An exhibition depicting the memory of the Holocaust, antisemitism, antigypsyism, and racism has been launched at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The exhibition named ‘Remember ReAct’ was launched on Monday, October 11 by the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda and the Aegis Trust, and it came a day ahead of Sweden’s Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism. 

The exhibition shows stories of the Holocaust and will run until October 18.

It aims to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust, the genocide of European Jews during World War II, is preserved.

Given the rise in racism as many people continue to suffer from hate speech, threats, and abuse, the organisers said the exhibition was timely.

While sharing the story of his parents who survived the Holocaust, Ron Adam, the Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, said: " I am a second generation survivor of the Holocaust. My parents did not share their story and kept it hidden. They were afraid to talk about the things they went through."

I believe true healing comes from sharing our stories, Adam said. " In order to prevent future atrocities and in order to fight denial, you need to share your stories. The more we tell our stories, the less denial will emerge."

The Ambassador of Sweden to Rwanda, Johanna Teague, said; "Keeping the memory of genocide alive necessitates ongoing efforts. In Sweden, the government has stepped up efforts to combat antisemitism...in our society. Our hope is that, despite our different histories and societies, the exhibition has the potential to inspire a Rwandan society.”

According to Freddy Mutanguha, Executive Director of the Aegis Trust, Remember ReAct provides an opportunity to reflect on the critical need to learn from the Holocaust and Genocide, as well as to promote a culture of tolerance and inclusion in all of our societies.