Launch of the Crocus Project 2023 at Dublin Castle

The Crocus Project 2023 was launched in the Veronica Guerin Garden at Dublin Castle on Tuesday 17 October. Students from St. Vincent’s GNS and Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount were among those those who planted crocus bulbs in memory of all of the children who perished in the Holocaust. Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from 16 countries also attended the launch, planting bulbs alongside the local students.

Barbara Nolan, Head of the EU Commission’s Representation in Ireland spoke at the launch remarking that, ‘We must remain vigilant about attempts to deny, distort and trivialise the Holocaust. That is why the work of the Holocaust Education Ireland is so important. The Crocus Project, in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust, is a very positive way to reach out to young people and help their understanding of the darkest chapter in European history’. Ms. Nolan was joined by Cllr. Deirdre Conroy, Klaus Unger, 3rd generation survivor Caryna Camerino and Holocaust Education Ireland Chair Prof. Thomas O’Dowd.

Through the Crocus Project, we cherish the memory of all of the victims of the Holocaust, learning from the past lessons that are relevant for young people everywhere in our lives today. In Ireland, the crocuses bloom around the time of Holocaust Memorial Day at the end of January. When people admire the flowers, we can explain what they represent and what happened to the children. Their stories are not forgotten and are passed on to future generations.

Many thanks to Dublin Castle, the OPW, and Dublin City Council for their support of the launch.