This year’s Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize for children’s and young people’s books goes to Barbara Yelin for her graphic novel “Emmie Arbel. The color of memory.”
The illustrator and author has captured the moving story of Holocaust survivor Emmie Arbel in sensitive texts and gripping images, said North Rhine-Westphalian Culture Minister Ina Brandes (CDU) on Sunday in Düsseldorf. Yelin’s book brings the horror of the Holocaust closer to young people in particular.
The award from the North Rhine-Westphalia state government, worth 10,000 euros, is to be presented next Friday in the Old Synagogue in Essen. In addition to the artist, Arbel would also take part, it was said.
Brandes explained that Yelin succeeded in telling the great suffering of Emmie Arbel and her family in an impressive way with words and pictures. “In view of anti-Semitic attacks and hostility since the terrorist attack by Hamas, we urgently need such narrative forms to keep memories alive.” The format of the graphic novel particularly appeals to young people.
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The book is based on many conversations with Arbel on the basis of strong trust, explained the author Yelin, who was born in Munich in 1977. “It’s a comic’s opportunity to make the gaps visible and tell more in pictures than words can.”
Arbel herself said that at first she thought: “Comics and the Holocaust – they don’t go together.” However, she later realized how effective comics are. “You also reach young people who don’t really like reading.”
Emmie Arbel was born in The Hague in 1937. In 1942, the National Socialists deported the Jewish family to the Westerbork assembly camp, and later to the Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. Emmie and her two brothers survived the Holocaust and were placed in a foster family in the Netherlands, who emigrated to Israel in 1949. Today Arbel lives near Haifa. (epd)
* Considering the rise in antisemitism globally, how do you see graphic novels like “Emmie Arbel” acting as a tool for combating prejudice and fostering empathy and understanding towards marginalized communities?
## Interview: “Giving Voice to the Unseen: A Discussion on the Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize and Graphic Novels”
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we dive deep into impactful stories shaping our world. Today, we’re discussing the 2023 Gustav Heinemann Peace Prize for children’s and young people’s books awarded to illustrator and author Barbara Yelin for her graphic novel ”Emmie Arbel: The Color of Memory”. Joining us today are [Guest 1 Name], an expert in Holocaust education, and [Guest 2 Name], a graphic novel enthusiast and educator.
**Section 1: The Power of Graphic Novels**
* Barbara Yelin states that ”It’s a comic’s opportunity to make the gaps visible and tell more in pictures than words can.” Can you elaborate on this unique power of graphic novels, particularly in dealing with complex and sensitive topics like the Holocaust?
* Emmie Arbel initially doubted the effectiveness of comics in portraying the Holocaust. How can graphic novels overcome this skepticism and reach audiences hesitant to engage with traditional historical narratives?
**Section 2: Engaging Younger Generations**
* North Rhine-Westphalian Culture Minister Ina Brandes highlights the importance of “narrative forms” like graphic novels to “keep memories alive” in the face of rising antisemitism. How can we effectively use graphic novels to educate younger generations about the Holocaust and its lasting impact?
* What are some of the challenges and opportunities of using graphic novels to teach about the Holocaust compared to more traditional methods like textbooks or documentaries?
**Section 3: The Impact of “Emmie Arbel: The Color of Memory” **
* How does “Emmie Arbel: The Color of Memory” contribute to our understanding of the Holocaust through the use of illustrations and storytelling?
* What does Emmie Arbel’s own involvement in the creation of this graphic novel add to its authenticity and impact?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* This prize comes at a time of heightened concern about antisemitism worldwide. How can we leverage the power of storytelling and graphic novels like “Emmie Arbel” to promote empathy, tolerance, and understanding in the face of prejudice and hate?
* What role can graphic novels play in preserving historical memory and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten?
**Conclusion:**
We thank [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name] for sharing their insights. We encourage our viewers to learn more about “Emmie Arbel: The Color of Memory” and explore the powerful storytelling potential of graphic novels in conveying complex historical events and fostering dialogue.
