Collisions: Reflections on a Holocaust Pilgrimage

by | Sep 4, 2026 | Blog

Save the Date: Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 pm

Click here for event details

The word collision entered the English language in the early 15th century, stemming from the Late Latin word collisionem, meaning “a dashing together.” The original literal root of collision essentially translates to “hurting each other by striking together.” Over time, while the physical sense of the word, such as crashing vehicles or objects, has remained prominent, it also evolved to figuratively describe a clash of abstract concepts, such as a “collision of cultures or ideas.”

KyleDelhagen Group Oswiecim 1920x1080

Kyle and his travel group in the Village of Oświęcim, Poland.

On Saturday, September 26, you are invited to join Rev. Dr. Kyle Delhagen at Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church as he shares about his summer trip to Poland on a Holocaust study trip. This trip included visits to the memorial at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the memorial at the site of the death camp at Treblinka, as well as other opportunities for learning and remembering.

KyleDelhagen Treblinka 1 1920x1080

The Memorial at Treblinka, Poland

KyleDelhagen Treblinka 2 1920x1080

The Memorial at Treblinka, Poland

Kyle will share pictures and reflections of his trip in an attempt to embody the words of Elie Wiesel that “whoever listens to a witness becomes a witness,” words that transfer the moral duty of remembrance and truth-telling to those who listen.

KyleDelhagen Warsaw Ghetto Uprising memorial 1920x1080

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial, POLIN Museum

In many ways, this trip was an experience of collisions: between truth and silence; the beauty of natural landscapes with the horror of events that took place there; the cruelty of perpetrators and the bravery of those who died.

Any questions about this event can be directed to Kyle via email: [email protected].

Introducing Rev. Aaron Hicks

Introducing Rev. Aaron Hicks

We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Aaron Hicks to Albany Presbytery as the new pastor of Brunswick Church. After 20 years of ministry in Spain, he and his family have returned to upstate New York to begin this new chapter. Take a few moments to learn more about his...

Introducing Rev. Matt McGraw

Introducing Rev. Matt McGraw

We are pleased to welcome The Rev. Matt McGraw to Albany Presbytery as pastor of Delmar Presbyterian Church. Get to know Matt, his family, and the journey that brought them from Texas to the Capital District, and discover what he is most excited about as he begins...

Introducing CRE Michael Barron

Introducing CRE Michael Barron

We are pleased to introduce Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) Michael Barron, who is serving at First United Presbyterian Church of Salem. Take a few moments to learn more about his background, his journey to ministry, and what he looks forward to as he and the...

Pictures from Silver Bay 2026

Pictures from Silver Bay 2026

We gathered at Silver Bay in early June for a time of rest, reflection, and connection. Enjoy these glimpses of our time together! If you have pictures to share, please send them to us and we will add them to our website. Thank you!

About the author

Rev. Dr. Kyle Delhagen is serving at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church in Guilderland, NY and he lives in Niskayuna with his wife, Elena, their son, Atticus, two dogs, and a cat.
View More Posts By Rev. Dr. Kyle Delhagen