Conversation with a contemporary witness: moving memories

On 22 and 23 January 2025, a special discussion with contemporary witnesses took place at the Kultur Quartier Kufstein and the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. The event was organized by five students in the Sport, Culture & Event Management bachelor's degree program at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol as part of the practical project Cultural Experience and was dedicated to the culture of remembrance. 

Marion Fischer, a contemporary witness and survivor of Nazi persecution, gave a moving insight into her experiences and the impact they have had on her life. The aim of the event was to foster historical learning processes and to raise awareness of the significance of the past.

KUFSTEIN AS A STAGE FOR MEMORY

Almost 100 Kufstein residents took the opportunity to attend the event on 22 January and to engage in dialogue with Ms. Fischer in a subsequent question and answer session. Irmgard Bibermann from erinnern:at, a program for teaching and learning about National Socialism and the Holocaust from the OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization), led through the evening. Many questions concerned not only her personal past, she also shared her perspective on today's society and the importance of remembrance. On the following morning, 23 January 2025, five school classes from the HLW Kufstein and the BG/BRG Kufstein visited the “Festsaal” (Festivities Hall) of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol to participate in another conversation with Marion Fischer. The students had already prepared for the topic in class and listened to the stories of the eyewitness with huge interest. After the lecture, a lively question and answer session developed in which the young people were able to share their thoughts and questions directly with Ms. Fischer. The young generation's interest in the personal experiences and the lessons that can be learned from them for the future was touching. 

This conversation gave the young people direct access to history and fostered their understanding of the past in a way that went far beyond what they learned in school.

BUILDING BRIDGES OF INTERACTION

The event highlighted that the culture of remembrance is not just about taking a look back at the past, but also about building bridges between generations. Through direct exchange with a contemporary witness, historical events became tangible and could be personally experienced. Especially in a time when social divisions are increasing, such encounters are essential to promote empathy, understanding and a shared historical consciousness. The Cultural Experience project is part of a long-term initiative organized by the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol in collaboration with the Zeitfrei student association and the integration department of the city of Kufstein. 

Links:

• Discussion with contemporary witness Marion Fischer - KW07 | Recording on Vimeo
• Sports, Culture & Event Management | ft