2030).

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The project responds to the need to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, support Holocaust education, counter the growing phenomenon of antisemitism, and promote democratic values and human rights. Its objective is to create a network of sites connected to the history of the Holocaust, focused on their safeguarding and protection in order to harness their potential for further research, education, and commemorative activities.

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The activities carried out under the project are overseen by a Secretariat, established by a consortium led by GOPA PACE in cooperation with the Zapomniane Foundation, the FestivALT Association, the Urban Memory Foundation, and GOPA Com. The Secretariat team is supported by a five-member Steering Committee. In addition, a Working Group operates alongside the Secretariat, tasked with developing a compilation of good practices in the field of public policies addressed to regional and local authorities, supporting the protection, preservation, and commemoration of Holocaust-related sites of memory.

The ESHEM project was launched as a result of a call for tenders announced by the European Commission entitled “Establishment of a Secretariat for the Development and Support of the Activities of the European Network of Sites of Holocaust Memory” (EC- JUST/2024/OP/0002), published on 7 February 2024 and concluded on 24 May 2024. The tender was awarded to a consortium led by GOPA PACE in cooperation with the Zapomniane Foundation, the FestivALT Association, the Urban Memory Foundation, and GOPA Com.

SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat will oversee the activities of the network of sites of memory by: mapping sites and good practices; maintaining extensive contacts with sites and public authorities; developing new communication channels, including a website and social media channels; preparing criteria for the selection of future sites; organizing events and ceremonies; and carrying out other related activities.

The Secretariat is headed by a Director and supported by three additional staff members. It also includes project managers, researchers, and specialists in communication, finance, and administration.

TEAM

• Director of the Secretariat: Aleksandra Janus
• Head of Administration: Sabine Boeltken
• Network Engagement Officer: Lena Rubenfeld
• Research and Documentation Officer: Aleksandra Kumala
• Website Coordinator: Begona Garcia-Campos
• Senior Project Manager: Paulo Roquete Vitorino
• Junior Project Manager: Manon Grafé
• Senior Analyst: Aga Jabłońska
• Public Policy Specialist: Maciej Hofman