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Educational trip to Stockholm: Insights into history and the present
As the press office of the Groß-Gerau district reports, students from three schools in the region participated in an intensive school project focusing on right-wing populism, antisemitism, and Sweden's role in the Second World War. The trip took the young people to Stockholm, where they researched historical contexts, spoke with those affected, and analyzed socio-political developments.
A glimpse into history and the present
Students from the Bertha-von-Suttner-School in Mörfelden-Walldorf, the Prälat-Diehl-School in Groß-Gerau, and the Ricarda-Huch-School in Dreieich . At a closing event in the Groß-Gerau district administration office, nine of them presented their findings and experiences to approximately 40 guests.
The project was organized by the Margit Horváth Foundation in close consultation with the Bertha von Suttner School. The Office for Combating Right-Wing Extremism and Racism and the Integration Office of the Groß-Gerau district provided financial support.
Preparations began as early as summer 2024 with lectures on right-wing extremism and the socio-political development of Sweden . From November 17th to 22nd, 2024, the young people traveled to Stockholm to examine historical and current aspects of anti-Semitism as well as the influence of right-wing populist parties in Sweden.
Visit to the Jewish Museum and talks with Holocaust survivors
An important part of the trip was a visit to the Jewish Museum in Stockholm , where the young people explored the history of Sweden's Jewish community. They were particularly struck by the fact that Sweden had long rejected Jewish refugees and only after Kristallnacht in 1938 was it willing to take in 450 Jewish children – but without their parents.
The exchange with children of Holocaust survivors to Sweden after the war via the to view German history from the perspective of another country
A key question that arose was: What does neutrality mean in times of war? Sweden endeavored to avoid being drawn into the Second World War, but made significant concessions to Nazi Germany – for example, by allowing German troops to pass through and supplying ore .
Right-wing populism and social division in Sweden
In addition to historical research, the students also examined the current political situation in Sweden. The focus was on the development of the Sweden Democrats , a party founded in 1988 as an openly racist movement and now part of the government. While their rhetoric has become more moderate, their anti-Muslim stance evident in many political decisions.
The young people were particularly shocked by the discriminatory experiences some participants had in Stockholm, some of whom wore headscarves or had darker skin . These experiences vividly illustrated the segregation and exclusion in society . A striking example was their visit to a neighborhood with a large immigrant population, where they spoke with a young Iranian woman about social challenges and housing policy in Sweden.
Despite these experiences, there were also positive impressions: A visit to the youth center “Fryshuset” , which is financed by sponsors, showed how creative educational work opens up perspectives for young people.
Sustainable impact of the project
A key insight of the participants was that history lessons in schools often remain abstract . Only through personal conversations with contemporary witnesses and those affected did they gain a tangible understanding of what antisemitism, right-wing extremism, and racism mean in the past and present.
When asked how they planned to use their new insights, the young people replied: They want to actively work towards a society of diversity and humanity.
On May 15th at 7 p.m., they will present their findings again at the Horváth Center in Frankfurt. The event is supported by the Lions Club Frankfurt-Goethestadt and is open to the public.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSGG)
Nine young people presented their Sweden project at the district administration office. The group was accompanied by Christian Bredow (second from left), a teacher at the Bertha-von-Suttner School, and Cornelia Rühlig, chairwoman of the Margit Horváth Foundation (right). A total of 17 students participated in the project. Most are about to graduate from high school. Photo: District Administration
