VUB Marks 80 Years Since the End of WWII with Expansion of the Path of Resistance

On Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) commemorated 80 years since Europe’s liberation with a powerful tribute to the Belgian Resistance. The university added 19 new resistance heroes to the Path of Resistance—a symbolic trail on the Etterbeek campus honouring those who risked their lives for freedom and democracy during the Second World War.

During WWII, thousands of ordinary people stood up to a murderous regime. Through underground newspapers, acts of sabotage, and clandestine networks of solidarity, they defied Nazi terror—often at the cost of their lives. The war claimed millions, but on 8 May 1945, the occupation of Europe came to an end. That date has since become a symbol of freedom and renewal.

But the fight for freedom is never ‘finished’. That’s why VUB not only marks the end of the war but also celebrates the courage and conviction of those who stood up to oppression. Last year, the university created the Path of Resistance—a walking trail with commemorative plaques dedicated to Brussels resistance heroes. This year, 19 new names were added, including Reine Borms, Alter Chil Pasternak, and Leopold Flam. The path has become a living tribute to the citizens who actively resisted terror, persecution, and oppression.

“The Second World War and the resistance against Nazi ideology are deeply woven into the DNA of both our universities,” said VUB Rector Jan Danckaert. “The Second World War is not just history, and its lessons are more relevant than ever. We want to give the heroes of the resistance—those connected to our academic community, to our humanist values, and to Brussels—a permanent place on our campus. The Path of Resistance and its plaques stand as an urgent tribute to fellow citizens who stood up against terror, oppression, and genocide.”

The inauguration featured speeches from several relatives of resistance fighters, including Anne Duchaine, daughter of Reine Borms. “It’s truly special and a great honour that my mother is now recognised as a resistance hero,” she said. “I believe everyone honoured here has more than earned their place—and deserves not to be forgotten. To be honest, I’m shocked at how quickly the Second World War is fading from people’s memories. And yet, a heavy price was paid in the fight against Nazism and the far-right ideologies that we’re, sadly, seeing resurface today. That’s why it’s so important to stay vigilant and avoid falling into the same traps we saw in the 1930s.”

With these 19 new names, the Path of Resistance now commemorates 25 heroes. The Centre for Academic and Secular Archives (CAVA), the 'Traces of Resistance' chair, and the non-profit 'Heroes of the Resistance' collaborated to select the honourees and compile their biographies.*

*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.