Archives: 19
- Archival Document: 11
- Historical Photographs: 5
- Historical Newspapers: 2
- Letters and Postcards (text): 0
- Postcards (pictures), Posters, Flyers, etc.: 0
- Historical Films: 1
- Artifacts: 0
Testimonies: 3
- Survivor - Video testimony: 1
- Survivor - Written testimony: 1
- Survivor - Your Interview: 1
- Witness - Video testimony: 0
- Witness - Written testimony: 0
- Witness - Our Interview: 0
Libraries (recommendation): 11
- Literature (non-fiction) - Scientific literature recommendation: 2
- Literature (non-fiction) - Biography recommendation: 2
- Literature (non-fiction) - Textbooks and literature recommended for education: 3
- Literature and Art - Poetry recommendation: 0
- Literature and Art - Novels, Stories: 1
- Literature and Art - Visual art, Music: 3
Field research recommendation: 9
- Museum, Monument, Memorial, and other marked authentic sites - recommendation: 6
- Authentic sites (not marked) - Sites where relevant historical events took place: 1
- Authentic sites (not marked) - Sites where the events of your story took place - recommendation: 1
- Visit/get in touch with the community/ association/ organization/ representatives of the victim group - recommendation: 1
Records and Tasks
The photograph features Erna Rozenberg. The exact location and date of the photograph are unknown. It was discovered during our research in the Historical Archives of Belgrade.
rozemberg anita, marković branka
The photograph features Anita Rozenberg. It is part of a forged document under which she was hiding during the war, as well as a false identity she used for protection, using the false identity Branka Marković for protection.
rozemberg erna, mihajlović vera
The photograph features Erna Rozenberg. It is part of a forged document under which she was hiding during the war, using the false identity Vera Mihajlović for protection.
Interview with Aleksandar Kraus
INTERVIEW WITH ALEKSANDAR KRAUS The text is a transcript of an interview with Aleksandar Kraus, a Holocaust survivor, held at the library of the Third Belgrade Gymnasium on November 30, 2024, as part of the Facts Not Fiction youth training program. The interview was conducted by Maja Keskinov, a philosophy teacher from the XIV Belgrade Gymnasium, in the presence of her colleague Zorana Matićević and about twenty students who attended the full-day training session.
INTERVIEW WITH ALEKSANDAR KRAUS
INTERVIEW WITH ALEKSANDAR KRAUS
Memorial center Staro sajmište
On November 8th, we visited the Memorial Center Staro Sajmište, a place of significant historical importance and a key location for the culture of remembrance. We described this visit in our journal as the first activity of the Facts Not Fiction project.
The monument to the victims of the raid in Novi Sad,
On January 23. 2025. we visited the monument to the victims of the raid in Novi Sad, called "The Family", and attended the official commemoration of the Novi Sad Raid. This event marked the 83rd anniversary of the Novi Sad Raid, which resulted in the mass executions of Serbs, Jews, and Roma on the Danube Quay in January 1942.
On November 26, 2025, we visited the Stumbling Stones in Belgrade, which mark the last places of freedom for Jewish victims before their deportation and execution. This visit was an important step in understanding the personal histories behind these memorials and honoring the lives lost during the Holocaust.
The National Library of Serbia before World War II
The site where the National Library of Serbia once stood before World War II was a significant guardian of language and culture. The library was destroyed in the bombing of Belgrade on April 6, 1941, causing an irreparable loss of cultural heritage. Thousands of manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents were reduced to ashes, making cultural heritage itself a victim of war. Today, more than 80 years later, the site remains in ruins and lacks a proper memorial, leaving this immense loss largely unmarked.
The Jewish Community of Belgrade
We visited the Jewish Community of Belgrade, where we learned about its history, activities, and ongoing efforts to preserve Jewish heritage. As part of our visit, we met with representatives of the Jewish Youth Club, gaining insight into their work and engagement in cultural and educational initiatives.
Rozemberg Aleksandar, resident card
Resident card of Rozemberg Aleksandar, father of Anita and Erna, archival document.
Rozemberg Marija, resident card
Resident Card of Rozemberg Marija, mother of Anita and Erna, archival document.
Archival Documents: Rozemberg Anita
Archival Documents: Special Police Report, Arrest Report, False Documents, Identity Card and Photograph, Interrogation Record.
Archival Documents: Rozemberg Erna
Archival Documents: Special Police Report, False Identity Documents, Forged Documents, Identity Card and Photographs, Arrest Report, Interrogation Record.
The "Execution Report for Anita" is an archival document detailing her execution, including the date, location, and personal information such as date of birth, parents' names, occupation, residential address, arrest date, and execution date. Such reports were typically compiled by authorities to document the enforcement of capital punishment.
The "Execution Report for Erna" is an archival document detailing her execution, including the date, location, and personal information such as date of birth, parents' names, occupation, residential address, arrest date, and execution date. Such reports were typically compiled by authorities to document the enforcement of capital punishment.
Testemonies by Vladimir Todorović
"Priče smrti i života iz kutije 183" is a collection of testimonies and documents about the deportation of Bačka Jews, compiled by Vladimir Todorović. The collection includes testimonies and lists of victims, providing valuable insights into the experiences of Holocaust survivors from the Bačka region.
While researching archival documents, we found the address where Anita Rozemberg stayed before her arrest, working and hiding under a false name. The address is located near our school, XIV Belgrade High school, so we visited it on March 12, 2025.
Museum of the Banjica concentration camp
On March 13, 2025, we visited the Banjica Concentration Camp Museum, where a guided tour was arranged in cooperation with the curator. Through this visit, students gained valuable insights into history. The camp was the site of the tragic fate of the Rozemberg sisters, whose names we discovered on the list of victims.
As part of an organized guided tour, we visited a memorial site near the Banjica Concentration Camp. This monument, created by sculptor Nikola Milutinović, stands as a tribute to the victims and a reminder of the past.
On March 6, 2025, philosopher Maja Keskinov and historian Ivan Milenković held a lecture at XIV Belgrade High school titled: "Hannah Arendt: Eichmann in Jerusalem and the Concept of the Banality of Evil – Between Historical Necessity and Moral Responsibility." The lecture introduced students participating in the project to this essential literature, focusing on both philosophical and historical perspectives. Maja Keskinov discussed Arendt's biography, moral responsibility, and the idea of evil as a product of thoughtlessness and bureaucratic routine. Ivan Milenković examined Eichmann’s role in the Holocaust, his position within the Third Reich, and the historical context of his arrest, trial, and sentencing.
Logor Sajmište: Žrtve jevrejskog logora Zemun
The book presents a list of victims from the Jewish camp in Zemun at the Staro Sajmište (Judenlager Semlin), established in December 1941 as a death camp for Jewish and Romani women, children, and the elderly from occupied Serbia. Around 6,400 Jews and 600 Roma were interned there. It is estimated that approximately 6,340 Jews perished in the Sajmište camp.
Anita Rozemberg, Documents from the Historical Archives of Belgrade
Document confirming that she was a student at the Seventh Women's Gymnasium (today's XIV belgrade high school). It includes basic student information, subjects attended, grades, conduct, and a student description.
Erna Rozemberg, Documents from the Historical Archives of Belgrade
Document confirming that she was a student at the Seventh Women's Gymnasium (today's XIV belgrade high school). It includes basic student information, subjects attended, grades, conduct, and a student description.
Mevorah Žanka, Document from the Historical Archives of Belgrade
A document that initiated the research on Žanka, as it contains the names of her parents and the address where she lived.
Book containing list of events, activities conducted in Camp Banjica, in Belgrade, WW2, followed by a list of victims and their biographies.
Book containing list of WW2 National heroes of Yugoslavia including their biographies, documents, data, photos etc.
A book containing a book information about the German intelligence service and its activities on the territory of Yugoslavia during the Second World War
Sećanja na mog brata Sinišu Nikolajevića
A newspaper article written by Olga Zorkić Nikolajević - A memory of my dear brother Siniša Nikolajević, a WW2 national hero.
Saša i Tamara, zaboravljena hrabra beogradska deca
The newspaper article about the brother and a sister - Saša and Tamara are forgotten brave children from Belgrade who signed a death sentence for themselves and gave their lives for their people
The photograph of Aleksandar Žuržul, student of the Third Belgrade High School, taken during his arrest and detention in the Banjica camp, 1942
A photograph of Tamara Žuržul, Aleksandar's sister,member of the Movement of Resistance, killed in1944, 17. years old
Aleksandar Žuržul - prijava nestanka ili smrti
Report of deprivation of life or disappearance of Aleksandar Žuržul, student of the Third Belgrade High School, submitted by his father, Petar Žuržul
Tamara Žuržul - prijava nestanka ili smrti
Report of deprivation of life or disappearance of Tamara Žuržul, student of the Third Belgrade High School, submitted by her father, Petar Žuržul
The statue of Saša and Tamara, brother and sister, members of the Resistance movement, died in the age of 21 and 17, located at the grave yard in Belgrade
Aleksandar and Tamara, sculpture
Stone sculpture portraits, presenting Saša and Tamara, brother and sister, died in the age of 21 and 17, fighting in resistance Movement
Kameni buket, Vinogradarska kuća, Topola
A monument commemorating four local folk heroes from the Topola area who died during the National Liberation War (1941-1945). The monument, titled "Stone Bouquet", features four marble sculptures of the heads of four resistance fighters arranged in a circle. The four figures depicted are Sojifa Ristić, Milan "Španac" Blagojević, Milić "Mladen" Radovanović and Darinka Radović. This monument is located in the #monument complex in front of the Vine-Growing House at the very beginning of the entrance road to the Church of St. George in Topola, Serbia. The monument was erected in 1971 and its author is Serbian sculptor Milija Glišić
Textbook as an additional educational resource, related to all listed historical events of the WW2
Web site containing educational sorces about the WW2
In the third episode of the documentary series "Life in Occupied Belgrade 1941-44, Order, Work and Peace", interlocutors, historians and witnesses talk about shortages of basic foodstuffs, tobacco, alcohol, as well as the methods of procurement and the attempts of the government of Milan Nedić to distribute them evenly to the population by distributing vouchers.
The memorial plaque at the III Belgrade High School inspired our students' research. Aleksandar Žuržul's name is the first on the plaque, but the students also explored all other available biographies.
Obični ljudi (Ordinary people)
Milan Ristović is a Serbian historian and professor at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, also the author of the short story collection Ordinary People, which serves as an excellent supplementary source for research.
Project Journal
Dear Diary,
Today marks the beginning of an exciting and meaningful journey for us. We are diving into a project that is not only a learning experience but also a way to connect with the past on a deeply personal level. Our goal is to research and uncover the stories of former students from our school who were victims of World War II. As we embark on this journey, we will explore their lives, their struggles, and their tragic fates.
Through visits to archives and museums, studying historical documents, and listening to survivor testimonies, we aim to piece together these forgotten stories. This project is more than just an academic task; it's a chance for us to develop our skills in investigation, critical thinking, and empathy. We are passionate about this endeavor because it allows us to not only learn from history but also preserve the memories of those who suffered, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
We are excited to begin this journey together, knowing it will not only deepen our understanding of the past but also shape our appreciation for the resilience of those who lived through it. We look forward to the discoveries and insights that await us in the days to come.
Let the journey begin.
1st activity: Visit to the Memorial Center and Exhibition Tour
On November 8th, we visited the Memorial Center Staro Sajmište, a place of significant historical importance and a key location for the culture of remembrance. This visit was especially meaningful as it coincided with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a pivotal event in the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust.
The visit marked the first activity of this year's Facts Not Fiction project and brought together a large number of students. Through the guided tour and the exhibition, we gained invaluable insight into how the past can be researched and presented. These experiences are crucial for developing a deeper understanding of historical events and honing the research skills that will benefit us throughout the project.
We also had the opportunity to explore the What Would We Miss exhibition, which focuses on the lives and contributions of people who survived persecution. Rather than focusing on loss, the exhibition emphasizes those who managed to survive and continue shaping the world in significant ways—through art, science, and culture—despite the unimaginable hardships they endured.
Additionally, we had the chance to see how student research can be transformed into an exhibition. The works displayed, created through the students' investigative work, demonstrated how research can be both educational and profoundly meaningful. This experience further highlighted the importance of our work within the Facts Not Fiction project, showing how young people can actively contribute to preserving memory and combating historical falsifications.
Moreover, we have established a connection with the Memorial Center, and they have kindly offered their support in our future research efforts.
2nd Activity: Educational and Research Tour of Belgrade’s Historical and Cultural Sites - EXPLORING BELGRADE
On November 26, 2024, we organized an educational and research tour for students, exploring historical and cultural sites in Belgrade and highlighting significant events from the city’s past. Through visits to these locations, students were encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of war on cultural heritage and personal histories, fostering critical thinking and historical awareness.
We visited the Stumbling Stones in Belgrade, which mark the last places of freedom for Jewish victims before they were deported and executed. Specifically, we visited the stumbling stones in Maršala Birjuzova Street, dedicated to the Dajč family, as well as those in Dobračina Street, dedicated to the Kon couple. This visit was an important step toward understanding the personal stories behind these memorials and paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
We also visited the site on Kosančićev Venac Street, where the National Library of Serbia stood before World War II. As an important guardian of language and culture, the library played a crucial role in preserving the country’s literary and historical heritage. However, it was destroyed during the bombing of Belgrade on April 6, 1941, leading to an irreparable loss. Thousands of manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents were reduced to ashes, making cultural heritage itself a victim of war. Today, more than 80 years later, the site remains in ruins and lacks proper commemoration, leaving this immense loss largely unmarked.
As part of our tour, we visited the site in Dorćol where the Bet Israel Synagogue once stood, now home to the Gallery of Frescoes. Before World War II, this synagogue was a significant religious and cultural center for the Jewish community. It was bombed during the war and later demolished. This visit allowed us to reflect on the changing roles of historical sites and the importance of preserving memory through different forms of cultural expression.
While exploring these locations, students actively engaged in discussions and asked questions, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the past and local history. We reached a shared conclusion that the victims of war are not only people but also culture, cultural heritage, and the values of a society. This educational tour emphasized the importance of remembrance and deepened our understanding of how history is preserved, forgotten, or reinterpreted over time.
3rd Activity: Youth Training
The central activity of the first phase of the Facts Not Fiction project took place on November 30, 2024, at the library of the Third Belgrade Gymnasium, from 09:00 to 15:30. The training was attended by students from the Third and Fourteenth Belgrade Gymnasiums, teachers, project coordinators, history teachers, external experts from the Institute for Social Theory, and other guests.
The purpose of this training was to introduce students to the project, its goals, timeline, working methods, and to establish the basic agreements for collaboration, including the division of responsibilities.
The training included a series of workshops focused on various aspects of history, dialogue, and reflection. The first part of the training was a welcoming speech, followed by an ice-breaking activity to create a friendly and open atmosphere.
The workshops, titled History Speaks, Reference Sources, and Who Are the Victims?, were designed to assess students’ knowledge of the topic, refresh material they had already learned, and motivate them to engage further with the subject. The workshops explored key historical events, sources of knowledge, and the broader implications of war and persecution.
In addition, a focus group discussion was held to allow students to share their thoughts and experiences. One of the key components of the training was an introduction to the work of archives, featuring the impressive online archival database maintained by one of the project partners, the renowned Arolsen Archives.
As anticipated, one of the most impactful moments of the training was the interview with Mr. Aleksandar Kraus, a Holocaust survivor. His extraordinary vitality and storytelling ability allowed the students to gain unique insights into the personal experiences of the era, bringing the historical context to life and helping them understand the positions of victims during that time.
The training concluded with a brainstorming and reflection session, where students shared their thoughts and feedback on the activities. This session encouraged participants to reflect on what they had learned and how they could contribute to the project in the future.
This session proved to be an important step in developing the students' critical thinking skills and deepening their understanding of history, especially in relation to the Holocaust and the Facts Not Fiction project.
https://www.trecagimnazija.edu.rs/izvestaj-facts-not-fiction-trening/
4th Activity: Workshop and Public Event at the Jewish Community Center
On December 10, 2024, a workshop and public event were held at the Jewish Community Center in Belgrade, starting at 1:30 PM. The event focused on the presentation of the new digital platform Ester Storyboard, designed to promote "archive packages." The workshop brought together archivists, museum professionals, educators, and students from the III and XIV Belgrade Gymnasiums to explore how this platform can best be used in educational contexts. We concentrated on the potential of the ESTER platform and discussed how it could improve access to historical documents.
In the first part of the program, participants commemorated International Human Rights Day and reflected on the tragic events of December 8, 1941, when the Jewish population of Belgrade was deported to Judenlager Semlin, a concentration camp at the Old Fairground. This event provided participants with the opportunity to recognize the historical significance of the deportations and their lasting impact on the local Jewish community.
During the visit to the Jewish Community of Belgrade, we learned about the community's history, its efforts to preserve Jewish heritage, and the various cultural and educational programs it organizes. We also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Jewish Youth Club, gaining valuable insights into their work and engagement in promoting cultural and educational initiatives for young people.
https://www.jobeograd.org/post/774
5th Activity: Visit to the National Library
On December 11, 2024, we visited the National Library, where students explored its rich history and gained valuable insights into the world of research. During the visit, students were introduced to artifacts from the original National Library, which was tragically destroyed during World War II. These historical relics served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Guided by expert librarians and historians, students were taken on a comprehensive tour of the library's facilities. They explored various sections, including the archives, reading rooms, and specialized collections. The guides also conducted engaging sessions, teaching students the fundamentals of research and inspiring them to embrace the role of young researchers.
6th Activity: Educational Trip to Novi Sad
On January 23, 2025, we organized an educational trip to Novi Sad for our students. Upon arrival, we attended the commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Novi Sad Raid at the Danube Quay, near the "Family" monument. This event marked the 83rd anniversary of the raid, which resulted in the mass executions of Serbs, Jews, and Roma on the Danube Quay in January 1942. The ceremony was attended by state officials, clergy, and other guests, accompanied by a choir and a meaningful program.
Following the commemoration, we proceeded to the "Eđšeg" cultural station, where students participated in workshops focused on creating graphic novels. In collaboration with illustrators, they worked in groups to design illustrations depicting testimonies of Holocaust victims. An exhibition of the students' works followed the workshops, during which each group presented and explained their illustrations and the inspiration behind them. This method of using graphic novels serves as a powerful tool in Holocaust education, allowing students to engage creatively with historical events.
The day concluded with a presentation by Vladimir Todorović of the book "Testimonies," which served as the basis for the students’ illustrations. This session provided deeper insights into the personal stories of Holocaust survivors, reinforcing the day's educational themes. We returned to Belgrade late in the evening. The students expressed immense satisfaction with the program and the experiences gained during the day in Novi Sad.
https://terraforming.org/sr/fnf-ledena-tisina-u-svedocanstvima-arhivskoj-gradi-i-grafickim-novelama/
7th Activity: Visit and Workshop at the Historical Archives of Belgrade
During January, we established contact with archivist Zorica Smilović from the Historical Archives of Belgrade. Throughout the month, we visited the archives twice, working closely with the archivists to research historical materials and prepare content for an upcoming workshop with our students. As a result of this collaboration, the archivist scheduled a dedicated workshop session for our students.
On February 7th, we visited the Historical Archives with our students and took part in the workshop. The session provided students with valuable insight into archival research methods and introduced them to various historical sources available for further investigation. The students actively engaged in the workshop, showing great interest in exploring different types of archival materials. This visit also strengthened our collaboration with the archives, paving the way for future student visits and research initiatives.
From April 3 to 5, 2025, the 31st EuroClio annual conference Patterns in History? was held in Bratislava, hosted by the Faculty of Arts at Comenius University. The event brought together educators, historians, and students from across Europe to explore how historical patterns can be interpreted and taught through innovative methods.
As part of the Facts Not Fiction project, our team—two teachers and four students from Serbia—joined the conference, which marked the culmination of months of research and creative work. The students collaborated with peers from Finland, Germany, and Romania, sharing perspectives and developing approaches to local history.
Workshops were held in inspiring venues such as the Umelka Gallery and the University of the Arts. The experience encouraged intercultural exchange, teamwork, and creative thinking. The highlight came on the final day when our students confidently presented their research in the ceremonial hall of Comenius University, receiving enthusiastic applause and positive feedback.
This experience was not only academically meaningful but also personally enriching. It helped students grow in empathy, critical thinking, and responsibility for how history is represented. Alongside learning, they formed new friendships, explored Bratislava, and created memories that will stay with them for a long time.
During May 2025, the students continued their work on the Facts Not Fiction project by developing podcast scripts based on the entire previous research of local history conducted through museums, archives, schools, and other places of remembrance. The focus was on the lives, as well as the tragic fates, of former students of the XIV and Third Belgrade High Schools from the period of World War II.
The team collaboratively worked on scriptwriting, held discussions, and consulted with historian Dr. Sanja Petrović Todosijević regarding content development and her guest participation in the recording. The podcasts were recorded on May 27, with the students serving as hosts and doing an excellent job.
In addition to the two podcasts, a short film was produced documenting the entire process—not only the podcast production itself but also the broader journey of research, reflection, and learning that preceded it.
This activity allowed the students to connect historical research with creative storytelling and audiovisual production. It also deepened their understanding of local history and helped develop skills in communication, teamwork, and media literacy.
Project Journal - Photo Gallery
The Project Team
Teachers: Maja Keskinov & Zorana Matićević
The XIV Belgrade High School Project Team: Nataša Leto, Teodrora Tošić, Zoja Andrijanić, Dana Stojiljković, Veljko Tucović, Nađa Veselinović, Iva Jovanović, Natalija Antić, Iris Popara, Doroteja Ignjatović, Teodora Pribaković, Dejana Zlatanović, Lazar Simić.
The III Belgrade High School Project Team: Aljoša Danilović, Polovina Vladimir, Pećanac Luka, Anastasija Jovanović, Sara Džandžanović, Teodora Bubić, Una Veljković, Anja Kuljić, Maša Kuljić, Sonja Đorđević, Petra Ivanović, Aleksandra Dangubić, Nikoliona Lošić, Arsov Vladimir.