NO JUSTICE for VICTIMS Poorian Staff Sergeant Ahmad Kasnoff Declared Not Crim- Inally Responsible for Tragic Attack on Movanian Village Linn-Sophie Löber

THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Judges: Aliaksandra Sedzich, Jana Hermann, Or Malki, Olena Kandya. Photo: Robert Moore

NO JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS Poorian Staff Sergeant Ahmad Kasnoff declared not criminally responsible for tragic attack on Movanian village Linn-Sophie Löber

On Wednesday 5 April, the Model Inter- inter alia, willfully killing and intention- the village of Redota, located in the neigh- national Criminal Court (MICC) located ally directing attacks against the civilian boring country of Richia. One of his rockets in Krzyżowa found that the Poorian Staff population, according to Article 8 sections hit the central square of the village, killing Sergeant Ahmad Kasnoff is not criminally 2(a) and 2(b) of the Rome Statute. 48, among them 28 women and 8 children. responsible for the charges put forward by In the hearing on 4 April, it became obvious the Prosecution. It seems that his victims In the course of the persistent conflict be- that Prosecution and Defense had extremely will need to continue to wait for justice. tween the state of Pooria and its Movanian divergent opinions on the case. The Prosecu- minority, in November 2015, Ahmad Kas- tion charged Kasnoff with war crimes in an Mr. Kasnoff was charged with various war noff was directly ordered by his superior international armed conflict, as the Poorian crimes in an international armed conflict, Berad Samson to launch a rocket attack on rockets crossed the border, » tbc on page 2

MODEL INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (MICC) | APRIL 2017 | WWW.MODEL-ICC.ORG NO FAKE NEWS MODEL INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (MICC) A SIMULATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD | 01 - 06. APRIL 2017 IN KRZYŻOWA/KREISAU, POLAND since 2009 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

knowledge of potential civilian victims by the Prosecution.

On the other side, the Defense stressed the fact that Kasnoff was required to follow the orders of his military superior, who was known for his particularly cruel penalties for refusing orders. He was said to have threatened Kasnoff, saying, “obey it, or we will put you against the wall,” which could constitute grounds for excluding criminal responsibility, according to Article 31 section 1(d) of the Rome Statute. The Defense addi- tionally argued that Kasnoff did not act with intent and knowledge, since Samson had told him that the target was of military importance and he was not precisely informed about it.

In its final word, the Prosecution in- tensely argued why a conviction of the Defendant Kasnoff would be the right outcome, arguing on the basis of the Nuremberg Tribunals that making the claim that Kasnoff was “just following orders” did not constitute a legitimate defense. The Prosecution also noted that a conviction would bring justice to the victims and pose a strong warning to potential future perpetrators.

The Judges came to the conclusion that Kasnoff was not innocent concerning the alleged charges and fol- Prosecution: Maria Alvarez-Tolcheff Alarco, Stanislav Ratych, Roi Stauber. Photo: Robert Moore lowed the argument of the Prosecution targeted a Richian village, and killed Ri- Kasnoff killed the civilians with intent that the situation does constitute an in- chian civilians. However, the Defense in- and knowledge, since as a Staff Sergeant ternational armed conflict. However, - re sisted that the conflict was not of an inter- of the artillery, he must have known that garding criminal responsibility, the Judges national character, because Pooria fought the very imprecise weapons he used could stated duress as grounds for excluding against the upheaval of its Movanian mi- have killed civilians at any time, and that Kasnoff’s criminal responsibility due to nority, which does not constitute a legally the village he was to target had no mili- the threat exercised by his superior. recognized state. tary installations. Samson also told Kas- noff that the action “might waste a few According to the Judges, Kasnoff could Prosecutor Roi Stauber made it quite clear of those dirty Movanian pigs,” which was not have been expected to give his life for that he and his colleagues were convinced considered a clear indication for Kasnoff’s the Movanian civilians who would have probably been killed anyway, because another Staff Sergeant would have fired the rockets in his place if Kasnoff had denied the order.

The verdict leaves the victims of Kasnoff’s deed desperate. The MICC’s judgment did not achieve justice for them. Presiding Judge Jana Hermann, when asked how the victims might feel when confronted with the verdict, explained that the Court is always following the law and could not find a legal obligation to make Kasnoff the 49th victim of the tragic attack on Redota.

However, a glimmer of hope remains: after passing the judgment, Prosecutor Maria Alvarez-Tolcheff Alarco told The Krzyżowa Observer that she and her team now intend to prosecute Berad Samson, Kasnoff’s superior, in order to bring those responsible for the death of men, women, and children to justice. Defence: Shiran Avigzer, Ivan Yavynch, Karolina Kiejnich. Photo: Robert Moore 2 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Prosecution: Destiny Faye Ibarra, Omri Shalev, Anna Mysyshyn. Photo: Robert Moore TRUMBO CONVICTED

OFMovanian elder receives WAR seven years for broadcasting activities CRIMES that induced violence Meg Tobin

Prominent Movanian elder council member Sil- On 12 November, an armed group of Inde- to the judgement, Trumbo’s speeches were va Trumbo was convicted guilty of war crimes pendent Movania Force (IMF) fighters at- considered not free speech but inciting ha- in the Model International Criminal Court tacked thirty unarmed Poorian policemen tred against the Poorian government, pro- (MICC) on 5 April 2017. Trumbo was arrested as they patrolled peaceful protesters on the hibited under the International Covenant on 20 March 2017 in Richia and turned over to streets of Bedom. The IMF fighters cornered on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). the custody of the MICC, where she was tried the Poorian policemen and opened fire with- under the auspices of the Rome Statute for war out warning, killing all thirty while chanting “Silva’s speeches were general crimes and crimes against humanity. “Whatever it takes”. enough that they were not an actual call to violence. I think “The prosecution had a really As a result of this attack in the immediate if leaders of minority groups are tough job in this case, and they aftermath of her speech, the Prosecution ac- charged with attempting to incite cused Trumbo of inducing violence amounting exceeded our expectations. It was protest when they are rather a tough decision, a long night.” to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trumbo was found criminally responsible for making general declarations, Andrea Brekalo, Judge inducing the commission of violence under this limits them, limits their The charges arose as a result of Trumbo’s Article 8, section 2(c)(i) of the Rome Statute. ability to protest.” widely broadcasted speeches. Trumbo is a well The Judges considered Trumbo as playing “a Lee Ilan, Defense known public figure in Movania on both the key role in the attack directed against civil- Richian and Poorian sides of the border. She ians” through her public broadcasts directing The Judges argued that as an important pub- has become vocal symbol of resistance against Movanians to stand against oppression and lic figure in the Movanian community, in the oppression for Movanians and regularly ap- take up the fight against the Poorian Army. context of the escalation in violence which pears in media broadcasts and uses social me- has followed her appearances in the past, dia to advocate for Movanian independence. “I think it was a difficult case. Trumbo could have anticipated the effects She is especially known for her slogan “What- Jurisdiction was a tough issue. of her strident call to action. Speaking with ever it takes.” On several occasions, anti-Poori- The Krzyżowa Observer, Judge Krittika Singh Once jurisdiction was accepted, an violence has noticeably increased following discussed the difficulty of sentencing. “We her appearances. that was a big win. We expected negated crimes against humanity, but what crimes against humanity not to be she has done - hate speech - is an inchoate Trumbo has been residing as a refugee in the accepted, we just wanted to give crime, which can be the first stage of geno- Richian city of Redota since a 2015 warrant another option.” cide. We did not think she deserved the high- for her arrest was issued in Pooria. On 11 Omri Shalev, Prosecution est or the lowest sentence.” November 2015, the Poorian Army bombed Redota. The following day, Trumbo gave an Trumbo was accused of inducing the crime After the verdict, Defense lawyer Lee Ilan especially impassioned speech in which she of murder under the crimes against human- took issue with the ruling. “I think her accused the Poorian government of attempt- ity provision of the Rome Statute and of di- speeches were general enough that there ing to exterminate the Movanians and called recting attacks against civilians under the was not a direct link with what actually hap- for Movanians to do “whatever it takes” to war crimes provision. She was found not pened. It is too fluid. If general speech is stand up to activity by the Poorian govern- guilty on both counts, but was found guilty limited, this limits others’ rights to protest. I ment directed at oppressing the Movanian under the war crimes provision of induc- thought it was too broad of a definition caus- population. ing the commission of violence. According ing violence.”

3 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Judges: Henrik Jasper Freiherr von Richthofen, Nataliia Aliluyko, Sofia Kosashvili, Magdalena Poręba.Photo: Robert Moore NEITHER INNOCENT NOR GUILTY PER ROME STATUTE MICC acquits Miller from case related to murder of 36 Poorian civilians, citing insufficient grounds for prosecution under the Rome Statute Kartikeya Batra

A four-member bench of the Model Interna- crime of such nature - the Court decided that temic attack. The Defense instead attributed tional Criminal Court (MICC) headed by Sofia while Miller was not innocent, he was not guilty the incident to a technical error in BETA which Kosashvilli, on Wednesday, pronounced John under provisions of the Rome Statute. could not be placed in either of the two cate- Miller, CEO of the Richia-based Automated gories. In addition, the Defense suggested that Defense Systems (ADS) as not guilty under The verdict came a day after the Prosecution the situation did not amount to an internation- the Rome Statute. The case concerned the kill- and the Defense left no stone unturned in al armed conflict, and was instead related to ing of 36 Poorian civilians trying to cross into pursuing their respective cases. The Prosecu- internal disturbance, within which Miller had Richia. They were killed on the Poorian side tion explained the reasons behind implicating no affiliation to either of the warring parties. of the Richia-Pooria border on the evening of Miller as a war criminal as per Article 8 of the 6 February 2016 by BETA, a faulty automated Rome Statute. Citing violations of Article 28 of The Defense argued that Miller had no intent defense system manufactured by ADS. the Rome Statute alongside provisions of the to cause harm, and that if at all, the role of Geneva Conventions and their additional pro- the Richian Defense Forces should be scruti- Ruling that the case fell under the Court’s juris- tocols, the Prosecution suggested that Miller nized, for they purchased this technology for diction, the Judges explained that Miller had was aware of the potential harmful effects of use along the Richian border. The Defense had the opportunity to shut down the system BETA as an automatic weapon. In addition, also contested the applicability of Article 28, between 28 January, when he was first -in the Prosecution argued that Miller had suf- arguing that the extrapolation of existing formed of technical glitches, and 6 February, ficient time to rectify the glitches once they provisions of the Rome Statute to cover au- when the event occurred. The Judges also con- had been brought to his notice and that at tomated defense systems under the category cluded that BETA was not installed to target the least, beginning at the point when he was of subordinates will undermine international civilians, and that the case was totally inciden- first informed about BETA’s glitches, he should law-making. They stated that Miller did know tal, thus ruling out any charges pertaining to have suspended its operation, and replaced it of the technical glitch, but that did not amount crimes against humanity as described in the with alternate arrangements. to knowledge of crime. Explaining that Miller Rome Statute. was not a high party contracted to the Geneva Notably, the Prosecution called on the judges Conventions, and that he did all he could in The Court did note that Miller was responsible to adapt the provisions of the Rome Statute his control to fix the technical glitch, the De- for wilful killing, which constitutes a war crime to evolving technological circumstances sur- fense also stated that a judgment implicating under Article 8 of the Statute. The Court con- rounding armed conflicts, and to treat - auto Miller would create a dangerous precedent by cluded that the situation did amount to an inter- matic weapons, such as BETA, as subordinates innovative interpretation of the Rome Stat- national armed conflict, and that the refugees working under the command of individuals like ute. The Defense claimed that Miller was not were protected under provisions of the Geneva Miller. The Prosecution also pressed to charge guilty of any of the charges, while also sug- Convention. Furthermore, the Court observed Miller of crimes against humanity under Article gesting that any further extrapolation of the that Miller was aware of the potential damage 7. Pleading for justice under the principles of Rome Statute should be avoided, and if at all, that BETA could cause, and was a party to the proportionality, the Prosecution demanded that proper international legal channels should be conflict in his role as the provider of defense Miller be imprisoned for 20 years. followed to amend the treaty or renegotiate it systems to the Richian government. Noting, for such inclusions. however, that Article 28 pertaining to superior’s The Defense, on the other hand, methodically responsibility in case of a crime committed by rebutted each of these arguments. They ar- The Court, in its final verdict, agreed with the a subordinate did not apply to this case - pri- gued that Article 7 could not be applied in this Defense’s argument that Article 28 cannot be marily because BETA does not qualify as a sub- case, as there was no reason to believe that applied, which ultimately became a pivotal ordinate that could have intended to commit a the incident was part of a widespread or sys- reason behind the acquittal.

4 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

TRANSFORMING TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE A Debate For Today and Tomorrow Kartikeya Batra

As conventional ideas related to transi- tive justice a part of the overall transitional on issues of social transformation, their im- tional justice systems became established justice process. pact will be much greater. In other instances, international practices, they are bound to like South Africa, social transformation may attract criticism for their limitations along- And what, according to you, are the take a long time after transitional justice side calls for the exploration of their full reasons behind this demand? mechanisms have done their job. potential in rebuilding societies and re- Well, transitional justice mechanisms, as forming institutions. they stand today, have now reached a point Is it safe to say that transitional jus- where they have become internationally tice mechanisms are not the only Inextricably linked to the latter is the con- established practices under relevant situa- way of delivering transformative cept of transformative justice, which is now tions. As a result, their efficacy is now be- justice? If so, what could be other being raised by scholars and experts on the ing scrutinized with greater intensity. For such means? subject. The Krzyżowa Observer caught up instance, does a court/amnesty scheme/ Yes, correct. Transitional justice is only one with Friederike Mieth, a social and cultural truth commission deliver on its objectives? such mechanism. Transformative justice is anthropologist whose research focuses on How effective are these mechanisms af- a much broader term, and it entails sowing the past, conflict transformation, and hu- ter all? One aspect of this scrutiny is that seeds of institutional, social, political and man rights- in order to understand her per- critical analysis of cases reveals that tran- economic transformation. Other ways, for spective on this rapidly evolving domain. sitional justice does not really touch upon instance, could be “bottom-up” grassroots the root causes of the conflicts in question. initiatives from within the society that call The Krzyzowa Observer: What is Transformative justice may bolster the ac- for peaceful co-existence. transformative justice, and how ceptability of transitional justice by adding does it tie into transitional justice? this dimension. Is there then a template for deliver- Friederike Mieth: Transitional justice in- ing transformative justice through cludes mechanisms that societies resort to So the concepts of transitional and mechanisms that have traditionally in order to deal with the past. These could transformative justice are not mu- been linked to transitional justice? be in the form of courts, amnesty schemes, tually exclusive, right? Have any specific instances in his- truth commissions, etc. Transformative jus- Yes, they are not. Transformative justice can- tory dominated the discourse? tice, on the other hand, deals with root caus- not replace transitional justice. Whether a No, not really. This is a debate, and one es responsible for the unpleasant past that society demands transformative justice or cannot identify specific case studies that societies are forced to come to terms with. not totally depends on the context. For in- may have laid out a template for delivering These causes could be related to economic stance, after the reunification of Germany, transformative justice through transitional structures, societal hierarchies, political ma- the Truth and Reconciliation Commission justice systems. The current transformative- chineries or other such fundamental factors. only had to collect facts and establish re- transitional justice debate is aimed at set- Over the last decade or so, approximately cords. There was no need for transformative ting a new agenda for the internationally since 2005, there has been a growing de- justice. In other situations, however, if tran- established practices related to transitional mand among experts to make transforma- sitional justice mechanisms can also deliver justice. Transformative justice demands that transitional justice be forward- looking, apart from resolving issues from the past. The time spent in delivering transitional justice should be used not only for fact-finding from the past but also making efforts aimed at a better future.

What is the one big challenge that you see going forward that may impede transitional justice systems from delivering transformative justice? Sierre Leone - a country I have studied in detail - provides a good example of how delivery of transformative justice may hit road- blocks. The post-Civil War phase witnessed a lot of knowledge-gath- ering and fact-finding. This information is pretty rich and could have helped in sowing seeds for a much better future. Yet, no action was taken. Recommendations were made and heard but not acted upon. This, in my opinion, is one of the biggest impediments. Friederike Mieth. Photo: Michał Żak 5 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER ETHICS AND AUTONO- MOUS WEAPONS The village of Krzyżowa, located in the South-West of Poland, only has about 250 inhabitants and does not seem a particularly exciting place to be at first sight. But with its 767 years of history, it holds a lot of interesting stories

Matan Samovsky In the last century, movies such as The Ma- This change is not only a military one, but development should be frozen worldwide trix, Terminator, and X-Men have dealt with also a technological change that will soon unless an international legal and ethical the scenario of a dystopian world where affect our daily life in many aspects, from framework is formulated regarding auton- machines replace humans. This day is yet self-driving cars to autonomous financial omous weapon systems. The ethical argu- to come, but with the speed of technologi- markets. So, if this change is inevitable, ment supporting this approach is that there cal advancement and the development of what are the ethical challenges that arise is an inherently moral flow granting legiti- artificial intelligence and autonomous sys- with it, and how can the legal systems ad- macy to the machine to decide whether a tems, should we be afraid? just to those? person will live or die, and a machine will never be able to analyze compassion or In the cases discussed before the Model In order to simplify, Gabi Siboni and Yoni other human instincts. International Criminal Court (MICC) this Ashfer from the Israeli Institute for National year, as well as in social dialogue more Security Studies (INSS) divide the main The second approach is to wait and see. broadly, we have seen an increasingly heat- positions about the debate on autonomous Proponents of this approach claim that ar- ed discussion about the future of weapons weapons systems into three prominent ap- gument at this stage is pointless, as autono- in the traditional military arena. Weapons proaches. The first approach is called emer- mous offensive weapons systems are still who are activated by humans are being re- gency brake, and it is favored by Human a distant vision, and any attempt to create placed by autonomous systems, almost re- Rights Watch (HRW), who are calling for an ethical norms or legal tools can do more gardless the existence of a human operator. immediate stop to the development, sale, harm than good. People supporting it claim This change affects both the international and use of these types of weapons systems. the emergency break approach has a moral legal system and the ethical dimension of flow in prohibiting the development of au- modern warfare. UN special researcher Christoph Haines tonomy in weapons, possibly saving time came to a similar conclusion, that weapons for the development of other weapons sys- Autonomous weapon systems are capa- tems that can actually save lives and cause ble of tracking, sharing information with less damage to civilians. other machines, targets acquisitioning, and providing a defensive or offensive re- The third approach is somewhere in be- sponse almost without any need for hu- tween the two other positions, called man operator. They can be divided into controlled breaking. This approach ac- three main categories: semi-autonomous knowledges the dangerous potential of weapons, which after each step require a autonomous weapons, but also their mili- human to intervene in order to move on tarily and morally positive potential. This to the next stage. The second category is approach understands that banning the de- supervised autonomic operation, which a velopment of this technology is an exagger- human operator can stop the process or ated and hopeless move, but also fear that perform corrective actions. In this category, one day it could be too late to add restric- if the operator does not intervene, the pro- tions. Recently, the Red Cross expressed a cess will continue as planned. Thirdly, fully similar opinion about this subject. autonomous operation, where the human operator cannot stop the process or make In this approach, the argument is that this any corrective changes – this category is technological change will affect almost more futuristic. every aspect of our lives, and so our focus should be on developing control and moni- Some of these systems are already in use toring tools for these military systems while in defensive contexts, including the U.S. developing them. Patriot and Israel’s “Iron Dome” antimissile system. Much more lies ahead as those ro- The world as we know it is changing, and bots and lethal machines we see on movies autonomous machines have a huge poten- will soon not be science-fiction any longer, tial in this process - for the best and for but reality. The military market in many the worst. Soon, it will not be so easy to countries has begun adopting autonomous draw the line between automation and au- weapon systems, as their advantages are tonomy, and apparently, world leaders and obvious: autonomous weapon systems pro- countries are going to be facing a big gap vide effectiveness and accuracy, and reduce in the international law systems. Either we response time as well as the cost of man- will adjust our ethical beliefs to the tech- power and most importantly the potential nology, or we will adjust technology to our for harm to human life. ethics. Only time will tell.

Source: www.extremetech.com 6 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Friederike Mieth giving a lecture about transitional justice in Krzyżowa. Photo: Jens Henning Fischer

WHEN SIMULATION TURNS REAL Despite Hurdles, MICC 2017 Rocks... and Rolls Kartikeya Batra

On April 1, 2017 44 students, lawyers, phitheater within the premises of the es- local staff had been missed, or to take a pressmen and human rights experts from tate was used as the venue for the lecture, radical decision of moving the program 8 countries and 3 continents arrived in the which was converted from a conventional out of Krzyżowa. tiny village of Krzyżowa, located in the “PowerPoint+Talk” session into an open- Swidnica County in southwestern Poland, air interaction, wherein Friederike dis- They bit the bullet and the afternoon of to participate in the 2017 University edi- cussed critical issues with the attendees. April 2 was spent in organizing an alter- tion of the Model International Criminal nate venue in the neighboring town of Court (MICC) - an annual simulation of With no signs of power restoration in sight Świdnica, where the participants were the ICC that the Kreisau Initiative has or- as night enveloped the estate, the organiz- transported by bus. There, a local cultural ganized since 2006. ing team became inventive again, and or- center housed them, and MICC 2017 was ganized a bonfire by the riverside behind on its way again. With fully functional The beautiful estate and its wonderful staff the mansion. It was a night marked by con- power and internet infrastructure along who have been hosting the participants of versations, laughter, and fun over drinks with shots of black coffee, participants and this event since its inception were prepared and sausages. In the moment, none of the trainers worked towards meeting their tar- to play the perfect host yet again. However, participants felt that what they were enjoy- gets. At around 9pm, news of restoration of events that followed were far from what a ing was a distraction from an uncontrolla- power arrived from Krzyżowa. MICC 2017 simulation might have constituted, and gave ble challenge. This day 1 of the electricity had been salvaged; despite the circum- MICC’s participants a real taste of obstacles -free MICC 2017 ended, with the hope that stances, participants and the organizing faced by a vast majority of the world’s popu- the Electricity Gods would smile upon the team had made the most of the situation. lation residing across developing and least- village the next day. developed countries. All hopes and prayers Out of a suddenly, the power supply to the were, however, betrayed. whole facility was disrupted on the morn- In addition, the rain gods ing of April 2. The initial prognosis of the intervened, adding to the situation was not too gloomy, with expecta- already somber mood of tions of normalcy by late afternoon, but that the situation. The pro- deadline was missed. Yet, power and inter- gram, however, contin- net-starved participants continued to work ued. Undeterred and un- on their cases. Submissions for two of three flustered, charges for the cases were made to the judges under these third issue were also pre- inconvenient circumstances, while the press sented, even as the guided team continued to dig for facts and informa- tour of the estate for the tion. The press team’s guided tour around remaining participants was the estate went on as planned, even though organized as per plan. supper had to be preponed to 5pm, since there was no electricity to cook in the dark. The organizers were now faced with a Hobson’s An evening lecture focused on transitional choice - whether to stay at justice, for which social and cultural an- the estate hoping for resto- thropologist Friederike Mieth had been ration to normalcy, which specially invited from Germany, was in was becoming more and jeopardy. Nevertheless, the organizing more difficult as several team salvaged the situation. An open am- deadlines provided by the

7 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

German- Polish relations in the 20th century And the role Krzyżowa Meg Tobin and Karikeya Batra standing next to the Berlin Wall in Krzyżowa. /Kreisau has played in them Photo: Michał Żak Robert Moore

Behind the Kreisau Foundation in Krzyżowa, way in which it could eventually find fit in -Eu initiatives, ultimately sparking movement to Poland stands a labyrinth of rusted steel, rope. This road was short-lived however, fol- reestablish Krzyżowa/Kreisau as the central known globally as an outdoor exhibition lowing the January 1944 arrest of the group’s location for European mutual understand- called “Courage and Reconciliation”. Mark- leader Helmuth James Graf von Moltke. ing. The year 1970, for instance, marks the ing the 25th anniversary of the 1989 Mass of first postwar visit by West German Chancel- Reconciliation, the monument walks visitors This sparked the arrest and execution of al- lor Willy Brandt to Poland, where he signed through the equally troubling and inspiring most all the members of the Kreisau Circle an agreement normalizing relations between history of Polish-German relations through- and undoubtedly signaled the movement’s the two countries. out the mid-to-late 1900s. fall. Kreisau became a part of Poland and was renamed Krzyżowa after WWII, and the Treaty aside, what remains stamped in history The road to reconciliation began with the von Moltke estate and surrounding village is Brandt kneeling in front of the Monument founding of the Kreisau Circle in 1942. A mix of fell into decay and poverty. to the Ghetto Heroes. Though forecasting in- faiths and ideologies, the otherwise disparate credible controversy throughout Europe, his set of individuals found their glue in a common Amidst hopelessness yet shone light, with gesture remains a public acknowledgment resistance to the Nazi regime. They established the birth of widespread reconciliation efforts of German guilt for WWII and precludes a a base of operations at the von Moltke estate in throughout the mid-1900s built on the prin- number of similarly important reconciliation then, Kreisau, Silesia, Germany. ciples and progressive spirit of the Kreisau initiatives throughout the 1970s. Circle. Three of the foremost efforts were the Central to their beliefs was a German society German Bensberger Circle, the Action Rec- One particularly interesting example was rebuilt on Christian values and a democratic onciliation Service for Peace, and Polish the the 1972 establishment of the Polish-Ger- system restoring individual freedoms and so- Catholic Intellectuals’ Circle. man Textbook Commission under UNESCO, cial responsibilities. Much of the group met which created new guidelines for history frequently with outside resistance groups, The adjoining foundation across the three and geography textbooks in Europe. This so those broader, and the broader set of val- groups was a Christian approach to recon- was a critical step in beginning to reframe ues and plans the group established were a ciliation - most importantly, they served to the narrative surrounding the Holocaust and reflection of the collective resistance move- open dialogue and begin normalizing rela- World Wars, and had a considerable impact ment throughout the whole of Europe. tions between Poland, Germany, and the on the future of European sentiments and larger European continent. perspectives. Though the Kreisau circle only met on three occasions, the group thus symbolized a vehicle The period surrounding the end of the Cold A second key element was the Workers’ De- for the ideological future of Germany, and the War is defined by the progression of these fence Committee (KOR), an anti-communist

8 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

and oppositional organization established to bodied the economic and social negligence Chancellor Helmut Kohl exchanged peace support the working-class population in Po- that ravaged the Polish people under mar- gestures at the Mass of Reconciliation held land. The group’s efforts focused on provid- tial law. in Krzyżowa. ing financial and legal support and publish- ing newspapers to break the state monopoly And then: a knock. At her door was a pack- Remembering the Kreisau Circle that had on information provision. age, one brimming with nuts and oranges met at that same location years earlier, the larger than she had ever seen. If ever a governments of Poland and Germany moved This marked an important piece of history Christmas miracle, this was its exemplar. decidedly to welcome Krzyżowa as the home because it was the first joining of Polish infor the cultivation of their future relations. tellectuals in support of Polish workers. Fur- Yet Maria and her family were far from ther, the group opened dialogue and contact alone – research estimates that upwards of Alongside a new breath of Polish-German re- with other East European countries, helping 30 million packages were sent from Ger- lations and a newfound interest in reviving promote the trans-European reconciliation many to Poland while the nation was under the area, Krzyżowa once more became Krei- effort. It served as an incredible psychologi- martial law. These “Packages of Solidar- sau. In the 1990s and early 2000s, European cal support as well, driving inspiration for ity” arrived from other European nations, and international support flowed generously East Germany and other European states to the U.S., and even Japan, signaling an in- to revive the village: the von Moltke estate continue the fight for their individual rights ternational support for Polish-German and was refurbished, an international youth meet- and more equitable political systems. European reconciliation efforts. The spon- ing site rebuilt, and in 1998, the doors of the taneous aid of the Germans served an inval- Kreisau estate opened officially to the public. The final stretch of this road to reconciliation uable role in supporting the ongoing efforts merits consideration of Solidarity and German of Solidarity. Martial law in Poland ended Kreisau now serves as the embodiment of support throughout the 1980s. In 1981, the in 1983, and Solidarity drove the nation to Polish-German relations, helping chronicle People’s Republic of Poland instituted martial semi-free elections in 1989. where the nations have been and providing law as a means to crush political opposition a platform for discourse and thought regard- and secure its authoritarian position through- Of equal commemoration is the 1989 fall ing their future. Or as Helmuth James Graf out the nation; Solidarność (Solidarity) of the Berlin Wall, having stood through- von Moltke’s widow Freya put it: rose as a counter, a Polish labor out the Cold War as a physical and philo- union founded the year sophical divide between the fascist West “If in the winter of 1940, on the roll-call previously. and socialist East of Germany. Its fall is thus square in Auschwitz, somebody had told me in many respects the symbolic end of the that within the course of my own lifetime path to reconciliation between Poland and I would witness the transformation of most Germany – indeed that same year, Germans into a humanitarian society living Poland Prime Minister Ta- in a law-abiding European society living in deusz Mazowiecki a law-abiding European state with a parlia-

Meg Tobin and Karikeya Batra standing next to and German mentary democracy, I would probably have the Berlin Wall in Krzyżowa. considered this the optimistic dream of a Photo: Michał Żak utopian.“

Though ad- vocating non- violence, the union was crucial in organizing strikes and inserting itself in the Polish political scene to advance the causes of workers’ rights and social change. Amidst their efforts was the German recognition and assistance of their struggle, mark- ing a monumental breakthrough for Polish-German relations.

Warsaw resident Maria Jarmoszuk may remember these moments best, describ- ing her Christmas of 1981 in an article in German DW magazine. Her father abroad and mother jailed, 15-year-old Maria was left to guide the upbringing of her two sis- ters. Her interview surfaces the pain of the family subsisting without its bank funds; her childhood similarly absent, Maria em-

9 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Wallpainting in Krzyżowa Palace: Enter of Napoleon’s troops to Lübeck on 6 November 1806. Source: S. Lipinsky, 1900 © Museum in Grudziądz HELMUTH JAMES GRAF VON MOLTKE AND THE KREISAU CIRCLE Post-World War II reconciliation efforts continue at the home of one of Krzyżowa’s most widely known residents, organizer of a nonviolent resistance movement against the Nazi regime Meg Tobin

The mansion on Krzyżowa estate is spa- These two pieces of nationalist myth tell The tables are like the members of the Cir- cious, beautiful, and cold. Built by re- today’s visitors about what the von Moltke cle themselves - always more far flung and nowned military strategist Helmuth Karl family hoped to convey about their place rarely in the same physical location, but Bernhard von Moltke for his family’s resi- in history. After Helmuth Karl Bernhard’s working collectively for the same larger dence, the mansion is complete with high death, the estate passed to the family of purpose. The Circle was co-founded by ceilings and two wall-sized pieces of ex- his nephew. They lived in the mansion the great grand-nephew of von Moltke, cellent early 20th century historical propa- until the cold weather got the better of Helmuth James. The group was comprised ganda: von Moltke as a child watching Na- them, and despite its lack of wall-sized of individuals of varying status across Ger- poleon’s army besiege the city of Lübeck, propaganda posters, they moved to the man society who were committed to non- now in Germany; and von Moltke, this appropriately named “House on the Hill,” violent resistance to Nazi rule. time as a much older man, directing Prus- smaller and more cozily appointed. sian troops as they overtake Paris below Many members, including von Moltke, the Arc de Triomphe. Today the House on the Hill can be reached were motivated in their resistance by their by an avenue lined with trees, evenly religious beliefs, feeling that Nazism was planted by someone who envisioned their descendants inhabiting the place for cen- turies. Walking into the sparse parlor room off the front entrance, the most imme- diately noticeable aspect is a circle bur- nished into the worn wooden floor, and the quarter-circular tables which have been pushed one into each of the four corners of the room. When the tables are arranged atop the circle in the center of the room, they make a three-dimensional representa- tion of the symbol for the Kreisau Cricle: a circle divided by a cross.

Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke Peter Graf Yorck von Wartenburg. Source: Bundesarchiv 151-02-12 10 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Wallpainting in Krzyżowa Palace: Enter of Prussian troops to Paris on 1 March 1871. Source: W. von Looz-Corswarem © Museum in Grudziądz un-Christian. The Circle were united in Helmuth James was raised to question the and to prepare the way for a change. In planning for the eventuality of the collapse values and social structures around him. that, my conscience drove me -- and in the of the Nazi regime. They envisioned a Eu- end, that is a man’s duty.” rope which resembled the European Union Helmuth James’ South African grandfather which exists today: a collection of demo- was a judge in South Africa who advocated Helmuth James von Moltke was executed cratic republics. strongly against apartheid. Raised to idol- for treason on 23 January 1945 in Berlin. ize his far-off grandfather, it’s no surprise Freya lived for another sixty five years, dedi- They applied their shared values to plan- that Helmuth James became an early advocated to spreading the message of the work ning details for life in post-Nazi Europe, cate for victims of persecution by the Nazis. of the Circle and the events that occurred in from improving educational institutions Krzyżowa. She was integral in founding the to prosecuting the Nazi leadership for war Thought his lifelong ambition had been center in Krzyżowa which is dedicated to in- crimes. Though they shared this sweeping to become a judge like his grandfather, ternational peace and reconciliation. vision, members of the Circle felt it was after the Nazis came to power not right to assassinate Hitler, and did not in 1933 Helmuth James real- plot violence against the regime. ized it would be impossible to do so without joining the party Back in the parlor of the house on the hill, that he felt so ideologically op- the members of the Circle are memorialized posed to. He decided to become in individual framed portraits. Smiling out a lawyer instead, to better assist from the glass cabinet is Peter Yorck von those suffering under the hu- Wartenburg, who originally co-founded man rights violations of the Nazi the Circle with Helmuth James von Moltke, regime. and Freya von Moltke, James’ wife. Once several members of the Helmuth James Graf von Moltke was the Kreisau Circle were noticed for great grand-nephew of renowned mili- their assistance to a more ac- tary strategist Helmuth Karl Bernhard von tive resistance group, Helmuth Moltke. Born in 1907 to Helmuth Karl James von Moltke and other Bernhard’s great nephew and his wife members of the circle were ar- from South Africa, Dorothy Rose Innes, rested for resisting the regime. James and Freya von Moltke wrote each other letters daily for the first six months James was in prison.

These letters reveal that von Moltke drew strength from his convictions and values even when facing almost certain death. In one letter to his two sons, James wrote, “since Na- tional Socialism came to power,

I have striven to make its con- Beate Ruhm von Oppen: “Helmuth James von Moltke sequences milder for its victims Briefe an Freya 1939 - 1945 (“Letters to Freya 1939 - 1945”) Helmuth James Graf von Moltke. Source: Bundesarchiv, 151-08-38 11 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

FREYA VON MOLTKE – AN IMPRESSIVE

WOMANLinn-Sophie Löber

Source: www.welt.de/politik/article5725288/Freya-von-Moltke-Witwe-des-Widerstands.html#cs-moltke-07-portraet-DW-Vermischtes-Berlin-jpg.jpg

That is how Freya von Moltke, “At that time, it was who became famous as the widow of the German resistance fighter a step of faith, and Helmuth James von Moltke, described their decision to become surely also an act of active in the resistance against the NS-regime. Unfortunately, it is often forgotten that she self-preservation. herself, as one of only few women, played an important At this point, we role in the resistance against agreed that we wan- the NS-regime, as well. Born in 1911 in Cologne, she enjoyed a high level ted to carry out the of education and held a PhD in law. In 1931, she mission together.” married Helmuth James von Moltke and lived with him and their two sons on their estate in the village of Krzyżowa. Together, they founded the Kreisau Circle, an important resistance place in her former home, the estate in group, in 1940 and Freya was one of its Krzyżowa, where reconciliation between driving forces. Poland and Germany is happening ever since 1989. Not only did she come up Freya was the one organized the with ideas how to organize the estate, it three meetings of the group in the was her will that in the house on the hill, house on the hill in Krzyżowa, where she once lived with her family, fam- which took place in 1942 and 1943. ilies should find a home again. She also After the execution of her hus- was honorary chairwoman of the Interna- band and the end of World War II, tional Meeting Place Kreisau. she left Krzyżowa and moved to South Africa with her children, In 2010, Freya von Moltke died in Nor- where her gradparents in law wich (Vermont), where she found her fi- lived. In 1960, she finally moved nal resting place. But a memorial stone to the US, where she spent the on the family’s graveyard in Krzyżowa rest of her long and stirring life. still calls to mind her important role for the Kreisau Circle, as well as for the more She was strongly involved recent history of the place where she used in the creation of a meeting to live with her family. Freya von Moltke in 1932 on her porch of the house on the hill in Krzyżowa. Source: www.fvms.de/de/der-kreisauer-kreis-und-das-neue-kreisau 12 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

A SMALLVILLAGE WITH A TURBULENT HISTORY The village of Krzyżowa, located in the South-West of Poland, only has about 250 inhabitants and does not seem a particularly exciting place to be at first sight. But with its 767 years of history, it holds a lot of interesting stories

Linn-Sophie Löber Krzyżowa, a village situated in the nowadays Adolph Joseph von Moltke inherited the es- aged to save the meanwhile heavily indebted Polish region of Lower Silesia, was first men- tate, which became a touristic sight for fans estate and lived there with his wife Freya von tioned in 1250. The place originally called of the Field Marshal. For their entertainment, Moltke and their two sons. Creisau and later Kreisau has been part of the and to preserve the memory of the original region’s turbulent history from the very be- owner, the family had two enormous pictures Krzyżowa became particularly famous because Linn-Sophie Löber ginning. Since 1335, Silesia was part of the painted in the staircase of the castle which Helmuth James and Freya, together with an- Bohemian Crown, but in 1526, it became part are supposed to show two important scenes other married couple, founded the Kreisau Cir- of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. This lasted from the life of the Field Marshal. cle in 1940, an important resistance-group dur- for the next 200 years – until in 1740, Silesia, ing the NS regime. The group organized three and with it Krzyżowa, was invaded by Prus- But beware: although the paintings are beau- meetings in Krzyżowa in the years 1942 and sia and had to endure several wars between tiful pieces of art, they are historically incor- 1943 which took place in the house on the hill, Prussia and Austria. rect: The painting called “The Shame” shows where the family lived from 1928 onwards and Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke as a wit- which can still be visited today. In 1745, Silesia was taken over by Prussia ness of the occupation of the North German and remained under its control until the end city of Lübeck by Napoleon’s army. In the The village profited a lot from the presence of of World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles other, called “The revenge”, Moltke is riding the famous Prussian aristocratic family. When provided for a plebiscite in the area. As a re- in a military parade in Paris when in 1871 the in 1890 the German Emperor Wilhelm I visited sult, in 1922 Silesia was his Field Marshal, a train sta- divided into Lower Sile- tion was built in Krzyżowa, sia - which became part which is still in operation of Germany - and Upper today. The elder von Moltke Silesia, which became built a school for the chil- part of Poland. dren of Krzyżowa so they would not have such a long Soon after, war returned way to school, and founded and with the German a kind of kindergarden, invasion of Poland in where mothers could leave 1939 and the beginning their kids when they had to of World War II, Upper work in the fields. Silesia was taken over by Germany and many of the The estate permanently em- Polish population was de- ployed about 60 people and ported. But not for long. even more during harvest time. The village, as well After the End of the Sec- as the estate, basically lived ond World War, Germany from farming. Potatoes, lost nearly all of its Silesian sugar beets, peas, rape, flax, territory to Poland - and and grain were cultivated this time, the German pop- and cows, pigs, sheep, and ulation was deported. That horses were kept. is why no German inhabitants remain in the village Helmuth James von of Krzyżowa today and the village was renamed future German troops under Prussian leader- Moltke, who grew up in Krzyżowa, had very from the German Kreisau to the Polish Krzyżowa. ship defeated France. positive memories of his childhood on the estate: He described how much he enjoyed help- Krzyżowa first gained importance, when The truth is that the Field Marshal was not ing on the fields as a boy – a job for which kids the famous Prussian Field Marshal Count present at any of these occasions. But since were given some pocket money. Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke bought the newly founded German state needed a the estate, the center piece of the village of historical narrative and the family to honor Still today, the estate is characterized by its Creisau, in 1867 and moved there with his the Field Marshal, they decided to cheat a lit- agricultural history. For example, all buildings wife. The estate itself had several owners be- tle bit. still carry the name of farm buildings, such as fore and its manor was already built between the “barn”, where nowadays visitors can spend 1712 and 1726, presumably by its former The estate in Kreisau remained in the posses- the night in a cozy hotel. Krzyżowa with its owner Sigismund von Zedlitz und Leipe. sion of the von Moltke family until the next exciting history is worth a visit for sure – even famous von Moltke, Helmuth James, who if it might not seem so at first sight. The Field Marshal lived in the castle until his was a great-grandnephew of the Field Mar- death in 1891. Then, his nephew Wilhelm shal, took over its administration. He man-

13 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

1299: First record of the settlement in Silesia, ruled by Polish Piast dynasty.

1335: Silesia becomes part of the Bohemia Crown.

1526: Bohemia becomes part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire.

It’s Mine, 1740: Prussian King Frederick the Great invades Silesia at the beginning of his war No it’s Mine, against Austria. No it’s Mine...! Austrian, Prussian, German, 1742: First Silesian War, Prussians claim most of Silesia except for Teschen and Polish, Czech - the back and present Czech Silesia. forth struggles for Silesia Valerie Hout-Parrish 1744-1745: Second Silesian War, Prussia claims and takes over of Silesia (treaty of Dresden).

th th Late 18 century to 19 century: Industrial Revolution in Silesia leads to bad 1756-1763: Seven Years War, Prussia working conditions, coal mining is controlled by the private industry, workers are remains in control of Silesia. often mistreated, land is held by large estate owners, the majority of upper and middle class is German while a large percent of mistreated workers are Polish. This situation leads to tensions between Silesian ethnicities.

1918/19: Revolution in Germany leads to the first German republic.

1919: At the end of the World War I, the treaty of Versailles creates a plebiscite to determinate if Upper Silesia would remain in now democratic Germany or merge into the freshly founded Republic of Poland.

1921: The result of the plebiscite favouersGermany with the exception of the upper-east part of Silesia where majority of the population is Polish. 1920: City of Teschen/Cieszyn/Český Těšín is divided between Poland and Czechoslovakia; the division is done so haphazardly that the 1922: As a result of Polish uprising the territory is divid- boundary ran straight through some mines ed and the larger industrial area goes to Poland. forcing miners to work in one country and live in the another.

1938: Munich Pact divides most of Czech Silesia between Nazi-Germany and Poland.

1939: After the invasion of Poland, Polish Silesia becomes part of Nazi-Germany; Polish Silesians get expelled from the area as a result.

1945: End of the World War II dissolves all boundaries and restores the status quo pre-dating 1938 the exception is Prussian Silesia East of Lusatian Neisse which is under the Polish administration; German population is expelled from the area (does it sound familiar to anyone?).

1949: As the only Silesian district, Görlitz 1972: Democratic West Germany has no longer any claims to the area as remaines in Communist East-Germany result of the Nonaggresison Pact between Germany and Poland. (DDR).

Since 1989/90: Silesia is located mainly in Poland with smaller parts in Czech Republic and Germany.

It’s Mine! 14 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Many regions of the world know the sights and smells of the battlefield and the ruins AFTER of war. What were once vibrant neighborhoods, roads, and houses – now silent. Will the future of Krzyżowa tell a different story? THE Avishag Avinoam WAR “Who can start over when memories never leave you?” Holocaust survivor Ruth Mendenberg in Carol Matas’ novel After the War

The end of World War II did not bring freedom and sovereignty to all of Europe’s countries. In 1945 nearly half of the continent, including Poland and East Germany, came under control of the Soviet Union. The Cold War between the Communist Bloc and the democratic West postponed dialogue about the past and future relationship between Poland and Germany.

Under the border changes promulgated at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Kreisau became, along with most of Silesia, part of Poland. The German population in the area either fled or were deported from what the Communists called “Poland’s regained territories”.

The Polish Communist regime repopulated the area with Poles. These settlers had been expelled from what was eastern Poland and became part the Soviet Republic of Ukraine in 1945. As well, many Poles who had been deported during the war to Germany or Siberia under the Nazi regime or Stalin’s Soviet Union, now returned to Poland – and ended up in its formerly German parts.

This is the type of forced election which happened in Krzyżowa. In addition to the “ethnic cleansing” of the area, many houses surrounding the village were destroyed during the war. Wars involve not only loss of life, but also material and cultural losses: pieces of art stolen and monuments destroyed.

In the mid-1960s, the first initiative for Polish-German reconciliation appeared. The efforts of the reconciliation movement, largely motivated by religious organizations were the main road for rebuilding the connection between the two states. After the Berlin Wall fell together with Commu- nism in 1989, the reconciliation process on a state level became possible.

Following the events of 1989, a new generation emerged which brought fresh perspectives on social change. Thanks to the efforts of various social organizations and religious leaders from a variety of backgrounds, new diplomatic connections were made.

In Krzyżowa today, the 18th century mansion and surrounding grounds which were formerly the residence of the von Moltke family are used as a facility to bring together young people from all over the world. These young people are participate in programs designed to raise awareness about reconciliation, international criminal law, and human rights in the international environment. There are annual seminars promoting international toler- ance, peace, understanding, and cooperation.

The estate belongs to the Krzyżowa Foundation for European Understand- ing, an independent German-Polish organization dedicated to the memory of the Kreisau Circle, a nonviolent resistance group to the Nazi regime led by Helmuth James Graf von Moltke.

Freya von Moltke, Helmuth James’ widow, played a critical role in establishing the Foundation. She transformed the former von Moltke estate into a place promoting German-Polish as well as international understanding based on her husband’s values.

Her own foundation, the Freya von Moltke Foundation for the New Kreisau, was established in 2004 and supports the youth work- shop efforts with the Krzyżowa Foundation. The renewal of the von Moltke estate in Krzyżowa and supporting the activities conduct- ing within it were undertaken in the belief that we must give young people the tools and inspiration to improve society.

“The devil is in the details. To bring it [European integration] about is a very difficult thing. All the old differences between the European units are still there, and this makes Europe so attrac- tive, but it also makes it hard for the Europeans to get together.” Freya von Moltke in an interview in 2002

15 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

War heroes or humanists? Anti-Semites or anti-Nazism activists? The shifting of a generation in the Moltke Family, and how it all WHO connects to the Kreisau Circle of interesting stories! Matan Samovsky

ARE to Helmuth great-grandnephew – Hel- soon as possible. One of his famous quotes was: muth James von Moltke, who was born in 1907. YOU, “Eternal peace is a Helmuth James’ mother was a South Afri- dream – and not even can of British descent, and his grandfather MOLTKES? was a lawyer and a judge who opposed a beautiful one” the South African Apartheid regime. Hel- muth’s James grew up with liberal and hu- A bit different than today’s politicians and manist values, and his grandfather had a generals, right? But we are not here to huge influence on him and his decision to discuss military tactics or glory victories become a servant of law. among the European powers of the 19th The manor house complex where we are century. staying makes you feel like you are back During WWII, Helmuth James created the in 19th century Prussia. The yellow walls, “Kreisau Circle”, a group of German Con- One of the most fascinating questions is decorated with shapes, and red bricks can servatives and Aristocrats who shared his what kind of person was this war hero that almost make you forget that this terrace criticism of the totalitarian Hilter-regime. so many people admire? This question is holds a piece of history - and not always a debatable for a lot of reasons. All who met peaceful one. The group was not militant and did not him described intelligence as one of his actively act against the regime, but devel- virtues, but also described him as a reserve Indeed, the mansion was bought by Hel- oped a political and jurisprudential vision person: “silent in seven languages”. muth Karl Bernhard von Moltke, one of for post-Nazi Germany. The Kreisau circle the most influential generals of modern wanted a better Germany: a democratic th But what really caught my eye, warfare, who lived in the 18 century. He was this quote related to him: state of law. was born October 26, 1800 in Prachim, situated in today’s German Federal state “The Jews form a state, and, obeying their own laws, of Mecklenburg, then a part of Prussia. In 1805 - Helmuth was 5 years old, his father they evade those of their host country. The Jews al- emigrated to Holstein, then a possession of the King of Danemark. ways considered an oath regarding a Christian not

Consequentely, the boy from Mecklenburg binding. During the Campaign of 1812, the Jews were completed his education in the Danish spies, they were paid by both sides, they betrayed Royal Cadet Corps in Copenhagen, and joined a Danish Infantry regiment. How- both sides. It is seldom that the police investigate a ever, in 1821 after a visit to Berlin, Hel- muth decied to transfer to the Prussian robbery in which a Jew is not found either to be an army. Important to nor, those when different times where nationalism was not yet accomplice or a receiver.” a strong ideology, and your loyalty could This quote is not so surprising for histo- As historians or activists of human rights, change easily. rians shows us that Anti-Semitism was we can learn a lot even from one family sto- rooted in European culture long before ry. We can learn about the history, the ide- After years of serving in different positions, the National-Socialists and Hitler even ology and culture of past times - but most Moltke was selected as chief of the Prussian appeared on the scene after WWI. An- importantly about the spirit of mankind. General Staff in 1857. This appointment ti-Semitism and other forms of racism began the era of the great Prussian trium- were not only common among ordinary The shifting of ideology within the Moltke virate (A word taken from ancient Rome people, but were also a cultural com- family shows that sometimes in order that means a regime of three personals): mon conception among politicians, aris- to make a change you need to stand for Otto von Bismarck as chancellor, Moltke tocrats, philosophers and of course also your values - even against your family and as General Field Marshal and therefore the generals and military personal. friends - and sometimes be willing to pay head of the military, and Albrecht von Roon a price for that. Some of the people in the as Minister of war from 1859. These three In his last years, General Field Marshal “Kreisau Circle” also took part in different men zwithin a decade, shook 19th century Helmuth von Motlke retired to Kreisau, resistance groups, and lots of them paid Europe, and produced the unification of the the estate he bought for his family. His the price with their lives. May we find this German nations. dream was to live in south Germany, “better world” that Helmuth James was Bismarck and Molkte both be- because he hated the cold, but could talking about, and may we all ask our- lieved that the purpose of war not afford to buy one there. Fast for- selves, what I did today to leave this planet is to get a diplomatic peace as warding two generations will bring us a better place. 16 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER SMALL COUNTRY, BIG IDEAS Five things you did not know invented in Israel Avishag Avinoam todaysmedicaldevelopments.com jolife.info

The smallest camera in the world for en- markable solution for recycling sea wa- The Cherry Tomato – The sweet, small doscopes surgeons. Medigus is special- ter. Zarhim method is based on freezing and popular tomato was genetically de- izing in developing minimally invasive sea water in a way that it separates the veloped in the Agriculture research cent- endosurgical tools and highly innovative salt from the water. His method imi- er of the Hebrew University by dr. Haim imaging solutions across medical and in- tated the same natural process happens Rabinovitch and dr. Nahum Keidar. The dustrial applications. The camera helps in the north pole. Not only Israel benefit Tomato was developed out of the need to this specific technique to be far less dan- from it, also various African countries durable species of tomato that can grow gerous by giving the surgeon wide range who suffer as well from a lack of water in the Israeli climate. of sight inside patient organ and by do- resources. ing so minimizes the chances of dangerous complications.

wpengine.netdna-cdn.com exoskeletonreport.com Mobileye – An Israeli technology company ReWalk - a bionic walking assistance sys- that developed vision-based advanced driver tem enable paraplegics to stand upright, haaretz.com assistance systems which warns drivers from walk and even climb stairs. Dr. Amit Gof- Zarhin development, is a sea water de- collisions and able to operate and drive cars fer who had an accident that paralyzed salination company developed by Pro- automatically. Their technology based on both of his legs decided that his life will fessor Alexander Zarhin from the Weiz- the use of optical vision systems with motion be as normal as possible and so he devel- mann Institute. As a state located in a detection algorithms covering 180 degrees, oped a robot which now allows disabled desert climate with a short amount of and can tremendously prevent accidents ac- people to stand and walk without using water resources, Israel invented a re- cruing out of different distractions. any assistance or a wheel chair.

Source: www.operationworld.org

17 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

18 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER 2017 - VITAYU! VITAYU! SHALOM! ZDRAVO! Aliaksandra Sedzich (19) International University MITSO, Belarus MITSO, University Aliaksandra Sedzich (19) International meet new people to a chance MICC, being at experience “It is a great politics and do national different have We the world. all around from It is everyone. criminal court involves but the international mestic law, exists because justice other countries with people from work to great in every country.” Olena Kandya (21) Ukrainian Catholic University, Ukraine University, Catholic Olena Kandya (21) Ukrainian In my because I study Human Rights. MICC part“I took in this year’s consider criminal law international opinion, most cases applicable to human rights bringing together is why That violations. human rights seems very criminal law importantI me. to issues and international I took MICC, but at participated in other court before, have simulations being a judge is not that realized I the first time. of a judge for the role either prosecution up one side, taking because I prefer thing, my quite sides.” one of the two for an argument and developing or defense, Omri Shalev (26) Hebrew University, Israel University, Omri Shalev (26) Hebrew is meeting all of the best part“The MICC of being at of the experience It is really each other. and learning from together working people, hearing different cultures, fun meeting smart different people from perspectives.” languages and learning different Andrea Brekalo (23) University Rijeka, Brekalo (23) University Croatia Andrea partmy because I am trying out take “I decided to in MICC figure to University My curriculum at of law. personal position in the world lot I learned a why is which criminal law, international cover not does a country Bosnia which just and Herzegovina, I am from Also, MICC. at too. family suffered which my from genocide, experienced recently criminal law. international in particularlyI am is why interested That experience. a very which was intense of a judge, was MICC at My role and neutral stay and challenging to tough it is really that I realized an unbiased decision on the case.” to come - - - HALLO! 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Mickiewicza Tomasz Arkadiusz agree do not always We MICC. good discussions at had really have “We first is my This together. problem solve to so it is great on everything, team my One of legal systems. different from are We model court. a civil from and I come system, law a common from members comes styles of judgement.” different mind to It has opened my system. law Anna Mysyshyn (22) Ivan Franko L’viv National University, Ukraine University, National L’viv Franko (22) Ivan Anna Mysyshyn with courtEven competition. first model international is my “This and together well worked has team our that feel I outage, power the successful.” been quite Anoush Baghdassarian (21) Claremont McKenna College, United States United College, McKenna Anoush Baghdassarian (21) Claremont At lawyer. a human rights become to because I want “I joined MICC McK Claremont at I am studying Human Rights Law the moment, School in the coming Law and will go on to in California, enna College me being Armenian. from derives My very personal motivation year. crimes, international victims for justice of grave secure to I want Thus, I am studying in the U.S. Since people. my to not granted which was bring back to – I am keen of the Rome Statute – not a member-state MICC I gained at criminal law the unique perspective on international in of possibilities and report advantages the to on and college my to and the ICC.” criminal law ternational ------¡HOLA! SHALOM! VITAYU! NAMASTE! Avishag Avinoam (29) Open University/IMUNA, Israel (29) Open University/IMUNA, Avinoam Avishag I what is which relations, international in interested generally am “I is news channel and that an Israeli for I am working Further, studied. interna that feel I partbe press-team. to decided I MICC why the of which is Israel, to tional media is sometimes biased when it comes really journalism. I reliable international for more I am fighting why and learned some important team with the press work my enjoyed journalistic work.” my for tools Kartikeya Batra (26) The Fletcher School, United States United School, Fletcher The (26) Kartikeya Batra perspec it is such a melting pot of diverse MICC; time at “I had a great is it and systems, countries diverse such from coming despite Yet, tives. As unanimityan on some issues. achieve able to are we how fascinating European U.S. and the the between is such a difference there example, the energy time around, This positivism. versus pragmatism system, perservi tenacity with which we The present. really and dynamism are stands out as an experience.” outage really the power through erd Maria Alvarez-Tolcheff Alarco (30) The Fletcher School, United States United Fletcher School, The (30) Alarco Maria Alvarez-Tolcheff in to make difficult it is how has made me realize MICC “Being at sides to two always are There decisions. criminal law ternational is the diverse MICC thing about being at My favorite the argument. nationalities. different so many from of everyone here backgrounds has a Everyone conversations. have to place interesting really a is It story tell.” to Nataliia Aliluyko (21) National University “Odessa Law Academy”, Ukraine Academy”, Law “Odessa University (21) National Aliluyko Nataliia of interna on matters working was MICC at experience favorite “My discussing with I gained a lot from team. with my tional criminal law domestic their concerning backgrounds different people who have a deeper under developed I have that I feel Furhter, legal systems. of the International of the Rome Statute standing of the provisions participation my CourtCriminal in MICC.” thanks to

19 THE KRZYŻOWA OBSERVER

Avishag Avinoam Robert Moore Linn-Sophie Lober This 29 year-old entrepreneur is a student at The Open Uni- Rob is a 21 year-old native of Atlanta, GA, and studies Phi- Linn is an ever-smiling 24 year-old from Marburg, Ger- versity in Israel, and works in archives at I24 News. Appar- losophy, Politics, and Economics at Claremont McKenna many. A student of Philipps-University pursuing a Masters ently, she has evolved to not need sleep: she participates in College. His travels to MICC required six flight changes and in Peace and Conflict Studies, she has been spotted more Debate Club, UN Model, runs a cosmetic products company, cost him three days without his luggage, now known in- times than may be normal enjoying her favorite food: au- and creates and sells original artwork. In the 17 minutes of famously in MICC-history as the “The Flight Fiasco”. One of flauf. One of the most exciting things she has done is jour- her day she has free, she enjoys kicking back to enjoy a ve- the weirdest things he has done is eaten a bird on a stick neyed Great Britain by Interrail – she notes a similar excite- gan omelet. We were curious to learn more about her – her in China, and he once went four days without eating in Ar- ment for her favorite word, but it is too long for anyone to unfortunate response to our last interview prompt: gentina. As eccentric as his travel history are the things he actually spell (Hochachtungsvoll). “worst question ever”. enjoys: he has seen the Lord of the Rings at least six times, and loves saying the word “pssshhh” (pronounced: peshaisha).

Kartikeya Batra Meaghan Tobin A returning participant of MICC, this 26 year-old hails from Meg, a 28 year-old native of Southeast Massachusetts, is New Delhi, India. Though a Project Lead at the Evidence PRESS TEAM a graduate student at The Fletcher School studying Public for Policy Design India at the Harvard Kennedy School, 20 09 International Law. Perhaps most interesting is that she has NO FAKE NEWS KK is a wannabe German speaker and a “wannabe, wan- SINCE visited 29 countries – in one of them, Saigon, she ate snail nabe” Spanish speaker. When not dreaming of languages soup from a sidewalk vendor that had, and she quotes, he wishes he could speak, he can also be found not eat- “catastrophic effects”. Her biggest dreams are to travel the ing meat or drinking alcohol. The life of the party, he has a Silk Road and to be able to fly. She leaves future MICCers her habit of killing senseless conversations. favorite phrase: “dou keyi”.

Matan Samovsky Rüdiger Rossig Michał Żak A well-bearded 27 year-old from Jerusalem, Matan is a Rüdiger is the “still 49” Editor-in-Chief of the Krzyżowa Ob- Michał (pronounced: Mee-how) is a philosopher and artist student of The Hebrew University studying History and server – outside of MICC he is a journalist, and craftsman from “the Earth”, and is allegedly 33 years old. At the age Communications. A quite shameless individual, he con- journalist, who studied and writes frequently on Balkan of 8, he dreamed of becoming the Pope – perhaps having fesses to a love for Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and all and Southeast European history. His favorite pastime is set the bar a bit high, he now recounts the most impressive things “nerdy” – he even once purchased a Gandalf pipe being a father (crowd goes: awww!), and he has enjoyed thing he has done as having trained a pet desert turtle. If from eBay. Legend has it that he once stared down a grizzly an abundantly fruitful life leaving him nothing more on he could have any superpower, he would be a woman. His bear at Yellowstone Park in Wyoming (and the bear walked his bucket list. A wise and humorous native of Mannheim, advice to aspiring artists: “myself”. away from him!). Germany, he parts MICC 2017 with his favorite quote: “try to be mensch”.

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FRIEDRICH STIFTUNG