A Dark Chapter Remembered: Honoring victims of Fascist Italy

Eighty-seven years after being expelled under Italy’s racist laws, Silk Virginia, a Jewish woman, will revisit her former primary school, Alberto Cadlolo in Rome. The occasion marks the unveiling of a plaque commemorating Jewish students expelled during the fascist regime. The ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th at 11:30 AM, is organized by the Italian teachers’ association for memory in schools (ADIMS) and the Virgil Institute.

The Trauma of Exclusion: Virginia’s Story

Virginia recalls the abrupt disruption of her childhood in her memoirs: Until the age of nine I had serenely lived my life as a Jewish girl.But from one day to the next, it was deeply upset. This trauma stemmed from the autumn of 1938,when racist laws forced the expulsion of Jewish children from all levels of public education. For Virginia, this meant leaving the Alberto Cadlolo primary school mid-year.

Unearthing the Past: ADIMS’ Commitment to Remembrance

Tiziana della Rocca, president of ADIMS, emphasizes the institution’s dedication: It is indeed the fourth Roman school in which we would place a plaque of this kind. Our commitment continues, increasingly widespread. The realization of the plaque followed a thorough examination of the school’s ancient archives,where Virginia’s name was discovered. After her expulsion, she continued her education in the Jewish section of another institute. As the persecution intensified, she was forced to hide multiple times to evade capture. Tragically, her father and six other close relatives were captured and deported to extermination camps.

A Ceremony of Remembrance and Reconciliation

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by Virginia, her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, students from the Cadlolo school, and a delegation from the Jewish school of Rome. Alessio Santagati,School Manager of Virgil,lodovica Cantono,President of the Council of the Institute,and councilor Ucei Saul Meghnagi are also expected to participate. Della Rocca stated, Tomorrow it will be a great honor to have her with us.

Expanding the Scope: Further Commemorations Planned

On Monday, may 26th, another plaque will be unveiled at the Francesco Crispi primary school in Rome. This initiative, part of the “Monteverde that reads” project and the Memoria Project, will include a special tribute to Piero Terracina, a survivor of Auschwitz who dedicated his life to Holocaust education. Terracina passed away in 2019, leaving behind a powerful legacy of remembrance.

The Enduring Importance of Holocaust Education

These commemorations come at a time when holocaust education is more critical than ever. A 2020 survey by the Claims Conference found notable gaps in Holocaust knowledge among millennials and Gen Z, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and education. By remembering the victims of the Holocaust and acknowledging the injustices of the past, we can work towards a future free from hatred and discrimination.