During the Holocaust (1933–1945), European Jewish communities endured severe upheavals, experiencing terrible social and family upheavals.

The children who lived in these circumstances were primarily disrupted by the daily routine they were accustomed to, many of whom were forced to “grow up” almost overnight. Despite the horrific circumstances and living conditions in which they were plunged, they nevertheless indulged in imaginative play, drawing and writing, expressing hopes, dreams and fears. With a selection of drawings, songs, letters and toys from these children, the exhibition offers a moving and inspiring insight into the lives of Jewish children during the Holocaust, while revealing their optimism, creativity and imagination.

This exhibition is an adaptation of the exhibition “Stars Without a Heaven: Children in the Holocaust” by curator Yehudit Inbar, which was exhibited in Yad Vashem. The exhibition was prepared by the Traveling Exhibitions Department, Museum Division, Yad Vashem, and the graphic design was provided by the Information Technology Division, Yad Vashem.

The Slovenian version of the exhibition was prepared by the Center of Jewish Cultural Heritage Synagogue Maribor in 2021 with the financial support of the Municipality of Maribor.

You are cordially invited to join us at the virtual tour of the exhibition. The tour will start on Tuesday, 25 January 2022, at 6 pm. Please click this link to join us.