Shared Culture of Memory Considered at Nuremberg

Oświęcim ISSN 1899-4407 Peo p le Shared Culture

Culture of Memory

Considered at History Nuremberg

HATIKVA MEANS HOPE...

Artistic spring at the IYMC

no. 19 July 2010 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 27, July 2010

EDITORIAL BOARD: Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine EDITORIAL

For four days during a conference en- Andrzej Zoll and Zbigniew Gluza. In triangle, as well as handwritten notes. titled “Auschwitz and the Holocaust Oś you will find excerpts of the debate, On the pages of the Jewish Center, you against the backdrop of genocide in as well as an article on the conference. will read about the Israeli music group the twentieth century”, teachers from The IYMC also extends an invitation Hatikva 6, who were one of the guests across Poland attended lectures, as to three art exhibitions. of the first Life Festival, and the visit

well as discussed the nature and the In this issue, among others, we write of fourteen American cadets to Po- consequences of genocide in the mod- about a visit by Polish educators land and Oświęcim for the program Editor: ern world. Discussion also focused on to Nuremberg, the Documentation “American Services Academies Pro- Paweł Sawicki contemporary challenges facing edu- Center, which is located in the historic gram.” Also on the pages of the Cen- Editorial secretary: cation about tragic events of the past. Congress Hall on the former site of the tre for Dialogue and Prayer, there are Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka party congresses of the Third Reich articles about the visit to Oświęcim of Editorial board: During the conference, which took (photograph of this is on the cover), as a group of survivors from Hiroshima Bartosz Bartyzel place at the International Youth Meet- well as a valuable gift the daughters as well as the “Bearing Witness” re- Wiktor Boberek Jarek Mensfelt ing Center, panel discussions were of former Auschwitz prisoner Stefania treat. Olga Onyszkiewicz held dedicated to the topic of “re- Budniak transferred to the Museum— Paweł Sawicki Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech sponsibility” in which several spoke, A prisoners striped dress, a piece of Editor-in-chief Artur Szyndler including: Prof. Zdzisław Mach, Prof. fabric with a camp number, prisoner [email protected] Columnist: Mirosław Ganobis Design and layout: Agnieszka Matuła, Grafikon Translations: A GALLERY David R. Kennedy Proofreading: Beata Kłos OF THE 20TH CENTURY Photographer: I mentioned once on these shade of a maple tree, the and the blades of meat grind- in the wire mesh on the out- Paweł Sawicki pages about the city herald, organist and his parrot that ers. Sometimes there were side, while the inside was left that provided residents of was good at predicting the those who would use “cold smooth and even. the city, still in the post-War lottery did not appear, nor welds” to fix holes in rusted This is a forgotten folkloristic period, communications and did the so-called “handełes,” pots, with little success, when craft, an interesting ethno- PUBLISHER: information from the munici- swift and versatile business- compared to the excellent graphical craft, which, like all pal offices. I recalled a figure men and hawkers, mainly sharpening. During the years those of the past is worth sav- Auschwitz-Birkenau and the function of the postal Jews who were purchasers I write about, there were rare ing from oblivion! State Museum horse van that carried, at the of goods of all kinds, the pre- appearances by “wire-men,” Today, Roma bands rarely time, the consignments from cursors of the cash and carry who fixed damaged, cracked wander from block to block, www.auschwitz.org.pl the post office to the railway trade. But in those years on or broken stoneware vessel or counting on small amounts station, which was not called the streets and in backyards, clay bowls, pitchers, among of coins wrapped in paper, the station at the time. Today, other public services, such as others. They fixed the dam- flying from windows or bal- Partners: a more intimate story about a portable blade sharpener aged parts of the pottery us- conies in exchange for a “con- events that took place in the who carried his workshop ing a tight wire mesh, braided cert.” But this is generally a Jewish backyards and the individu- on his back, and powered like a plait. Even in the 1970s, “miserable” amount, when Center als. the grinder with his feet. there functioned a profession- compared to the length and Of course, in the post-War The grinder’s wheels rotated al “wire-man” doing repairs. strength of music! www.ajcf.pl years, in our backyard in the sharpening knives, scissors, The pottery was only covered Andrzej Winogrodzki

Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation www.centrum-dialogu.oswiecim.pl

International Youth Meeting Center www.mdsm.pl

In Cooperation with:

Kasztelania www.kasztelania.pl

State Higher Vocational School in Oświęcim www.pwsz-oswiecim.pl

Editorial address: „Oś – Oświęcim, Ludzie, Historia, Kultura” Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 20 32-603 Oświęcim e-mail: [email protected] Photo: www.kasztelania.pl Surroundings of the Oświęcim Castle. Photo from Mirosław Ganobis’s collection “A Gallery of the 20th Century”

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United States Contributes $15 Million to Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation

ecretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in Cracow on Saturday that the United States will support the Auschwitz- SBirkenau Foundation to the amount of $15 million (€12.2 million), bringing pledges to the Foundation to around €80 million—two-thirds of the required total of €120 million—in less than a year and a half since it was established. Clinton flew into Cracow for a meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of the Com- munity of Democracies. Contributions will be de- the world visited the mu- in many forward-looking posited in a special Per- seum and memorial. The democracies around the petual Fund. The income preservation and continu- world, mindful of histori- from the Fund will finance ation of Auschwitz Memo- cal experience, gives us a a permanent long-term plan rial is essential so that fu- good chance to preserve to preserve the authentic re- ture generations can see for what remains at this Memo- mains of the Nazi German themselves why the world rial. When we began work- Auschwitz concentration must never again allow a ing to set up the Founda- and extermination camp. place of such hatred to scar tion almost two years ago, Annual interest on the Fund the soul of humankind”— I did not know how things should amount to €4 to €5 said Hillary Clinton. would turn out. Today, I million. have a real hope that work At a special conference in Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński, the financed by the interest on Cracow, Clinton informed director of the Auschwitz- the Perpetual Fund will about the decision of the US Birkenau State Museum, begin in 2012. I feel a great Photo: Bartosz Bartyzel US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Director of the Auschwitz president Barack Obama. who is also the president sense of satisfaction.” Museum Piotr M.A. Cywiński “The United States strongly of the Foundation, thanked The United States is the encourages other nations the Secretary of State per- third country to declare who have not already done sonally. Commenting on substantial support to the states) have jointly pledged Belgium, the United King- so to follow suit and to con- previous declarations of Foundation since it was es- €60 million, and Austria has dom, France, and several tribute to the Auschwitz- support for the Foundation, tablished last year. So far, pledged €6 million. Talks other countries. Birkenau fund. In 2009 he said that “things are go- the German federal govern- are also at an advanced alone, more than 1.3 mil- ing well. The reaction of the ment and the governments stage on the subject of sup- lion people from around public and decision makers of the Länder (federal port for the Foundation by Against Crime of Genocide

he third Raphael Lemkin Seminar—organized by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust at the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, The Raphael Lemkin Center for the Preven- Ttion of Genocide, and the Holocaust Research Center at the Jagiellonian University—has come to an end. Taking place from 20 to 27 ticipants of the seminar and well as from the State Mu- of June, the seminar is in- tour of the former Ausch- seum Auschwitz-Birkenau. tended for professors and witz Concentration Camp, Raphael Lemkin Center lecturers from all military were lecturers from West The lecturers included, schools, educating the offic- Point, Fort Leavenworth, among others: Dr. James for Genocide Prevention ers of the US Military and The Auschwitz Institute for Waller from Keene State NATO. Among the 35 par- Peace and Reconciliation, as College of New Hampshire, Raphael Lemkin Center for Genocide Preven- Dr. Piotr Setkiewicz the tion was created by The Auschwitz Institute for Manager of the Research Peace and Reconciliation [AIPR]. It was estab- Department at the State Mu- lished to connect the leaders of the world in- seum Auschwitz-Birkenau, volved in preventing genocide and armed conflict. Ms. Norul Rashid from the Raphael Lemkin, who the seminar is named after, was Office of the Special Adviser a pre-War Polish Jewish lawyer and creator of the term to the UN Secretary General “Genocide.” During the War, he was able to get to the for Genocide Prevention. United States. Adopted in 1948, the UN Convention on Subjects of the lectures in- the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Geno- cluded: the definition and cide was created largely thanks to the efforts of the in- history of genocide, respon- ternational community as a response to the crimes of sibility to protect against the Holocaust. The intention of its authors was to pre- genocide, the psychology vent future mass murder. Meanwhile, events in Cam- of the perpetrators, the role bodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Darfur show that after 65 of the Auschwitz Concen- years since the liberation of Auschwitz, humanity has tration Camp in the mass failed to draw lessons from the crimes of the Second murder of European Jews, World War. and the diplomatic and economic methods of preventing crimes of genocide. to take place three times ian consequences. The semi- annually. Their goal is to nar is the brainchild of New The seminars dealing with highlight the problem of York philanthropist Fred

Photo: agju the crime of genocide and genocide and its political, Schwartz who also finances Participants of the seminar during their visit at the Auschwitz Memorial its prevention are planned economic, and humanitar- the endeavor.

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Shared Culture of Memory Considered at Nuremberg

ducators from the Auschwitz Museum and other memorials in Poland had a chance to examine the German perspective on commemorating the victims of Nazism. As part of the Tracks Project, they spent a week as in- Evited guests at the Documentation Center in Nuremberg, which is located in the historic Congress Hall on the grounds where party rallies were held under the Third Reich. Photo: Jarek M ensfelt

The program included work- into the construction of the shops, discussions with Congress Hall in Nuremberg.

German guides and teach- The educators also toured Photo: Jarek M ensfelt ers, and a series of lectures. the Documentation Center Eckart Dietzfelbinger of the in the alpine town of Ober- enau State Museum. “I think second will be held in Poland in Auschwitz. The second Documentation Center and salzberg, where Hitler had a that taking part in this project in September—and I think it part of the project could Prof. Robert Traba of the residence in the war years. is a valuable experience for was a good first step toward be held at our Memorial.” Polish Academy of Sciences both sides, Polish and Ger- closer contacts. One possible The director of the Nurem- Center for Historical Re- Participants in the semi- man. A great deal of time has form of cooperation could berg Center, Hans-Christian search in Berlin spoke about nar stressed the importance been devoted to discussion be a temporary education Täuberich, held a similar the evolution of the way in of the existence of origi- and exchanges of opinion on presented at both Memori- view. “We would like to con- which Nazism and its effects nal memorial sites in the the subject of the exhibition, als, or a joint educational tinue our cooperation and we have been presented and educational process. Marta as well as presenting various project for young people are happy to see the interest interpreted in Poland and Królikowska-Hardek of forms of education at memo- from Poland and Germany. from the Polish side, because Germany. Harald Schmid of Oświęcim, a guide at the rial sites,” said Magda Urba- The first part of the project this was not something that Hamburg delivered a talk Auschwitz Memorial, said niak of the Education Center. could be held in Nuremberg, could be taken for granted in on “The Place of the Deeds that “it is very important that “We also discussed future in the place that, one might view of our difficult common of the Perpetrators, the Place such places exist, and also to cooperation. This was the say, marked the beginning past.” of Suffering, and the Place take care of them. They make first part of the project—the of what was later continued Jarek Mensfelt of Education,” in which he an incredible impression. considered the presenta- When you’re right there, in tion of German memorial Nuremberg, in the Congress sites from the perspective Hall, you have the feeling of of the Europeanization of being connected to history. the culture of memory. This is especially important for young people, since they Aside from Nuremberg, the understand history better Polish-German group visited this way. They can see with the site of the former Nazi their own eyes that it all hap- concentration camp in Flos- pened there. Groups visit- senbürg. Between 1938 and ing the Auschwitz Memo- 1945, almost 100,000 prison- rial also frequently stress the ers, among whom Poles were importance of originality.” the most numerous, were slave laborers there, working The coordinator on the Pol- for the large German compa- ish side was the International nies that supported the Third Center for Education about Reich war effort. Granite Auschwitz and the Holo- from a nearby quarry went caust at the Auschwitz-Birk- Photo: Jarek M ensfelt

the edifice was planned to stand twenty sto- fects of the national socialist system of terror. ries high and hold fifty thousand people under It uses new media, such as computer anima- Documentation its roof. Work was halted in 1939. The complex tion, films, and presentations on touch screens, Center Nazi Party under construction included a stadium, parade in combination with photographs and docu- Rallying Grounds in ground, and maneuver ground set in an eleven- ments. The exhibition explains the buildings square-mile site in the southern part of the city. at the site and informs visitors about the his- Nuremberg tory and background of the Nazi party rallies. Open in the Congress Hall since 2001, the Doc- Founded in 2001, the Center is located in the umentation Center has informational and re- Audioguides with texts and commentaries in north wing of the unfinished NSDAP Congress search functions. It also features an exhibition seven languages, including Polish, are available Hall, the largest of the extant monumental on “Fascination and Terror” that attracts 180,000 to visitors. The educational center or “study fo- Nazi buildings. Work on the structure began visitors per year. Occupying 1,300 square me- rum” integrated into the exhibition also offers in 1935. Modeled on the Colosseum in Rome, ters of floor space, it shows the causes and ef- educational programs in Polish.

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eral, including the cult of Hitler, Nazi race policy, a camp because of the granite deposits around the Obersalzberg mass murder, the Second World War, and the city. Until 1942, prisoners labored mainly in quar- Documentation Center German resistance movement. The center also has ries owned by the SS company “DESt” (Deutsche educational programs. Erd- und Steinwerke, German Earth- and Stone- Hitler had a summer house here from the 1920s. works). After 1942, the SS opened about a hundred Rebuilt in 1933 and known as the Berghof, it The Tracks Project sub-camps to serve the armaments industry in became his second command post, after Ber- north Bavaria, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) lin. In the thirties, the Berghof became popu- An exhibition titled Tracks: The Logistics of Racial and Saxony. Prisoners at Flossenbürg itself were lar as the goal of pilgrimages by Hitler sup- Madness is open from May 19 to October 31 at employed for arms production by Messerschmitt. porters. Schoolchildren and hikers came to the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying see the Leader and his companion Ewa Braun. Grounds in Nuremberg. It was prepared in coop- Between 1938 and 1945, about 100,000 pris- eration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial oners were registered in Flossenbürg and its Hermann Goering, Martin Bormann, and Albert and Museum and the memorial sites at Majdanek, sub-camps. They came from 30 countries, Speer had villas of their own nearby. It was in Ober- Bełżec, Treblinka, Sobibór, and Chełmno on the Ner. but mostly from Poland, the USSR, Hungary, salzberg that British prime minister Neville Cham- and Czechoslovakia. Poles were the most nu- berlain agreed to turn the Sudetenland region of The project is financed by Deutsche Bahn AG, the merous. The number of victims of the camp Czechoslovakia over to Hitler in September 1938. German State Railways, which is covering the cost is estimated to be at least thirty thousand. Polish minister of foreign affairs Józef Beck visited of trips to Nuremberg by Polish study groups on at the height of the Polish-German crisis in 1939. their way to see the Tracks exhibition. Groups in- In 2007, a permanent exhibition on Flossenbürg terested in traveling for free to Nuremberg to visit Concentration Camp 1938-1945 opened in the The Allies bombed Obersalzberg in April 1945. The the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying building that housed the camp laundry and bath- remains of Hitler’s villa were blown up in 1952. Grounds should contact Silvia Feghelm (tel. +49 house, which is partly preserved in its original Fragments of the foundations are still visible today. 911 231 56 66) or Martina Christmeier (tel. +49 911 state. The new exhibition centers around the indi- 231 84 09) vidual stories of selected prisoners. The sub-sec- The Documentation Center was opened in 1999 at tions include the history of the site before 1938, the the place where a hotel for the guests of the Na- Flossenbürg setting up and expansion of the camp, labor and zis once stood. Sixty thousand people a year visit death in the stone quarries, the camp SS garrison, a permanent exhibition prepared by the Institute Concentration Camp executions, the role of the camp in the economy for Contemporary History in Munich. Aside from and armaments industry of the Third Reich, the themes directly connected with Hitler’s mountain Flossenbürg Concentration Camp was founded in sub-camps, and the death marches. residence, it covers the subject of Nazi rule in gen- May 1938. The SS chose Flossenbürg as the site for (Study based on materials from Flossenbuerg Memorial)

Items remind about a tragic fate

prisoner’s striped dress, with a triangle and the number of prison camp items belonging to Stefania Budniak, a prisoner of the camps Auschwitz, Ravensbrück, and Helmbrechts, were given to the Ausch- A witz Museum by her daughters. other camp mementos, which their way into the care of a transferred to the Raven- have been saved by Stefania family near Poznań. sbrück camp, from which after Budniak from the camp. These two weeks she was sent to the are figurines of an elephant After several weeks of investi- Helmbrechts sub-camp. She and a mousen made from a gation, on December 19, 1943, received the number 55131, piece of plastic and a ring with Stefania Budniak was trans- which was later embroidered the camp number on it. “We ported to Auschwitz where on a piece of fabric. On a piece are very connected to them she received camp number of felt, from which the pris- emotionally, and for now, we 72307. She worked in con- oner triangle was made, the cannot part ways with them. structing roads, she did farm letter P was embroidered. But perhaps in the future, we work, and then also worked will also give these items to at a sewing workshop in the In April 1945, prisoners were the Museum,” said Katarzyna camp. Throughout her stay evacuated on foot to the Zwo- Budniak-Wojtas. she hid photographs of her dau sub-camp. Stefania Bud- Stefania Budniak, wife of daughters, a medal with the niak described the two-week ZWZ activist and engineer image of the Virgin Mary evacuation march in detail on forester Florian Budniak, who and Christ, miniature stat- a scrap of wrapping paper us- had the pseudonym “An- ues of an elephant and a ing a pencil. On May 7, 1945, drzej,” was committed to sup- mouse made from a piece of the US military liberated her. plying the fighting troops and plastic, and a ring with her She returned to her husband took an active part in partisan camp number. She had these and children, who also man-

Photo: A -BS M archive campaigns, as well as also treasures until liberation. aged to survive. Objects given to the Museum by daughters of Stefania Budniak joining the conspiratorial ac- In mid-August 1944 she was JK tivities. She also led, among “We are certain that for these participated in her mother’s others, radio intercepts, and The museum collects all the items from the period of the mementoes this is the most meetings with fellow former participated in printing the camp’s operation, and provides them with the proper care, appropriate place and here prisoners and listened to the pamphlet “Czyn Zbrojny” appropriate conservation, and storage conditions. If you they will be duly preserved. memories they shared about (Armed Action). have in your possession items related to the functioning of Memory is the most important the camp. Auschwitz, please contact the Museum. Each is a separate thing, and now, when there “We will give the Museum October 28, 1943, in the for- story. Let us not allow that to be forgotten. are less and less witnesses of photographs of our sisters ester’s lodge in Kobiele Wiel- those terrible events, these Ewa and Barbara, which my kie in which a contact point The donated memorabilia is a very precious gift. They all items are a reminder of their mother carried with her in the and hiding place were set have great historical value and are used in research pro- tragic fate,” said Katarzyna camp, as well as handwritten up, the Gestapo carried out a jects, exhibitions, and for education. In many cases it allows Budniak-Wojtas, as she gave notes, which described the search. Stefania was arrested one to learn the fate of the individual camp prisoners and the items to Museum staff. She evacuation route,” added Mrs. and incarcerated in a prison in complete their documentation. Being a witness of those is the youngest of three sisters, Budniak-Wojtas. Częstochowa. Her two daugh- times, helps in preserving the memory of the victims of born after the War, and often The family holdings include ters, Barbara and Ewa found Auschwitz.

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How to prevent Crimes against humanity?

he causes and consequences of today’s crimes against humanity were debated for two days at the IYMC in the presence of over fifty educators, university lecturers and representatives of institutions dealing Twith this topic. Participants of the conference ocide. “Its difficult to comes to “Auschwitz and the Holo- terms with it - stressed Prof. caust against the background Mach. “In Poland, this is par- of genocide in the twentieth ticularly difficult because we century” not only captured tend to regard ourselves as the insightful description of victims. We have been build- the events, but also attempted ing our identity on martyr- to answer the fundamental dom since the nineteenth cen- question of: how to prevent tury. Therefore, it is difficult similar crimes in the future. to accept any responsibility, “This must be a long-term even for the Holocaust. Not as effort, especially education,” criminals, of course, but for ex- stressed Prof. Zoll during the ample as silent witnesses.” Fr. panel discussion. “It is not Cardinal Franciszek Machar- just about passing on knowl- ski in a deeply reflective way edge, but also about vigilance referred to the symbolism of in recognizing the danger. Auschwitz for different na- At the end of the twenties tions. Adam Balcer of Domos and thirties it was not seen in Europa presented the histori- Germany. And all that was cal conditions of the genocide needed was to closely listen to and massacres of Armenians, Goebbels’ statements such as: ethnic and religious cleansing ‘If we are to defend the rules in the Balkans and the Cauca- of democracy, it is because sus since the beginning of the

they allow us to gain power.’ nineteenth century. About the Photo: I YM C The former ombudsman for prevalence of teaching about human rights is concerned the Holocaust all over Eu- about the rebirth of inter- rope, not only within school the model for executions and issue. Dr. Sławomir Kapral- that genocide does not hap- est, even fascination, in some education, but also informal- its technocratic form unsur- ski presented the problem of pen again? Stanisław Kracik, circles with one of the most ly Dr. Piotr Trojański said: passed. Alicja Białecka ana- persecution of the Roma and the governor of Małopolska, dangerous men of the 1930s “Mass politicization of the lyzed the massacre in Nan- the consequences for the con- appeared at the conference. —Carl Schmitt, the leading Holocaust and the simultane- Among the guests was also ideologist of Nazism’s begin- ous marginalization of other Waldemar Rataj, the presi- ning: “In Poland, in the 21st crimes creates opposition to dent of Civic Foundation Pro century, I see works that refer the education related to the Publico Bono. to his good work. I look upon mass murder of the Jews. this in horror. Such situations Questioning the effectiveness The conference was organ- might testify that he saw no of teaching about the Holo- ized by: Foundation for the danger. We need to warn so- caust and stressing that it can- International Youth Meeting ciety about him.” not be a panacea for all evil,” Center in Oświęcim, the In- Prof. Zdzisław Mach stressed he noted. Dr. Jacek Leociak ternational Center for Educa- the importance of teaching of PAN, in an emotional lection about Auschwitz and the about the universal human ture attempted to answer the Holocaust at the State Mu- rights as the basis for educa- question of how and at what seum Auschwitz-Birkenau, tion. He also talked about the point the Jews were aware of the Oświęcim Academy with problem of coping with oth- the Holocaust awaiting them. support of the Institute of erness. A lack of these skills “It is doubtful whether we European Studies at the Jag- leads to hostility and crime. can capture a moment when iellonian University and the “In Poland, entire generations the terrible truth started to Institute of History of Peda- have been raised without con- reach them,” he said. Photo: I YM C gogical University in Cracow. tact with ‘otherness’ and have Financial support was of- had no discussion about it, fered by: Auschwitz-Birkenau because we had a very homo- Dr. Piotr Setkiewicz focused jing—the symbol of Japanese temporary situation of this Death Camp Victims Memo- geneous society,” he stated. on Auschwitz as a tool for ter- crimes during World War II community. Dr. Alicja Bartuś, rial Foundation as well as “Today we have to build on rorizing occupied European as well as the discussions on chairwoman of the IYMC by the ALSAL company of the idea of a diverse society society. He mentioned the this subject in China and Ja- Foundation, spoke about the Niegoszowice. as a community, that does reasons why after the war this pan: “The question of how to importance of administering not exclude others.” Another concentration camp became memorialize the crime—de - even symbolic justice for each (AP) problem is the memory of the a reference point in discus- nouncing, explaining, clear- nation’s historical memory Holocaust and crimes of gen- sions on other crimes—as ing up, justifying, or even as exampled by the ongoing ignoring—is still a current trial currently taking place, 30 years after the crime, against the Khmer Rouge. “The vast majority of the Khmer were poorly educated, but all the major founders of the regime received excellent education at French universities. Knowledge and education do not, therefore, mean that man ceases to have a tendency to tolerate evil and crime,” she noted. This brings about a key and the most difficult question: what education and

Photo: M DS upbringing are needed so Photo: I YM C

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VARIOUS MEASURES OF RESPONSIBILITY uring the seminar a debate devoted to the issue of responsibility was held. It was attended by Prof. Zdzisław Mach—director of the Institute of European Studies at the Jagiellonian University, Prof. Andrzej Zoll—Head Dof the Department of Criminal Law at the Jagiellonian University, the former Ombudsman for human rights and the initiator of the creation of the Oświęcim Academy, and editor Zbigniew Gluza—President of the “Ośrodek KARTA” Foundation. The moderator of the discussion was Teresa Świebocka, who asked among others, about issues of group and individual, dehumanization of victims, as well as the issue of prevention of crimes of genocide in the context of accountability. Here are excerpts of the participants’ statements from the debate. not be repeated. We must point to Oświęcim, as an international center for human rights—this should be a counterpoint to Auschwitz.

Zbig niew Gluza In Oświęcim, it is worth recalling the fact of the event that has been proven, which sheds new light on the Auschwitz camp. A recently confirmed astonishing fact is that Oświęcim could be a place of salvation of the Jews. Representatives of Oświęcim’s Jewish community went to Berlin to negotiate the creation of an evacuation center to assist Jewish emigration from Silesia, but no country accepted this community. This was even before the creation of the camp. It is worth recalling, that because these countries re- fused to accept these people, they in some way take Photo: Paweł Sawicki responsibility for what happened later. It is a historical responsibility, but contemporary Prof. Zdzisław Mach is probably annoyed about the anti-Semitic graffiti responsibility is more important. The difference on walls. Nevertheless, we are afraid of those who between collective and individual responsibility is What is important for me is the extent to which each paint these inscriptions. Much more serious is that crucial here. The first is difficult to define. In Poland, of us, individually, may feel responsible for the they seem not to disturb anyone. There are few who it is difficult to actually say which collectivity is to crime of genocide in which we are not personally erase them. express the responsibility. One would like that in a involved. It is a question of individual sensitivity: free country, the story was assessed according to the some show empathy and try to do something about Prof. Andrzej Zoll paradigm of human rights. We do not know how it, while others find it difficult to be blamed person- to do this. Much more often we consider it through ally. For me, as the sociologist who deals in Euro- I think the basic problem is with the individual, the paradigm of the nation, which is dangerous, be- pean affairs, the most important question is that of because responsibility rests on them to be vigi- cause it revives historical conflicts. For us, the more collective responsibility. The memory of the crimes lant. There is a very important sentence that was important dimension is the individual and wish the and genocide is perhaps the most difficult type. In said by Bernd Rüthers—German lawyer, honor- bitterness I say that in Poland it is almost absent. Poland it is particularly difficult for us, because of ary doctor of the Catholic University of Lublin. He our own collective memory, closely linked to na- has devoted several of his works coming to terms I am involved in documenting the history and fate tional identity, which does not help us reflect on our with Nazism and responsibility for the crime. He of the victims of both totalitarian regimes and the own responsibility for a crime against someone else, writes that the lawyer is able to prevent a catas- individual reaction to the plight of the victims is ex- or about the suffering of others. We tend to regard trophe if he realizes the danger before the rules of tremely rare in contemporary societies—this is not ourselves as victims who have suffered in a special democracy are destroyed. It is the responsibility of exclusive to Poland. In fact, the Polish state—the way. Our identity is built on martyrdom, and it the individual—to see the critical moment when communist and the democratic—did not take into goes back to the nineteenth century so it is therefore defense mechanisms against such savagery and account the victims for almost 70 years. Of the 35 more difficult for us to accept responsibility—even perversion are attacked. The Germans did not no- million citizens of pre-War Poland, at least 12 mil- for the Holocaust—certainly not as criminals but as tice this, even though some things were presented lion of them were directly victimized, i.e., harm was silent witnesses. It is difficult for us to see ourselves very honestly. Even before Hitler came to power, done to a particular person by taking their life or not as victims but also those who may carry part of Goebbels said: “We are defending the rules of de- health. Postwar Poland was not ready to pull these the fault. mocracy, because they allow us to gain author- people from non-existence. They are mostly anony- We can look at it from a broader European perspec- ity. Then, of course, we will destroy democracy.” mous; because of the 12 million names we know tive—responsibility not only for the crime of the I would like to draw attention to the problem of the two. This makes the individual responsible. With- Holocaust, but also for other genocides. Many au- future. Prevention is not only a problem of noticing out a reaction of the individual, nothing happens. thors have shown that the Holocaust is a product a dangerous moment, but long-term educational Tygodnik Powszechny has recently given the Medal of enlightened, rational civilization. You can argue efforts. I am glad that today we talk with teachers of St. George to Alexander Guryanov from the Me- with that, but it is a vital concept. If we want to be who share knowledge with succeeding generations. morial. This is the only man who regularly deals part of this heritage, we should feel responsible It is not without reason that we find ourselves at a with the Polish victims of Soviet repressions —the for this common European evil. It is not easy. To- conference, which is co-organized by the Oświęcim only one. Without this, the process would not have day we have a great problem with Turkey and its Academy whose patron is Paweł Włodkowic—the taken place. In Poland, it is similar. Our contempo- membership in the European Union. One problem man of human rights. We must make these young rary responsibility is simply not up to measure and here is acceptance of responsibility for the genocide people aware about human rights, and they must it is an important reason for our reflection. come of age with knowledge of the inherent dig- against the Armenians. The words “dehumaniza- Reported by: Paweł Sawicki tion of victims” have been used here. Otherness is nity of each and every other person. If we are able to a cultural construction. As long as we do not learn pass this on, then we will be safe, and the crime will to deal with differences and we argue that the other is a stranger, a stranger is an enemy and the enemy is to be destroyed, the phenomenon of genocide will always come back in one form or another. We will not get rid of the threat of genocide, if we cannot deal with otherness. It cannot lead to exclusion, marginalization and, in extreme form, to physical domination. In Poland we have difficulties, because a whole generation has grown up without contact with otherness, and without a public discussion about diversity. We need to build the image of a society and nation as a diverse community—not eth-

nically exclusive and excluding others. Each of us Photo: Paweł Sawicki

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Artistic spring at the IYMC

ate spring and early summer at the IYMC was the time of exhibitions. For art lovers (and not only) we proposed three exhibits (two of them could have even been seen in July), presenting a varied and in at Lleast two cases—rarely seen techniques done very well. The exhibition of Interna- exhibitions, as well as cares tional Symposium of Enam- about enriching the Ena- el Art opened on May 13, mal Museum in his native organized in cooperation town,” says curator, who with the city of Frýdlant last year participated in the nad Ostravicí and the Asso- symposium and became fas- ciation of EMAIL ART from cinated with enamel. Frydek-Mistek. It turns out what visitors can “Since 1999 the host of the see that this technique al- annual artistic meeting lows for an extremely wide has been the lovely town range of artistic methods, of Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, and that the “language of whose initiative is to expand smalt” can be used in paint- interest in enamel art and is ings, drawings, and graph- related to the 150-year tradi- ics. The whole spectrum of tion of artistic enamel mak- possibilities was shown in ing and foundry work in the exhibition at the IYMC. the Podbeskidzie region,” “The collision of the various says Prof. Elżbieta Kuraj, schools, individual artis- a lecturer at the Katowice tic preferences, indigenous Academy of Fine Arts, Fac- traditions, and the inter- ulty of Art in Cieszyn, and national make-up of the curator of the exhibition at participating artists of the the IYMC. symposium produced inter- Enamal making in Poland esting artistic and workshop today is done by a very results through experimen- small group of artists, and tation with form, materials, is not well known by the and color,” adds Prof. Kuraj. public, but it is expanding During last year’s meeting in our southern neighbor, in Frýdlant artists in attend- through the model patron- ance were from the Czech age of the authorities of the Republic, Poland (E. Kuraj small Frýdlant, whose rep- and Janusz Karbowniczek), resentatives visited the exhi- Hungary, Slovakia, Hol- bition during its opening at land, England, France, and the IYMC. Austria. “Tireless promoters of Enamel making, known ‘smalt’ and organizers of the since ancient Egypt, is as- workshop are the mayor of sociated mainly with the the city Frýdlant nad Os- decorative arts, goldsmiths, travicí, Engineer Bohumil jewelry and religious art. In Photo: I YM C Dolansky, and Commission- Europe, the longest running er Dr. Klarem Bogar, who center, still in operation, is artistic expression, still almost unknown. For many of July at the IYMC comes meticulously documents in Limoges. alive, and discovering new visitors of the IYMC these from a batik exhibit by the effects of creative artists Nowadays, this technique is opportunities for creating images on metal plates have Bożena Formas-Mądry from through films, reproduc- used in architecture and de- these paintings has grown become a kind of discovery. Oświęcim. She is a graduate tions, and publications cata- sign. Enamel on metal plates strongly in the countries of Another exhibition, which of the Pedagogical Univer- log accompanying the next as a form of autonomous Europe, while in Poland it is was shown until the end sity in Cracow in artistic ed- Photo: I YM C

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of nature are often trans- József Orci has been in- posed and interpreted by volved in many meetings him in various ways in his and annually takes part in work, most often in direct Art Camp organized in the contact with nature,” Paweł Hungarian primeval forest Warchoł says. by Révay György—Hungar- József Orci defines himself ian art expert and collector. as an artist associated with About himself, he says that Christianity. He comes from his sensitivity to nature was a very religious family, was forged during his childhood an altar boy, and he attend- in the suburbs of Budapest, ed the Piarist School in Bu- filled with natural land- dapest. scapes. Just as Paweł Warchoł “József Orci is an artist who wrote in the catalogue for is extremely sensitive both the exhibit: “He is well ed- in life and in art, remarkably ucated theologically, with precise lines characterize his great freedom, and scru- work as do perfectly con- tiny shows the characters structed compositions, even and scenes from the Bible in the most banal sketches. in various interpretations His pen or brush marks and facets. Silhouettes of are exceptionally various, the drama’s protagonists, sometimes thin parallel their gestures and poses are lines, or even dots, turn into building an amazing feel- aggressive dark lines and ing and emotional atmos- stains in other places. The Photo: I YM C phere of the work. Interact- artist avoids scribbling, his ucation (graduated in 1989) ceals the mystery within it. compositions also include ing with these works, the works are a triumph of line- and from the Academy of You can never fully predict characteristics of shells. recipient seem to feel the arity,” adds the exhibit’s cu- Fine Arts in Cracow, faculty the final result—wax and This well-used “repetition” presence of the Absolute, it rator. “In his work, the artist of graphic arts (graduated cracks provide emotion dur- of themes so typical of the is even more shocking that often adds subtle stains of in 1992). She is associated ing the creation process and decorative arts, combined such a deep statement could color that are typically lu- with a group of Silesian art- are often responsible for the with an extraordinary sense be achieved, contrasted by minous watercolors or sub- ists AKWE (Artistic Crea- final effect—the artist adds. of color and precision unites the simplicity of the ele- limely sophisticated grays. tion of United Europe.) She These effects can be admired the whole picture, it creates ments used—black ink, and Specifically, the individu- now lives near Żywiec and in their completed form at a kind of artistic language— heavily diluted watercolor. ally designed works created is professionally associated the IYMC. In the halls of a unique and recogniz- Character of these works in on various types of paper with Żywiec City Museum. the main building, some 40 able style of Bożena Formas- some way reflect the charac- and cardboard allow one to So far she has had a number works are displayed, char- Mądry. ter of the artist, these works identify József Orci as their of solo and group exhibi- acterized by the harmony In the House of Silence in appear to us as a metaphor author without a doubt.” tions at Oświęcim, Szczyrk, of linear composition and the IYMC garden an exhi- of a great series of self-por- Joanna Klęczar Warsaw, Myślenice, Bielsko- beauty of a soothing, sin- bition of drawings by the traits.” Biała, Chełmek, Brzeszcze, gle range of colors, or on Hungarian artist József Orci Cracow and Ostrava. Many the contrary—the strong can be seen. The exhibition of her works are in private contrasts of color. The ex- curatorship, overseen by collections. hibition is entitled “Under known Oświęcim graphics Bożena Formas-Mądry the trees,” which is a reflec- artist Paweł Warchoł, was deals mainly with oil paint- tion of the artist’s favorite organized within the frame- ing and the batik technique. theme. The tree grows (up, work of the “European Mas- “For me, batik is inextrica- down, or horizontally) on ters of the drawing.” bly linked with decoration, the batik as an independent József Orci was born in 1944 but I also try not to avoid its “character” of the composi- in Budapest. He creates ink essence,” she syas about her tion stable, leafless and clear drawings and watercolors, art. in its structure as an apple often combining both tech- Batik is an ancient technique tree. Sometimes it happens niques in one work. “He is originating in Java. It con- that one of the elements of an analytical observer of the sists of the repeated paint- the presented world, cre- world around him, fasci- ing of a textile with hot wax ates shielding “umbrella” nated with nature, even in as well as dyeing. “Techni- for the melancholic, impres- the slightest, almost indis- cally, it is easy, but it con- sionistic human figures. The cernible ways. The works Photo: I YM C

HElp For AgnieszkA

uring the recent flood, the home of Agnieszka Okoń from Bieruń, a staff member of the International Youth Meeting DCenter, and mother of two children (a 9-month and 9-year- old), was flooded to its attic. The staff of the IYMC have Joachim Fährmann and ees of the IYMC for years joined in the help by organ- Dieter Achterman visited during their stays. Raising izing a collection among Oświęcim, and brought do- money for Agnieszka was themselves as well as invit- nations collected from the coordinated by Frank Patt, ing other people and institu- participants of seminars or- long-time organizer of the tions to take part. The col- ganized by IG Metall at the study visits by IG Metall lected aid for Agnieszka was IYMC. They emphasized workers to Oświęcim. handed to her by a member that the organization of aid The collected funds were of the Foundation for IYMC for the family was an act of donated for the purchase of Dr. Richard Pyritz. solidarity and gratitude for the most needed everyday On July 8, representatives the kindness that they have items that were lost to the of IG Metall Wolfsburg experienced from employ- flood. Photo: I YM C

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HATIKVA MEANS HOPE...

rom 17-19 of June this year, an uncommon cultural event with an international character took place in Oświęcim. Pop and classical music, film screenings, international food as well as exhibits, is, in short, what Ftook place this year during the first edition of Life Festival Oświęcim 2010—Festival for Peace, which was the brainchild of Oświęcim resident and known musical journalist at RMF FM Darek Maciborek and the organization created by him, Peace Festival Foundation. The main part of the festi- Association of Poland. took place in the suburbs of itism. It also has the goal of with any other form of tra- val were concerts, which Thanks to the well-planned the city during the Second building a new image of the ditional Jewish music. This took place on the main and widely publicized pro- World War at Auschwitz city of Oświęcim, as a city of modern, energetic reggae, is square, Rynek Główny (an motional activities, which with a message of peace peace, a place open to the di- a combination of new roots extraordinarily successful in the context of the town for the future. A message versity of the contemporary and dancehall, presenting inauguration and first large represents a major break- beyond the divides of cul- world and breaking down and promoting a new Israel party to take place after the through, information about ture, ethnicity, and politics. stereotypes. A concert by and the new—perhaps sur- “dissapearance” of the un- the festival was on many tel- The festival —as the organ- an Israeli group perfectly fit prising to some—the face of forgettable Tęcza building evision and radio stations, izers state on website—has into this concept. The music Israeli popular culture. The in 2009), as well as at the where OŚWIĘCIM was the goal of getting rid of of Hatikva 6 goes beyond band, whose Hebrew name MOSiR Stadium. During the mentioned in each case, but the prism of cultural differ- stereotypes… It has nothing means HOPE, comes from three days, several thousand the context was entirely dif- ences, racism, and anti-Sem- to do with klezmer music, or Ramat ha-Sharon. They people had the pleasure of ferent from what inhabitants watching many well-known of the city were accustomed artists perform. Oświęcim to, up to now… welcomed the Twinkle One of the discoveries of Brothers & Trebunie Tutki, the festival was the Israeli VOO VOO & UkraInni, Ka- reggae band Hatikva 6, sia Kowalska, Varius Manx, who, during their concert Ray Wilson and Genesis in the first days of the fes- Klassik, Nomada as well tival on the Main Square in as Mosa Sisic & The Gipsy Oświęcim played their mu- Express. So, it was interna- sic with natural force and tional and multi-ethnic… spread their message to the Jamaican, Polish Highland- several thousand gathered ers, Ukrainian, Roma, and there. Both the concert and Jewish… but in reality Is- the reaction of the audience raeli. This idea was after all exceded all expectations. a conscious decision by the The positive reception was organizers of the Festival for a positive surprise to the Is- Peace. Multi-nationalism is a raelis. It is worth to empha- value that should bring peo- size the word MESSAGE, ple together. Moreover, and and return once again to worth emphasizing, it was the same concept of the fes- a cooperative undertaking tival, where in such a sym- by many, &. two Oświęcim bolic place it is so important. based non-governmental It was possible to connect organizations, including the remembrance and dignity Photo: Danny Ghitis Jewish Center and the Roma for the tragic history that Hatikva 6 during their concert at Life Festival Oświęcim 2010

sing their songs in Hebrew, English, French and Patois (Jamaican English). Thanks to their extraordinarily energetic concerts, they have gar- nered a number of fans and have recently become the biggest Israeli reggae group. In 2007, their first single If I Will Meet God became a big hit in Israel. The same year, the group released their first album, with a guest ap- pearance by a legend of the Jamaican reggae scene— Luciano and Elana (former vocalist of the Wailers). The second album Afrokaliptus was released in 2009—this time done in cooperation with famous Jamaican reggae star—Anthony B. The band has performed twice in the United States in, among others, New York’s Central Park. Haktiva 6 is composed of: Omri Glikman—vo- cals, Shelly Glikman—key- boards, Michael Guy—bass guitar, and Ron Linial—per- cussion. After their return to Israel, the band will con- Photo: Danny Ghitis tinue to work on their third Hatikva 6 during their visit at the Jewish Center in Oświęcim, from the right: Shelly Glikman and Omri Glikman studio album, which is due

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out still in 2010. very symbolic for us vocalist The concert in Oświęcim Ormi Glikman commented was not only their first in before the concert. Poland, but also in Europe. As banal as it may sound, Moreover, the group’s visit music is the universal and to Poland and Oświęcim was international language of not just for purely artistic cooperation and the com- reasons, it also had a person- bined forces of various local al, symbolic, and emotional organizations, institutions, meaning. All the members and individuals show that of the group are grandchil- the project in Oświęcim can dren of Polish Jews. Until succeed, and not only meet now, this place— Ausch- the criteria of a high level witz —was only a symbol of artistry, where everyone of tragedy, which they re- could find something inter- membered from their school esting for themselves, but trip to Poland. This time, the also promote the city in an perspective was completely original way. Therefore, we different, and the group en- await Life Festival 2011! thusiastically approached More about the festival: the idea and concept of a www.lifefestival.pl Festival for Peace in a place ASz such as Oświęcim.” The Photo: Danny Ghitis victory of life over death is Hatikva 6 during their concert at Life Festival Oświęcim 2010 Cadets in Oświęcim

ourteen cadets of the Navy, Air Force, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy at West Point visited Oświęcim and Poland as part of the annual “American Academies Services Program” project of the Jewish Center. The pro- Fgram aim at the in-depth study of the history of the Holocaust and ethical issues related to the prevention of genocide.

The arrival in Poland was them with its Renaissance In the second part of the pro- with a Polish former prison- pants visited the site of the preceded by a preparatory Era Old Town and Wawel gram, the Americans came er, Ms. Zofia Łyś, who talked former Nazi death camp in course at the United States Castle. During the follow- to Oświęcim and its Jewish about how her family was Bełżec, and visited the newly Holocaust Memorial Muse- ing days, the guests from the Center, where they learned deported from the Zamość opened exhibition dedicated um and the Museum of Jew- US visited the former Jewish the history of the local Jew- area and their subsequent to people who lost their lives ish Heritage in New York, district of Kazimierz and the ish community and its con- tragic fate in Auschwitz. there. where participants met with site of the former ghetto of tribution to the develop- Thanks to a trip through The traditional end of their Holocaust survivors and Cracow. ment of the city. The visit to former Galicia, the cadets stay was a visit by the Amer- heard their histories and dis- In Cracow, the students also Auschwitz-Birkenau made learned the history of the ican guests to the Pieniny cussed the ethical challenges met with the Professor Lech a great impression on par- Jewish communities of the Mountains and a trek to the of a career officer in the army. Rościszewskim, who was ticipants, where educational region, who were killed Red Monastery on the Slovak The first Polish city to the awarded the title Righteous workshops were conducted, during the Holocaust. Af- side of the Dunajec River. cadets were introduced was Among the Nations for sav- and there was a special part ter the visit to Tarnów and Cracow, which enchanted ing Jews during the war. of the program—a meeting Łańcut, the program partici- Maciej Zabierowski Photo: Danny Ghitis

Cadets during their visit at the Jewish Center

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An interfaith meeting with Auschwitz

rom June 7 to 12, over 150 individuals came to Oświęcim, to take part in the yearly retreat organized by the “Zen Peacemakers” institute, which was created by Bernie FGlassman. perience was meditating the entire night in one of the barracks, when those willing shared their experiences with other participants. Taking part in the meditation both on the ramp as well as in the barrack during the night vigil was also exceptional thanks to August Kowalczyk—a Polish prisoner, who on June 10, on the anniversary of his escape from Auschwitz, shared his experiences in the camp and that of his further work in promoting reconciliation among nations. For Au- gust, these were not the first mediations on the ramp at Birkenau. He took part in the Peacemaker retreat in 1998.

During the last day spent at Photo: CDP Photo: CDP Birkenau, the group walked together through the camp, This retreat “Bearing Wit- terfaith character: taking part maker group took part in the After the morning meetings, stopping at stations, where ness” has already taken place in them have been Jews, Bud- weeklong retreat. the group spent most of the they prayed for, among oth- for 14 years. It was started dhists, Catholics, and Mus- day on the ramp at Birkenau ers, the victims, but also in 1996 by Bernie Glass- lims from all over the world. Each day started at the Center meditating in silence, read- for the perpetrators. Father man, who together with for Dialogue and Prayer with ing out the names of the Manfred and Rabbi Ohad led Eve Marko, organized the The basis for these meetings meetings in small groups, led victims who were murdered these stations. first group of Peacemakers are three tenants created by leaders of various faiths. in Auschwitz, while deal- to come to Oświęcim and by the Zen Peacemakers: This was an important time ing with the unusually hot As opposed to the morning spend a week in November “Not-knowing”—thereby for participants, where in an June weather. Apart from meetings in small groups, to meditate at the site of the giving up fixed ideas about atmosphere of mutual re- daily meditation in the camp, evening meetings included former Auschwitz-Birkenau ourselves and the universe, spect they spoke about their there was time for Jewish, all 150 participants together. Concentration Camp and in “bearing witness”—to the experiences. Individuals Buddhist and Christian reli- During these meetings, those this way bear witness, honor joy and suffering of the who come for these retreats gious ceremonies conducted willing shared their insights the memory of those who world, and “loving actions” often have a very personal in smaller groups by the arising from the stay in the were killed, by experiencing —towards ourselves and connection to Auschwitz and clergy of the given religion, camp and also their experi- “not knowing and personal others. In the spirit of these the Holocaust through their while the Kaddish—the Jew- ences arising directly or indi- suffering.” three tenants, participants ancestors, and the morning ish prayer for the dead - he rectly from the subject of the experience Auschwitz. meetings allow them to open was said together in four Holocaust or Auschwitz. These extraordinary retreats up and because of this better languages under the care have, from the beginning, This time, it was not Novem- experience this place. of Rabbi Ohad Ezrahi. An This year’s retreat was miss- had an international and in- ber, but June that the Peace- extraordinary spiritual ex- ing Marian Kołodziej, who had taken part in the groups meetings every year. He was remembered by the participants while in the camp and during their visit to his exhibit Memory Images: Laby- rinths. One of the evenings featured the presentation of a new film made by one of the participants that tells Kołodziej’s history.

The retreat ended with a Sabbath dinner led by Rabbi Ohad. With a love for life, another retreat of the Peace- makers has ended in Ausch- witz.

Photographs show participants of the retreat on the grounds of the farmer camp Auschwitz II- Birkenau

Information about the Zen Peace- makers Institute can be found online: www.zenpeacemakers.org Photo: CDP

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A Sharing of Testimonies: Survivors of Hiroshima visit Auschwitz-Birkenau

group of eight Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) participating in the Global Voy- age for a Nuclear-Free World: Peace Boat Hibakusha Project visited Oświęcim to see A another side of World War II. as Second Generation Hiba- kusha, and Japanese youth working together with the Hibakusha on their voyage for peace. These eight are part of the approximately 250,000 survivors now officially certi- fied by the Japanese govern- ment. Having departed from Japan on April 16, they have travelled around the world as they share their testimonies with people in different countries. They have met with victims of war around the world, including people in Viet Nam

Photo: CDP affected by Agent Orange/ A participant of the Peace Boat Hibakusha project Dioxin, and learned more about the history of World Peace Boat is a Japan-based, past war responsibility and to War II—including Japan’s international NGO that has form bridges in order to build militarism and atrocities com- Photo: CDP been working since 1983 to a peaceful, sustainable future. mitted throughout the Asia- Wilhelm Brasse—former Auschwitz prisoner promote peace and sustain- Combining this focus on rec- Pacific region. However, the ability, mainly through the onciliation and the Hibaku- visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was a very special occasion the importance of their own organization of educational sha’s calls for peace, this visit was the first time for the for the survivors of two dif- role to pass their experiences peace voyages onboard a to Auschwitz-Birkenau was Hibakusha to witness person- ferent World War II tragedies on the next generation and large passenger ship. The a long-held dream for Peace ally the legacy of such an in- to meet directly, and share prevent such horrors from Peace Boat Hibakusha Project Boat that could finally be re- stitutionalized massacre. their experiences with each ever occurring again. invites survivors of the atom- alized. other and with the young ic bombings of Hiroshima The Hibakusha visited rainy people of Poland and Japan. Upon reflection, the Hiba- and Nagasaki to join global Eight Hibakusha joined this Auschwitz and Birkenau in While the Hibakusha are nor- kusha said that this visit and voyages and share their testi- visit, including some who silence, humbled by the ex- mally in the role of giving tes- sharing exposed to them the monies of the horrors of war, had been teenagers at the perience. The visit hit every timony themselves, they had weakness of human beings as well as link together with time and directly experienced member of the group with the opportunity to listen to —that they can be capable victims of other wars and the devastating bombings the immense magnitude and Mr. Brasse. They were deeply of doing things unthinkable with youth around the world of Hiroshima and Nagasaki cruelty of the massacre that moved by the power of his during peacetime. Some of to jointly express their mes- in 1945 which killed an esti- was perpetrated there. In the clear, detailed testimony, and the group also acknowledged sages for peace and nuclear mated 160,000 people then. afternoon, Hibakusha met his manifest sense of respon- that the Japanese military abolition. Also amongst the group were with Mr. Wilhelm Brasse, sibility and passion to pass on also committed similar atroci- those who were affected by a 92-year-old survivor of his experiences and message ties in countries throughout Peace Boat was started as radiation after the explosion, Auschwitz, and a group of to the next generation. Listen- Asia. The common recogni- a way to educate youth to in utero at the time, or the young people in the Center ing to Mr. Brasse’s testimony tion of all participants was come to terms with Japan’s child of survivors—known for Dialogue and Prayer. This reminded the Hibakusha of that neither what happened in Auschwitz and throughout the Holocaust, nor what happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was justifiable, and must be prevented from ever being repeated.

Although the visit was brief, the experience of visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Mu- seum and meeting with Mr. Brasse and Polish high school students affected the Hibaku- sha deeply. Peace Boat hopes to continue to work with the Center for Dialogue and Prayer, and in the future regularly organize similar programs to allow more people, especially youth who have limited access to the legacy and memory of World War II, the opportunity to also be exposed to what the Hibaku- sha experienced during this exchange. For more information about Peace Boat, visit:www.peaceboat.org/

Photo: CDP english .index.html Meeting with Wilhelm Brasse—former Auschwitz prisoner

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Historia Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 27, July 2010

PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL VESTIGES OF HISTORY FROM THE COLLECTIONS JANINA CZERNEK OF THE AUSCHWITZ MUSEUM (1917-2000, married name: Komusińska) as anyone ever wondered how many 1939, Janina began an intern- house she had lived in be- prisoners of Auschwitz used spoons? ship at the local Metal Roll- fore being expelled. She Seemingly a simple question, but in ing Mill. remained in contact with H the case of Auschwitz there are no simple an- In the autumn of 1940, she the prisoners who came to swers. In reality, it was quite various. came into contact with carry out various kinds of Auschwitz prisoners for repair work at the Petersen the first time when the sur- offices, supplying them with veyors’ detail was carry- food, medicine, and litur- ing out measurements near gical items, and receiving her home. She joined other their illegal correspondence.

women in supplying them She also put out food for the Photo: agju with food. With the consent prisoners working on the A wooden spoon of the SS men, the prisoners new road from Oświęcim to went to the home of Helena Dwory. She continued her Some received a spoon to- hungry. We were made hap- Stupka, one of the organizers aid work until the end of the gether with a bowl. Czesław py when we noticed the even- Born in Straszęcin, near of the relief movement. They war. Arkuszyński has written ing soup pot was brought to Dębica, on November 20, received food and medicine After the war, in 1946, in Oś: “A less sympathetic us. Our joy did not last long. It 1917, she was the third, there and secretly dropped she ran a stationery store. Stubendienst gave me a cup, turned out that for every five youngest child of Alfred off letters to their families. In 1947, she married bowl and spoon, and pointed women there was one small and Aniela (née Kurczak). Janina mailed these letters Władysław Komusiński out my bed. ... The spoon was container of soup, and we Janina’s father was an estate or delivered them person- and later had three children, made of steel and was com- were not given any spoons for manager in the Rzeszów ally to the addressees. Zbigniew, Jan, and Anna. pletely rusty. I spent more the soup. The first woman in area, which meant that the In 1941, the Czernek family After the birth of the chil- than an hour scrubbing it in the five had to eat a bit of soup family frequently moved. was ordered to leave their dren, she no longer went out the sand behind Block num- and give it to her neighbor. Janina graduated from gim- home, which was taken to work and stayed home to ber 23.” Since it was very hot it could nazjum and commercial over by the Germans. They care for her family. In 1967, Metal spoons were much not be quickly consumed. The school in Nowy Sącz, and moved to a new address they moved to Krzeszowice, more common than the waiting women yelled at her: also attended Alfred Ter- near the Oświęcim Main and in the following year to wooden ones made in the “Hey! Give us some! Give us lecki’s Private School of Fine Square, and Janina went to Mikuszowice (near Bielsko), camp. In many cases, the the bowl! … Everything possible was done to degrade us Arts in Cracow. work for the German Anhalt where she died on April 14, prisoner had no spoon at all. and bring out our animal in- Several years before the Company (the prewar Pi- 2000. Moreover, it was not necessary. The soup could be stincts,” Sara Urbach wrote in start of the Second World ast Cooperative). In the fall After the war, in recognition drunk straight from the bowl. her testimony. War, her family moved to of 1941, she was employed of her service, she received Alfred Fiderkiewicz writes in In many ways, wooden Oświęcim, living near the by the Petersen Company, the Oświęcim Cross. his book: “Having received spoons were not perfect. train station. In August, which had its offices in the the the soup for the first time, They were large and injured we stood over bowl in fours the corners of the mouth, and and did not know what to do. it was difficult to keep them FROM GANOBIS’S CABINET We had no spoons ... Finally, clean. But it was better than following the example of oth- not having a spoon at all. ers, we started to lap the soup Despite its drawbacks for the ecently, I have been dealing with the out of the bowl, but somehow prisoner it was a real treasure, we were not successful. We as evidenced by the fact that matter of locating and photographing looked at each other. Some wooden spoons that have all the bunkers and air raid shelters in people spit out everything, been preserved, were found R others only potato peels and in various hiding places in the our city. What interested me above all was weeds. Soon we learned to eat attics of the housing blocks. the area from the Old Town to Monowice. the entire contents of the bowl The way the yellow spoon Initially this seemed to be enough, because I as well as to lick the bowls was decorated (not even tak- did not know that the Germans built as many completely clean.” In some ing into account the name, as 150 shelters during the occupation. So far, parts of the camp to have a which may have been a spoon was even prohibited. pseudonym) indicates that I have found 45. Spoons made in the camp its owner was a woman. The workshops were not paint- number “30921” marked one was in each of the halls. mal, but I decided to take ed or even signed, this one of the Jewish women who In the nearby Monowice, it with me. After cleaning it is special. Its handle was was deported to Auschwitz where there was a sub-camp at home, I found something painted yellow and on one in January 1943, transported Monowitz III, apart from written on it: S.A. 10 1941, side black paint was used to from the ghetto in Grodno. bunkers I came across sev- imprinted in the porcelain. inscribe the name “Zośka,” Out of the 3,650 men women eral interesting places. In I decided to return to the and the other side is the camp and children, after the se- addition to the supports, place where I found the in- number “30921.” At the top of lection, only 365 men and which held up the roofs of sulators to look for another. the handle is a hole drilled in 229 women were sent to the the barracks, I was able to I found several, but they the handle, which probably camp. The others were most photograph one of the few did not have any writing served to tie the spoon to a likely killed in gas chambers. standing barracks. As it belt. Thanks to that its owner It is unknown if she managed Photo: M . Ganobis’s archive on them. I wondered what turned out, during the occu- happened to the rest of the could always have it with to survive. No documents Insulator found on the site of the them as well as make sure about a prisoner with that former electricity distribution center pation, the barrack was the insulators because in the one where the Germans had electrical distribution center that no one else would take number have been found, so I set my goal to locate and their offices. there must have been many. it as their own. Perhaps the we do not know whether she in a sense inventory them. My attention was drawn to I have not fully resolved spoon was not necessary, but managed to survive. Some Walking around the areas the red brick buildings quite another mystery, but I have it allowed one to retain the women from this transport were taken to the Raven- where they are or were locat- far from each other. These saved another item, along remnants of human dignity, sbrück camp. ed, I ended up in the end on were electricity distributors. with the memory of the just to eat soup, “like a person.” In many cases, it helped The spoon was found on the the site of the former Buna After walking into one of times and the people of the in life, because sometimes the site of the former Auschwitz IG Farben. As I walked past them, I noticed something sub-camp Monowitz III. soup was hot and they had to camp after the War. the buildings, which are ru- lying on the ground. It was a eat quickly. Agnieszka Sieradzka ins today, I wondered what porcelain insulator, black in ABSM Collections Departme color. It looked rather nor- Mirosław Ganobis “I will never forget the first meal in camp. We were very

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 27, July 2010 Photographer

The concert of Mazel Tov! Cocktail Hour band took place on July 4, 2010 at the Jewish Center. The band plays klezmer music. The Oświęcim audience, attending the concert in large numbers, had an opportunity to admire their Photo Journal artistic performance. Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek Photo: Dominik Smolarek

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