Our association, Rencontre Réconciliation, focuses on the memory and legacy of the trauma left by the Second World War, with a particular emphasis on the diversity of experiences lived by Europeans. Recognizing that more than 80 years after the conflict, the scars of this war continue to weigh on families in multiple ways, our organization aims to create a space for sharing and mutual understanding beyond national borders.
A European association
Independent of any political, religious or trade union influence, Rencontre Réconciliation aims to allow each European to share and understand the history of the other, which is often perceived differently depending on origin, culture and education. The association is aimed at all people, in Europe or elsewhere, who are heirs of trauma linked to the Second World War.
Four Categories of War Traces
The association distinguishes four main categories of traces of war:
-
Military and civilian populations persecuted, including executions, deportations, torture, bombings, etc.
-
Children of war, born from the union between a German soldier and a woman from the occupied countries.
-
Forcibly incorporated, young people from Moselle or Alsace were enlisted in the German army under threat of reprisals.
-
Supporters of the Third Reich, including those who actively supported Nazi ideas and actions.
Kriegsenkel: a concept for everyone
The concept of Kriegsenkel ("war grandchildren"), which emerged in Germany, refers to the transgenerational transmission of trauma. Although this term is limited to the third generation in Germany, your association chooses to apply it without generational restriction and to all the categories mentioned.
Objectives of the association
-
Raising awareness of the Kriegsenkel phenomenon in France: By organizing cultural events and conferences with various partners, Rencontre Réconciliation hopes to raise awareness among the French public about this still little-known reality.
-
Promoting European reconciliation: By facilitating meetings between people who have suffered the scars of war, the association aims to promote mutual understanding, which is essential for reconciliation between European citizens.
A new impetus for Franco-German relations
The association firmly believes that these initiatives will contribute to improving relations between families from different nations, thus boosting exchanges within European twinning committees.
With a strong commitment to memory, reconciliation, and cultural sharing, Rencontre Réconciliation works to build a European future based on mutual understanding and tolerance.