The LRE Foundation is proud to welcome the Municipality of Pilea-Hortiatis as its member, marking another step forward in our mission to preserve and promote the memory of the Second World War across Europe. This collaboration not only strengthens our presence in Greece, but also highlights the shared commitment to safeguarding historical memory and transmitting its valuable lessons to future generations.
Located in the Region of Central Macedonia, within the wider area of Thessaloniki, Pilea-Hortiatis is a municipality with a deep-rooted and rich cultural heritage. The area bears the scars and stories of the Second World War, with one of its most tragic chapters being the Hortiatis Holocaust. Today, the memory of those events lives on in the community’s active remembrance work, supported by local institutions and educators.
The Municipality of Pilea-Hortiatis has made it a priority to engage younger generations in this history, fostering awareness and a sense of responsibility toward the past.
“It is a privilege to become a member of the Liberation Route Europe Foundation and we are looking forward to contributing to the mission of the organisation. Remembrance is a gift to the youth, and the phrase “I will never forget” offers a glimpse of hope for a brighter common future.”, said Ignatios Kaitezidis, Mayor of Pilea–Hortiatis and President of the Regional Association of Municipalities of Central Macedonia.
Welcoming this new partnership, Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation, commented: “We are honoured to welcome the Municipality of Pilea-Hortiatis into our network. Their dedication to memory preservation and education reflects the core values of the LRE Foundation. We look forward to exploring new opportunities for cooperation, research, and engagement in this historically significant region.”
The LRE Foundation is keen to work closely with the Municipality of Pilea-Hortiatis and continuing to expand the Liberation Route in Greece, ensuring that the diverse stories of the Second World War continue to be remembered, shared, and passed on to future generations across Europe and beyond.
