Kazerne Dossin, Mechelen

Kazerne Dossin is a site of remembrance and reflection located in the city of Mechelen, Belgium. Once a military barracks, it was repurposed during World War II as a concentration camp by the Nazis. From 1942 to 1944, over 25,000 Jews and Roma were deported from Kazerne Dossin to Auschwitz-Birkenau. It stands today not only as a stark reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust but also as a symbol of resistance and resilience.

The complex now houses a memorial, a museum, and a documentation center. The museum offers a poignant exhibition that delves into the mechanisms of mass violence and racism, while paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The documentation center serves as a research facility, providing valuable resources for historians and the public.

Kazerne Dossin plays a crucial role in education, with a particular focus on human rights and the importance of diversity and inclusion. It aims to foster a dialogue on contemporary issues related to discrimination and intolerance, drawing parallels between the past and present.

Visitors to Kazerne Dossin can explore the permanent exhibitions, which tell the stories of those who passed through the barracks, as well as temporary exhibitions that focus on broader themes of genocide and human rights violations. The site is open to the public year-round and offers guided tours and educational programs.

The memorial section of Kazerne Dossin is a place for quiet contemplation. It features a Wall of Names, where the names of those who were deported from the site are inscribed, serving as an eternal testament to the lives that were lost.