USJ Welcomed Buchenwald Concentration Camp Survivor, Andrei Iwanowitsch & Film Director Hannes Farlock
USJ Welcomed Buchenwald Concentration Camp Survivor, Andrei Iwanowitsch & Film Director Hannes Farlock
10
Apr
10/04/2024
One of the last living survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp, Mr. Andrei Iwanowitsch Moiseenko, and film director Hannes Farlock, visited USJ Macao, offering hope and resilience to staff and students in an inspiring documentary movie screening and open forum event.
On the 20th March, 2024, the University of Saint Joseph Macao (USJ) had the privilege of hosting a remarkable event before the Easter break, as Mr. Andrei Iwanowitsch Moiseenko, one of the few remaining survivors of the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany, visited the Ilha Verde campus with film director Hannes Farlock from Hong Kong on a tour to present the latest documentary movie “JA, ANDREI IWANOWITSCH” with the aim of offering hope and inspiration to young people. The event, which consisted with the movie screening and a open forum session, was organised by Prof. José Simões of the Department of Media, Arts & Technology – Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and moderated by Prof. Franz Gassner of the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy.
At the age of 98, Mr. Andrei, a resident of Minsk, Belarus, shared his extraordinary life experiences with the audience during the open forum, who also granted an exclusive interview to O’ Clarim newspaper.
Throughout the discussion, Mr. Andrei emphasised the importance of maintaining hope and faith in the face of adversity. Reflecting on his own journey, he remarked, “I never felt that [God] had disappeared or that He had abandoned me. He was always there, and I always felt like He was in me and with me.” The survivor’s unwavering belief in the power of hope resonated deeply with the attendees, leaving an indelible impression on all those present.
When asked about the significance of acknowledging the past, Mr. Andrei stressed that a meaningful future cannot be forged without an understanding of history. His words served as a reminder of the importance of learning from the past in order to build a better tomorrow.
Despite his advanced age, Mr. Andrei’s commitment to making a difference remains unwavering. Following his visit to USJ, he plans to return to Germany to receive an award from the city of Weimar. However, his ultimate priority lies in tending to his garden, house, and neighbourhood upon his return home.
The University of Saint Joseph extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Andrei Iwanowitsch Moiseenko and Mr. Hannes Farlock for their presence and invaluable contributions. Their visit served as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of hope, inspiring students and all those fortunate enough to have witnessed this remarkable event.
[Andrei Iwanowitsch Moiseenko looking over the Ilha Verde mountain]
[Group Photo]
[From left to right: Franz Gassner, Andrei Iwanowitsch, and Hannes Farlock at USJ]
[From left to right: Franz Gassner, Andrei Iwanowitsch, Hannes Farlock, and José Manuel Simões at USJ]
