Full Breakdown
Belgium's Railway Role in the Holocaust: A Historical Reflection
3/28/2026, 9:39:37 PM
Survivor and Collaborator Share Testimonies
At Brussels' Train World museum, a poignant event unfolded as Simon Gronowski, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, and Koenraad Tinel, a 92-year-old son of a Nazi collaborator, shared their experiences with over 180 students. This gathering was part of an exhibition examining the role of the Belgian railway system during World War II, organized by the German Embassy in collaboration with the museum. Gronowski recounted his harrowing escape from a train bound for Auschwitz in 1943, highlighting the personal impact of the Holocaust. His mother and sister, however, were not as fortunate, ultimately perishing in the gas chambers.
Historical Context of Belgian Railways
The exhibition sheds light on the operational dynamics of the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) during the Nazi occupation. Following the German invasion in May 1940, the Wehrmacht Verkehrsdirektion (WVD) assumed control over the Belgian railway network. Historian Nico Wouters noted that the SNCB was compelled to cooperate with the occupiers, functioning as an executive arm of the Reichsbahn, the German national railway company. This cooperation facilitated the deportation of approximately 189,542 forced laborers, 25,490 Jews, 16,081 political prisoners, and 353 Roma to concentration camps between 1941 and 1944.
The Mechanics of Deportation
The SNCB operated all railway traffic on behalf of the occupying forces, with Belgian personnel managing deportations under German supervision. Initially, deportations utilized passenger carriages, which were later switched to freight cars to minimize escapes, a change prompted by incidents like Gronowski's. The logistical framework for these deportations was supported by the Mitteleuropäisches Reisebüro, a state-controlled agency that managed the financial aspects of this grim operation.
Reflections on the Past and Present
Both Gronowski and Tinel emphasized the importance of remembering history to prevent the repetition of past atrocities. Tinel, who distanced himself from his family's Nazi ties, expressed a desire to raise awareness about the Holocaust's horrors. Gronowski urged students to guard against hatred, stating, "Hate wouldn't have brought my mother and sister back to me," and warned that hatred could lead to division among people.
Criticism and Opposition
The event and exhibition have drawn attention to the broader implications of historical complicity in atrocities. Critics argue that acknowledging the role of the SNCB in the Holocaust is crucial for understanding the moral responsibilities of institutions in times of conflict. The testimonies of Gronowski and Tinel serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance against the resurgence of far-right ideologies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All I'm saying is, let's accept for a moment that he didn't kill 6 million people, but only 1 million — in both cases the pain is extraordinary," said Gronowski.” — Simon Gronowski, Holocaust Survivor
- “I want to bear witness to what happened and above all I want to make people understand that what they did was serious, and very wrong," he said.” — Koenraad Tinel, Son of a Nazi Collaborator
- “Despite everything I've never felt hatred.” — Simon Gronowski, Holocaust Survivor
This exhibition at Train World not only commemorates the victims of the Holocaust but also serves as a critical platform for education and reflection on the responsibilities of individuals and institutions in safeguarding against future atrocities.
