Immersive, emotional, unforgettable
The Cattle Car: Stepping In and Out of Darkness is an interactive, immersive and multimedia experience inside of an exact replica of a World War II cattle car that was used to transport Jews and other targeted groups to the concentration camps and extermination camps. Visitors will be able to emotionally connect to the displays as well as the experience through being immersed in this historical space.
The infamous Holocaust cattle car was used to forcibly deport Jews and other targeted groups to the concentration camps, labour camps and extermination camps throughout Europe between the years of 1941-1944. This was a wooden freight car meant to transport cattle. Up to 150 individuals were crammed into locked, windowless box cars and travelled for an average of 4 days in this state without food water, restroom facilities or even the ability to sit down. Many deportees died in the cattle cars enroute and for the others, it symbolized the terrifying descent into the darkness that robbed them of their families, freedom and for some, even their lives.
Historians suggest that without the mass transportation carried out on the railways in these box cars, the scale of the Final Solution would not have been possible.
Questions? Contact bookings@myshadowlight.org
Celebrating Righteous Gentiles: The Ordinary Heroes
As each participant enters the cattle car, they will be given a card that resembles a student card. The student card will consist of an individual, a couple or in one case, a country that risked everything to save the lives of the Jewish people. Once given the student card, each participant will scan the QR code on the card that will lead them to a page that tells them detailed information about their card and who is on it.
TESTIMONIALS
FARIHA HOSSAIN (AGE 21)
“As an international student from Bangladesh, I didn't learn much about the Holocaust. Just seeing the cattle car on campus was impactful. I felt connected to the people that suffered. The exhibit affected me deeply and made me want to learn more about the subject. This experience made me think about our world today and inspires me to contribute to making a better world. The world did not stand up for the victims of the Holocaust. We must stand up for each other always. This really made me think…”
STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH
"You made holocaust education week very accessible to people of all religions and I heard SO many people talk about it on campus. Your work is appreciated by all who care about what happened during the holocaust, and so, from us to you, thank you for all your hard work."
“The graphics bring the truth to life. We have the choice to love and flourish and reject the seed of hate. To remember is to work for peace.”
“Powerful, emotional, eye opening!”
“Thanks for bringing a chance for students to learn about history and explaining thoroughly. Much appreciated!
“Thank you for reminding us of those that are no longer with us and of those that sacrificed their lives for a better future. Please spread this message and do not let people forget. Our society needs to remember that life is the most precious thing in existence and we should all share the world in peace and harmony”
“Riveting. It truly makes you get a glimpse into the horrors and suffering of the Holocaust. It is important that we do not forget and remember all the souls lost to this genocide”
Photos from the original exhibit at the University of Guelph.