Practical
Thursday, 8 May, 2025
- 11:00 until 12:30
VUB Main Campus Etterbeek
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Elsene
Lounge, Ground Floor VUB Resto
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Elsene
Lounge, Ground Floor VUB Resto
Free of charge
80 Years of Freedom
During WWII, thousands of ordinary people chose to resist a murderous regime. They defied the terror of Nazi Germany — through underground newspapers, sabotage, and acts of solidarity. Often at the cost of their own lives. That war claimed millions of lives. Eighty years ago — on 8 May 1945 — that nightmare ended in Europe. But the fight for freedom is never ‘finished’. That’s why, on 8 May 2025, VUB is not only marking the end of the war, but also celebrating the courage and conviction of those who rise up against oppression.
To honour resistance heroes of both past and present, VUB renamed one of the paths on its campus the Verzetspad (Path of Resistance) in 2024, featuring recognition panels for Belgian resistance heroes. We owe our personal freedom today to them. This year, the path is being expanded with 19 new panels, including tributes to Reine Borms, Alter Chil Pasternak, and Leopold Flam.
Programme
Start: 11:00
End: 12:00
Speakers:
- Jan Danckaert, Rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Anne Duchaine, daughter of resistance hero Reine Borms and author of the book Borms
- Nel De Mûelenaere, historian (VUB), Chair of Traces of the Resistance
- Tania van Loon, relative of resistance fighter Alter Chil Pasternak
Host:
Rik Röttger, coordinator at the Centre for Academic and Secular Initiatives (CAVA)
Flow:
We welcome you in the Braem Building and then walk together to the VUB restaurant, where the new resistance panels will be unveiled.
If you’d like to stay for lunch at the VUB restaurant and chat with the other guests afterwards, we’ll be happy to reserve you a seat. You can indicate this when registering.
Language:
The event will be held in Dutch.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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