17 November is a day of dual remembrance: the brutal police crackdown on students at Albertov that ignited the Velvet Revolution in 1989, and the tragic events of autumn 1939, when the Nazis shut down Czech universities and deported over 1,200 students from their dormitories to Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Representatives of Czech universities traditionally commemorated the memory of those who fought for freedom and democracy on 17 November, underscoring the importance of academia as a space for the free exchange of ideas and critical thinking.
The Rector of Charles University, Milena Králíčková, began the day by laying flowers and wreaths at the Memorial to the Victims of the Shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, joined by other university representatives and constitutional officials of the Czech Republic. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the 17 November Memorial Plaque on Národní třída.
The commemoration then moved to the Hlávka Dormitory building on Jenštejnská Street. Here, representatives of universities, the Czech Academy of Sciences, political leaders, student organisations, and the public paid tribute to victims of Nazi oppression. The ceremony, organised annually by the Josef, Maria and Zdeňka Hlávka Endowment Foundation, was opened by Ivan Wilhelm, a member of the foundation's presidium and board of trustees.
“We gather here each year, in this quiet Prague street, at the same time and for the same reasons: to remember the tragic events that not only devastated our academic community but also represented an attack on our nation's existence,” said Charles University Rector Emeritus Ivan Wilhelm. He also highlighted the solidarity between Czechoslovak academics imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and their Polish counterparts, before introducing Professor Jarosław Górniak of Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Górniak shared insights into the experiences of Polish professors and students arrested by the Gestapo in 1939.
“I firmly believe that our shared history will further strengthen scientific and educational cooperation between Charles University in Prague and Jagiellonian University in Kraków, two of Central Europe’s oldest universities,” said Górniak. On the eve of the anniversary, he had accepted the Josef Hlávka Commemorative Medal at Lužany Castle, recognising the support and solidarity between the two academic communities during their shared struggle for freedom and democracy.
Other speakers shifted their focus to the events of November 1989. Eva Zažímalová, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, reflected on the value of freedom while addressing the dangers of disinformation and societal discontent. Vojtěch Petráček, Rector of the Czech Technical University, echoed her concerns, warning of parallels between pre-war societal changes that led to totalitarian regimes and current global trends.
“The academic community has a duty to defend core values: freedom, solidarity, and respect for human dignity,” emphasised Rector Milena Králíčková. She also noted the personal resonance of this year’s celebrations, referencing the tragedy of 21 December 2023, which profoundly affected the academic community. “No one is an island. We are all connected, and humanity, kindness, and mutual support are remedies for many of today’s challenges,” she said.
Zdeňka Valouchová, the daughter of a Czechoslovak officer murdered by the Nazis, praised the recent international conference 17 November 1939 – The Historical Legacy for the Future held in Bethlehem Chapel, stressing the importance of sharing survivors' memories with younger generations. The assembly concluded with remarks by Katarína Rovenská, Vice-President of the Student Chamber of the Council of Universities.
The procession continued to memorials at Žitná Street and Vyšehrad. This year, due to ongoing campus construction at Albertov, the Vyšehrad Old Burgrave’s Residence hosted the event’s culminating programme. Student organisations, supported by Charles University, led the proceedings.
The official commemoration began at noon with the Charles University Choir performing the Czech, European, and student anthems. Rector Milena Králíčková opened the event with a call for unity: “By finding respectful ways to connect with one another, we can overcome any challenge.”
Tomáš Kašparovský, Chairman of the Council of Higher Education Institutions, expressed gratitude to those who fought for freedom in 1989 and emphasised the need to preserve academic freedoms. “Academia teaches us to argue based on facts and verify information, making it a powerful weapon against disinformation,” he said.
Michal Farník, President of the Student Chamber of the Council of Universities, stressed the role of youth in addressing today’s challenges. “Let’s listen to students, and together, protect freedom and democracy,” he urged. Charles University student and Jan Opletal Prize winner Anna Krejčová also called for active civic engagement, reminding attendees that freedom requires responsibility.
The day concluded with a speech by Bijan Sabet, US Ambassador to the Czech Republic, who affirmed the shared commitment to democracy: “The legacy of your courageous fighters for freedom and democracy compels us to work for a more just society.”
In the evening, Charles University hosted an awards ceremony in the Carolinum, where Rector Králíčková honoured students and academics for their exceptional contributions. For the first time, the Cori Prize was awarded for advancing equal opportunities. You can find that story here.
