O Ś WIĘ CIM ISSN 1899-4407 PEOPLE

CULTURE HISTORY

ARBEIT MACHT FREI SIGN REASSEMBLED OSHPITZIN—A GUIDE TO JEWISH OŚWIĘCIM AND GERMANS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS

no. 30 June 2011 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 30, June 2011

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

Conservators from the Auschwitz met to discuss the future of the Memo- From this month’s edition, we begin Memorial Site have reassembled and rial Site located in Ponary, Lithuania. the presentation of the guide Oshpitzin, restored the original sign, bearing the Among those joining in this discussion which has been prepared by the Jewish inscription Arbeit macht frei, which was was Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński, the di- Center. In the middle of this publication

destroyed by thieves. In Oś you can rector of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State you will fi nd a map and a description of read about how the restoration work Museum. the fi rst of several buildings and sites, Editor: progressed as well as see photographs Human Rights Yesterday—Human thanks to which you can learn about Paweł Sawicki documenting the work that was done. Rights Today. The Resistance Movement the Jewish history of Oświęcim. In this Editorial secretary: Among other issues relating to conser- and Civil Courage—is the title of the Oś, we also publish an interview with Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka vation, recent meetings devoted to this second meeting in the Polish-German David G. Marwell, the director of the Editorial board: subject were held by the Board of Trus- youth exchange, which can be read Museum of Jewish Heritage in New Bartosz Bartyzel tees of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foun- about on the pages of the International York, which is affi liated with the Jew- Wiktor Boberek dation and The International Ausch- Youth Meeting Center. There you will ish Center in Oświęcim. Jarek Mensfelt Olga Onyszkiewicz witz Council. In this issue you will also fi nd information about a seminar Paweł Sawicki Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech fi nd reports from both events. We also on forced migration of Germans and Editor-in-chief Artur Szyndler report on the meeting of experts who Poles. [email protected] Columnist: Mirosław Ganobis Design and layout: Agnieszka Matuła, Grafi kon Translations: A GALLERY OF THE 20TH CENTURY David R. Kennedy Proofreading: Beata Kłos During the spring season we will once Ślosarczykowa from the years of youth. from time to time, to spend time in the again—in the freshness and warmth— This historical narrative, a story about doctor’s home! Cover: Paweł Sawicki look at the palace on Jagiełły Street. We Maria, was heard by Mrs. Kunegunda These trips—but under what circum- Miejsce Pamięci Buchenwald have been there many times before— from Dr. Maria herself, during one of stances and at which point, we do not Photographer: both around and inside of it—so this the many neighborly meetings and con- know—were the beginning of an ac- Paweł Sawicki time it will be our last, farewell visit! versations. In the life of Mrs. Maria, who quaintanceship between Mrs. Maria and In today’s palace, once generally known was already married at the time, there the then very famous prose writer and as the “Mrs. Doctor’s Villa,” there lived, was a period where she traveled and playwright Tadeusz Rittner! This au- for a time, a well-known and regarded took many trips to various countries, es- thor’s work still appears in the theater PUBLISHER: Oświęcim pre- as well as post war teach- pecially to the Mediterranean area, such and in televised plays: In a Small house, er, named Kunegunde Etgens. She came as, Italy, Greece, the Balkans... The crea- Dumb Jakub, and Wolves in the Night.” Auschwitz-Birkenau from a family of teachers—her brother tive yield of these voyages, most prob- The nature or type of relationship, Mrs. State Museum was the headmaster of the school on ably resulting from the needs of Maria’s Kunegunda could not, or did not want Chrzanowska Street. After some time artistic soul and the desire to experience to talk about. Were they just acquaint- www.auschwitz.org.pl she left her home in the palace, and many sensations and emotions, was a ances, friends, was it an artistic relation- moved to the neighboring building, in rich collection of artworks painted by ship, or perhaps somehow intimate and other words, “to my building.” Neigh- the lady herself: landscapes of the Italian romantic? It was short-lived and it was PARTNERS: borly and social contacts were some- coasts and its islands, the panoramas of intense, just that... times frequent in nature and interesting, towns, and even portraits. She also kept The villa, known as the palace today, Jewish full of diffi cult current issues, but also of a diary, but we do not know anything was thickly overgrown with vines and Center various stories and reminiscences. Well, about its contents. The watercolors and housed within itself this mysterious and www.ajcf.pl here is one of the historical tales—as it oil paintings of various sizes decorated enigmatic fi gure, of whom we know is so beautifully said today—a tale told her apartment and were—thanks to something, but not very much... by Mrs. Kunegunda and one I managed their quantity and colorful nature—the to remember, concerning Dr. Maria cause of my delight when I happened, 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 Schoolol in Oświęcim www.pwsz-oswiecim.pl

Editorial address: „Oś – Oświęcim, Ludzie, Historia, Kultura” Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 20 Photo: kasztelania.pl 32-603 Oświęcim e-mail: [email protected] Jagiełły Street, 1940s. Photo from Mirosław Ganobis’s collection

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CONSERVATIONISTS AT THE MEMORIAL PUT THE ARBEIT MACHT FREI SIGN BACK TOGETHER he Arbeit macht frei sign over the historical gate of the Auschwitz I main camp has been put back together after being destroyed by thieves. Detailed analysis and expert advice enabled conservationists to restore it to Talmost exactly the condition it was in before the theft. Further measures will be taken to protect the inscrip- tion, which will probably be placed in the Museum exhibition in the future. important that the research by welding them with TIG, conducted on this object will which made it possible to have enormous signifi cance retain the maximum amount in the conservation of other of the original material as original metal objects from well as make very strong the camp in the future,” said welds. In order to obtain the Andrzej Jastrzębiowski. best visual effect, we applied The discovery of historical the fi nishing touches with a tubing with the same cross- laser. This method made it section and made from an possible to perform excep- identical alloy of steel was tionally precise spot welds, a great help in selecting thanks to which they are in the method for reassembly. effect invisible. That was “Thanks to this, we were able our objective. We wanted to carry out a range of tests to eliminate all the damage on the method of welding, infl icted during the theft, re- above all. This kind of ma- turning the sign to its origi- terial is very hard to obtain nal condition,” said Andrzej Sawicki ł today because low-carbon Jastrzębiowski. rimmed steel is hardly ever The conservationists will produced. With historical complete the job by carrying material of the same proper- out a fi nal examinations of Photo: Pawe ties we were able to choose the protective surfaces and Conservation works on the Arbeit macht frei sign with great precision the applying measures to pro- optimal method for joining tect the object from corro- “The theft and destruction of rial conservators were also of the various components. the components, the proper sion. In the future, the origi- the Arbeit macht frei sign was Andrzej Jastrzębiowski and Use of a borescope and a brazing, and the welding nal inscription will probably a symbolic attack on remem- Margrit Bormann. magnafl ux defectoscope technique and parameters,” be located in the new main brance. In this case it was not Conservationists fi rst set made it possible to identify said Żydzik-Białek. exhibition at the Memorial, only a matter of an object of about making a detailed the smallest fl aws in the met- The sign was straightened which is currently in devel- extraordinary historical sig- record of the state that the al, which were not visible to under the supervision of a opment. “Conservation con- nifi cance, but also one of the object was in, photograph- the naked eye. The protec- master locksmith with vast siderations and the overall most infamous slogans of ing it in visible, ultraviolet, tive coating was subjected experience in working vari- security of the object will totalitarian propaganda, an and infrared light. They to separate testing. All of ous alloys of metal. Two be decisive,” said Director especially powerful warn- also scanned it in three di- this made it possible to work complementary methods for Cywiński. ing today against the mad- mensions and analyzed the out a safe program for the welding were selected. “We ness of nationalism, racism, makeup and tensile strength conservation work. “It’s also fi rst joined the components Paweł Sawicki and antisemitism. The per- petrators nearly achieved their heinous goal, but they did not succeed,” said Mu- seum Director Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński. “We were mindful that the conserva- tion work had to be carried out in the best way possible. After all, the number of his- torical heritage objects that exist in today and are so well known all over the world can be counted on the fi ngers of one hand,” he added. The sign was in very bad shape when it arrived in the conservation workshop. “The thieves cut it into few pieces, bending and frac- turing the metal tubes. We therefore had to deal not only with bending in the horizontal plane, but also with twisting and crush- ing. Many of the compo- nents were deformed, and Sawicki the surface of the sign was ł scratched and dented,” said Agnieszka Żydzik-Białek, who coordinated the conser- vation process. In the team Photo: Pawe of the Auschwitz Memo- Reassembled sign

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TWENTY-FIRST SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL AUSCHWITZ COUNCIL

he fi nancial situation of museums located at the sites of former German and extermination centers, work on the new main exhibition, the new Russian exhibition, Sawicki ł T and the state of the preservation of the historic Arbeit macht frei sign were some of the subjects that the International Auschwitz Coun- cil considered. The two-day meeting in Oświęcim on June 1-2 was Photo: Pawe Twenty-fi rst session of the International Auschwitz Council chaired by Prof. Władysław Bartoszewski.

During his report on the extermination centers. In The Secretary of the Inter- scenario for the new Russian The Council also heard a work of the Memorial over many cases, the subsidies national Auschwitz Council exhibition at the Auschwitz- summary of the work of the the last half year, Director appropriated by the Polish reported on talks conducted Birkenau State Museum, Auschwitz-Birkenau Foun- Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński government do not cover all on this subject at govern- which is being prepared by dation, which has the task of spoke, among other things, the fi xed costs of these insti- ment level and announced the Museum of the Great raising €120 million for the about the very high levels of tutions, let alone providing that work has been renewed Patriotic War in Moscow. Emergency Fund to gener- attendance at the Memorial any possibility of carrying on systematic changes to The Council recommended ate income for the conserva- and the associated challeng- out large investments, long- the way the Memorials are the continuation of work in tion of relics of the former es, conservation work, and term conservation work, fi nanced. the direction indicated by camp. After somewhat more the perspectives for educa- or educational projects. In The Council familiarized the scenario, as well as des- than two years of operation, tion. He also submitted to the case of the Auschwitz- itself with the progress of ignating three representa- the Foundation has collected the Council members expert Birkenau State Museum, the work on the new main exhi- tives to observe the succeed- pledges for almost €85 mil- opinions on the future of the subsidy is suffi cient to cover bition at the Memorial and ing stages in the preparation lion. historic Arbeit macht frei sign only half the fi xed costs. also with the outlines of the of this exhibition. ps by conservationists who have almost fi nished work on the object. The experts state that the optimal temperature for preserving the sign is be- tween 17 and 19 degrees Celsius. Humidity must also be maintained at a constant level, and this cannot be ensured if the sign remains in the open air. For this rea- son, the original sign will become part of the future new main exhibition at the Memorial, where it will be accessible to all but secure. Members of the Council voiced no reservations in re- gard to this proposal. The most diffi cult subject on the International Ausch- witz Council agenda was Sawicki the fi nancial situation of ł Memorial sites established in Poland on the grounds of former German Nazi concentration camps and Photo: Pawe Twenty-fi rst session of the International Auschwitz Council

THIRD SESSION OF THE BOARD OF AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU FOUNDATION

lmost €85 million has been pledged to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation Perpetual Fund. That is almost three-fourths of the money necessary to ensure fi nancial security for a long-term plan for the Aconservation of the grounds of the Auschwitz Memorial. The Foundation Board met at the chancellery of the president of the council of ministers in . Professor Władysław Bartoszewski chaired the meeting.

The members of the Board sented by Finance Commit- 2010 by the KPMG fi rm, sented to the members of The Netherlands declared approved the Foundation tee Chairman Józef Wancer. which contained the best the Board. their support during the Report for 2010 and the The audit of the Founda- possible fi nding, “without Such countries as the Unit- second year of the Founda- annual fi nancial plan pre- tion’s fi nances for 2009 and reservations,” was also pre- ed States, Great Britain, and tion’s work. “In the near-

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est future further talks will be held with Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and sev- eral other countries,” said Foundation General Direc- tor Jacek Kastelaniec. “We also want to raise money from individuals, compa- nies, and corporations.” An important item on the agenda was the current preservation condition of the Auschwitz Memorial. The approved Foundation annual plan envisions the beginning of the fi rst large projects fi nanced by the income from the Perpetual Fund in the coming year. The priority will be secur- ing 45 brick barracks on the grounds of the former Ausch- witz II-Birkenau camp. The task of the Auschwitz- Birkenau Foundation, es- tablished in 2009, is to amass a sum of €120 million that will earn income mak- ing it possible to preserve the remains of the former German Nazi Concentra- tion and Auschwitz which are endangered by the passage of time. Photo: Jan Mencwel FAB/ps Third session of the Board of Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation ABOUT PONARY IN VILNIUS

t the invitation of Andrius Kubilius, the prime minister of Lithuania, a group of experts met in Vilnius with the goal of holding a debate with the persons in the Lithuanian government responsible for the reorganiza- Ation of the Memorial in Ponary. Among the group of experts were Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Jacek Nowakowski of the Washington Holocaust Museum, Avner Shalev, di- rector of the Jerusalem Institute, and Piotr Tarnowski of the Stutthof Museum.

Also participating in the in contemporary Lithuania causes disorientation among experience in teaching about subject of and meeting were Arunas Gelu- that considered the form of the few visitors and makes genocide, the many dimen- extermination policies dur- nas, Lithuanian Minister of the commemoration of the it diffi cult to understand sions of education among ing the war, and Lithuanian Culture, and ambassadors victims of extermination in the course of the tragedy today’s generation of young schools do not visit the new and diplomats from Poland, Ponary. that occurred in this place people, and the role of memo- commemoration in Ponary Israel, the United States, and “Today the space of the place during the war,” adds Piotr ry in shaping identity. Above on a mass scale. Germany, as well as repre- of the mass execution in the Cywiński. all, however, they all felt that As a result of this meet- sentatives of Jewish circles forest outside Vilnius is built The meeting was part of the there is no sense in creating a ing Rolanda Kvietkauskas, and Vilnius Poles and Lithu- around with various monu- Lithuanian effort to create new legibility of a Memorial the advisor to the Lithu- anian institutions concerned ments from various epochs, a completely new concept if no concrete educational anian culture minister who with remembrance and mon- sometimes bearing contra- for the Memorial at Ponary. policy comes into being, if is in charge of the project, uments. It was the fi rst inter- dictory contents,” says Dr. Experts told about the role Lithuanian teachers are not announced ambitious ef- national working meeting Piotr M. A. Cywiński. “This of authenticity and personal prepared for lessons on the forts aimed at formulating the fi rst proposals for con- crete suggestions before the end of this year on the basis of guidelines based on the priority of respecting the authenticity of Ponary as a site that should take its place in the awareness of future generations and the decided linking of this place with the Lithuanian educational sys- tem. The Germans, with consid- erable help from Lithuanian collaborationist units, com- mitted the murder, accord- ing to estimates, of about seventy thousand , more than ten thousand Poles, and smaller groups of prisoners of war and Lithu- Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński at the meeting of experts anians.

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HUMAN RIGHTS YESTERDAY—HUMAN RIGHTS TODAY. THE RESISTANCE MOVEMENT AND CIVIL COURAGE

nder this title, in the surroundings of the picturesque scenery of the castle in Bad Liebenzell, the second meeting took place of the German-Polish youth exchange, which has been organized cooperatively by the International UYouth Meeting Center in Oświęcim and the Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell in Bad Liebenzell. The participants were un- dergraduates from Weil der Stadt, as well as from Kęty, Tychy, and students of Ger- man studies from the Higher Vocational State School in Oświęcim. During the seminar’s Decem- ber meeting in Oświęcim, the participants analyzed the subject of resistance and civil courage from a histori- cal perspective, mainly that which occurred during the Second World War. During their weeklong stay at the International Youth Meet- ing Center, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the acts of civil cour- age carried out by prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the forms of resistance in the Cracow Ghetto, as well as the structure of the resistance movement in Nazi occupied Poland. The main subject of the May meeting in Bad Liebenzell were the contemporary forms of opposition that are available to citizens living in democratic societies. The participants worked together BBhrochure created dbh by the group worki ki“Fdng on “Forced prost ii”itution” pro ject in the attempt to answer the questions: What is civil cour- pants, but also their thought- wars, the exploitation of age today? What is necessary ful analysis of current world minors, illegal organ trans- Participation in the seminar entitled Resistance and to show civil courage? What events. The phenomena most plants, forced prostitution, Civil Courage held in Bad Liebenzell in May 2011, was brings about your outrage? troubling to the young peo- and systematic bullying. a wonderful experience for us. It provided us with an The answers to these ques- ple included: social divisions, The next stage of the project unforgettable week of a multitude of experiences, and tions not only showed the poverty and unemployment, was to start work on one of led us to refl ect upon and consider the issues that affect civil maturity of the partici- prejudice, discrimination, the selected topics. Partici- society. The knowledge we gained during the media workshops will certainly be useful to us in the future. Analyzing the examples of civil courage, in the context of forced prostitution, made us aware of the sad and tragic fate that awaits the young and vulnerable girls, doomed to a life of pain and suffering. Fully dependent on their “recruiters,” they are stripped of all rights and dignity; they become the possessions of people who are strangers to them. With the information gained, we could prepare a presentation and, thus, illustrate to oth- ers that a problem exists and work together in consider- ing how to combat this. This is what our moral courage is based upon. Another aspect that we will warmly reminisce about was the incredible atmosphere that permeated our joint meetings. We were pleasantly surprised by the open- ness of the participants, their creativity, and ingenu- ity. Our cooperative work fostered the strengthening of Polish-German ties. Despite cultural differences and the language barrier, we worked well together and the friendships we made are ones that we will try and maintain. This trip was extremely valuable to us and will long remain in our hearts. We hope that next year we will return to Bad Liebenzell, so that we can con- tinue to work on international and intercultural coop- eration. Participants of the project: Monika and Iza Photo: Olga Onyszkiewicz Participants of the seminar at the offi ce of BUND organization in Stuttgart

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 30, June 2011 Photo: Olga Onyszkiewicz Participants working on their project Presentation of the blog of the “Integration” project pants were divided into two ing the relationship between folder was handed out on the for many months now, it is Liebenzell as well as trips to Polish-German groups. One Germans and the Turkish streets of Stuttgart, while the also the cause of disputes be- Stuttgart, they had the oppor- of the groups chose the topic minority to the entire group. group performed interviews tween his supporters and op- tunity to see Calw’s beautiful of integration of foreigners Comments relating to the with the public. The recorded ponents. The discussion with Old Town and also visit the into German society, and the entries by the young Turkish material, to the surprise of Mr. Merks made the young Museum of Herman . “I second addressed the issue of woman were various, how- this working group’s partici- people aware of the forms of sincerely thank you for such forced prostitution. Both top- ever, dominated by words of pants, showed there is a low opposition that are available a wonderful exchange. This ics required the young people sympathy and understanding level of awareness when it to citizens living in democrat- is the fi rst time that I feel so to gather extensive informa- for her diffi cult situation as came to the problem of forced ic societies, the great power good away from home that I tion on the project they had well as wonder at how well prostitution and the oppor- of collective opposition, and do not even want to return,” selected. Young people took she is coping within her new tunities to help the victims the importance of working in wrote one of the Polish par- advantage from not only the reality. There also appeared of this crime. It also revealed cooperation towards a good ticipants in her evaluation of resources of the internet, but upsetting, aggression fi lled, that most respondents would cause. the project. also conducted the interviews and very clear statements prefer not to engage in the An important element of the The seminar was possible with the public and met with suggesting that she should fi ght against negative phe- youth exchange—above and thanks to the fi nancial sup- a representative of the Ger- get out of Germany as quickly nomena. They remain pas- beyond the cooperative work port of the Bundesvereinigun man-Turkish Forum in Stutt- as possible. sive and pretend that nothing on the project—is the integra- kultureller Jugendbildung gart. Then, during the media The second group decided to workshops—together with prepare a multimedia pres- media specialists: Gianna entation in which on one side Scharnber and Henrike Zel- they presented the problem ler—they selected material of forced prostitution and on and the methods of presenta- the other, the social attitudes tion. to the victims of this crime. The fi rst group decided to Participants also developed a create and run a blog. Togeth- brochure aimed at encourag- er, along with a young female ing action in this area. It con- immigrant from Turkey that tained information about the the group met online, the par- organizations supporting vic- ticipants analyzed the blog’s tims of forced prostitution as entries. Next, they presented well as the people who would selected fragments illustrat- like to help these victims. This Photo: Olga Onyszkiewicz Participants working on their project wrong is happening around tion of the group, by learning [Bundesvereinigun Cul- them “for their own safety.” more about their partners, tural Youth Education], the An important element of the their background as well as Polish-German Youth Coop- program was also a meet- everyday life. The partici- eration [Polsko-Niemiecka ing in Stuttgart with Jürgen pants agree that both the at- Współpraca Młodzieży], Merks, responsible for the mosphere within the group Vereinigte Volksbank, and issues of environmental pro- and the Polish-German coop- Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw. tection in the BUND organi- eration in the development of Gertrud Gandenberger con- zation, who highlighted the the selected subject areas was ducted the project in coopera- problems associated with the entirely positive. The partici- tion with Olga Onyszkiewicz plan to build a new railway pants enjoyed the accommo- (of the International Youth station in Stuttgart, the so- dations at the castle, praised Meeting Center), Elmar called “Stuttgart 21” as well as the good organization of the Kurz (apprentice), and Anna “K21,” the alternative project. seminar, great food, and the Lachendro (translator). This subject is the cause of opportunity to learn about numerous discussions among the surrounding area. In ad- Photo: Olga Onyszkiewicz politicians, environmental- dition to the walks around Author and Photographer: Participants’ answer to the question: What brings about your outrage? ists, as well as investors and the charming retreat of Olga Onyszkiewicz

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OSHPITZIN. A GUIDE

elow we publish the fi rst part of the fi rst guide to the Jew- ish history of Oświęcim—”Oszpicin.” This is the result of OSHPITZIN ten years of historical research and collecting materials by B The Jews in Oświęcim named their town Oshpitzin, the Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oświęcim. The publication is ac- which means “guests” in Yiddish (from Aramaic Ushpi- companied by a www.oszpicin.pl website which presents a vir- zin). The term Oshpitzin is derived from a Jewish tradi- tual map of the Jewish town, accounts of former residents of the tion according to which biblical fi gures known as the Seven Faithful Shephards (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Mo- town, videos, photos as well as lesson plans for educators. On ses, Aaron, Joseph, and David) visit the sukkah during the next page of the magazine you can fi nd the city map with all the festival of Sukkot. The story has it that Oświęcim the objects on it. was always a friendly town for all persecuted Jews seek- ing asylum.

places where Jewish peo- ple were gathered before 1 deportations to ghettos in 1941.

KORNREICH JAN SKARBEK AND (15.Jun 1885-2.Feb 1951) DATTNER FAMILIES HOUSE was born in Paszczyna (then Dębica district, Rzeszów Before WWII, four fami- County). He studied theol- lies lived in the house at ogy at Jagiellonian Univer- Kościelna Street, including sity and was ordained as a two Jewish families, the Korn- priest in 1909. He was also reichs, and the Dattners. Kościelna Street (today Father Jan Skarbek Square), a Law alumni at the same with the Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot Synagogue (left) Zvi Elimelech Hirsch Korn- and Kornreich and Dattner Families House (today Jewish Center). university. In 1926, he was reich was born in 1924 and Photo wasprobably taken during transferred to Assumption grew up in this house. Zvi the deportation of Oświęcim Jews, 1941 of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated his bar mitzvah in Oświęcim. Since com- at the Chevra Lomdei Mish- infl uenced by different his- ing to Oświęcim, he had nayot synagogue in 1937. 2 torical events, inclduing friendly relations with the In 1945 he returned to his Tatar and Swedish inva- local Jewish Community. hometown. Unfortunately sions from the 13th and 17th Thanks to him, to a large he was the only survivor CHURCH centuries, respectively, and degree, both Christians numerous fi res. The present from the entire family of OF THE ASCENSION and Jews have remembered over 100 people. Today appearance of the building Oświęcim as a place of good Hirsch Kornreich with his OF THE BLESSED is from the end of the 19th relations between these two descendants lives in the VIRGIN MARY century. communities. The priest United States. Descendants also became friends with from the Dattner family Most likely, a wooden JAN SKARBEK Eliyahu Bombach (1883- also live in the U.S. Since church was in place of the SQUARE 1943), the Chief Rabbi of Father Jan Skarbek 2000, the Auschwitz Jewish present building during Oświęcim. In 1934, as a Center has been located in the 12th century. The ap- During the war, Jan Skar- member of Oświęcim’s City the house. pearance of the church was bek Square was one of many Council, Skarbek received the title of Honorary Citi- zen of Oświęcim. He was unanimously voted in by Christian and Jewish mem- bers of the council. The resolution which assigned the title to the priest was adopted on June 20 and the Mayor of the town, Roman Mayzel, introduced him as “a citizen who does not recognize any religious or social differences between the citizens.” Well-known Jewish daily from Cracow “Nowy Dziennik” called him a man with “crystal character.” Priest Jan Skarbek was ac- tive in many charity, social and educational organiza- tions. During the Second World War, he and his fel- low priests were involved in helping the prisoners of KL Auschwitz. As a result of his activities, at the end of 1942, he was arrested by and kept im- Kluger family: Fryda, holding prisoned. He returned to Bronia, Moshe (foreground), Icchak, Szymon and Helena (maid), Kościelna Street (today Father Jan Skarbek Square), 1901 Oświęcim in 1945. He be- holding Melech. 1930’s

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came involved in looking Jakób Teichner. In 1962 after liberated prisoners at its owner became Szymon PKC hospital in Oświęcim. Kluger, son of Symcha and After the war, he stayed in Fryda. During the Holo- touch with former Jewish caust Symcha, Fryda and six residents of Oświęcim who of their children perished. survived the Holocaust and Only Szymon, Moshe, and lived abroad. He passed Bronia survived. After away on February 2, 1951. WWII, Bronia and Moshe emigrated to the United States. Szymon settled in 3 Sweden and worked there until 1961, at which point he returned to Oświęcim. KLUGER He worked for chemical FAMILY HOUSE factory in Oświęcim for a short time. Szymon was the The Kluger Family House last Jew of Oświęcim and (located behind the Chevra lived solitarily in his fam- Lomdei Mishnayot Syna- ily residence and received gogue), was most likely support from his siblings. constructed at the turn of He could count on sup- the 20th century and be- port from a small group longed to the Wulkan, Les- of his friends and peers in er, and Teichner families. Oświęcim. Szymon Kluger In 1928 it was owned by Ber died on May 26, 2000 and Teichman and his daughter was buried in Oświęcim Fryda Kluger nee Teich- Jewish cemetery. There is man, who purchased the a mezuzah mark on the up- house from a baker named per right part of the door. Kluger House, c. 1904

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THE POWER OF PLACE

n June, the Jewish Center in Oświęcim hosted a group of young journalists and lawyers, participants of the project Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics. This is Ian educational program for students of certain disciplines, aimed at addressing contempo- rary ethical problems that are examined through a particular historical context. The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, which is affi liated with the Jewish Center, conducts this project. Paweł Sawicki interviewed the museum’s director, David G. Marwell, who came to Oświęcim together with participants of the project.

fl oor is about the dra- At some point, we learned by the Einsatzgruppen is What has had the great- matic story of rebirth: the that the Center was look- something new. Ausch- est impression on you? creation of Israel, emigra- ing for a “home,” which witz has truly become a The fi rst time I was here tion to many countries, could provide it with in- symbol of the Holocaust was in January 1981, the development of post- stitutional support; and in the United States. One while I was working at War Jewish communities activities of the Center are of the main reasons be- the Department of Justice. in the United States; as the perfect expression of hind this is the fact that Those were completely well as how Jewish peo- our mission—it actually the narrative of the Holo- different times. I stayed at ple look at the Holocaust focuses on Jewish life in caust has been shaped by the Museum and worked in modern times. This is a broader historical con- Western European Jews, within its archives. And, the core of our mission. text. This allowed us to as well as those from Po- in fact, I could feel the

Photo: Private archive Because this is a fairly develop programs, which land— along with other power of this site. I was David G. Marwell wide fi eld, we can also connect New York and survivors of Auschwitz, completely alone and it is deal with other things. Oświęcim. Here, we send including those whose an experience that is very What kind of work does We have many different students, young profes- family history has been diffi cult to try and ex- The Museum of Jewish programs relating to Jew- sionals, as well as cadets connected to this place. plain— being in the place Heritage in New York, ish life today. I always from the military colleges. It is, of course, important where it all happened. which you direct, do? say that if someone wants that this had been the This moves you. The other part of the to learn about how Jews How is Oświęcim, as largest camp, in terms of name of our institution were murdered, there are both a symbolic site and all aspects: the number of In your opinion, what are is “the Living Memorial better perhaps museums a place of education, seen victims, its physical size, the most important chal- to the Holocaust.” Our than ours. However, if from the distant perspec- and the completeness of lenges connected with museum exists to educate people want to learn how tive of New York? its history. The discovery education about the his- about Jewish history of Jews lived and what their Looking at the American of aerial photographs of tory of this Genocide? the nineteenth and twen- reactions were during the perspective, quite a lot the Concentration Camp One of the most impor- tieth centuries as well as, Holocaust and in the af- of ignorance can be seen, in the U.S. was a very tant challenges is, of of course, the history of termath, then we are per- and the same can be said important event. Another course, how to tell this the Holocaust. What dis- haps the best place. of the Jewish communi- vital element is that the history when those who tinguishes us from other ties, when it comes to site has remained intact. experienced this story are Holocaust museums is What do the individuals the subject of Oświęcim. A visit here to see and no longer with us. A con- that we put these horrify- accompanying you on There are truly few indi- imagine what happened versation with a witness ing events in their crucial this visit do? viduals who understand here, is something very is an extremely impor- context; we start by pre- One group consists of that Oświęcim was once a important. tant experience for young senting what happened young journalists, who town in which, for exam- people. Another aspect is before as well as after- are learning about, ple, most of the city coun- How does this look from teaching this history as a wards. We are talking among other things, the cil consisted of Jews and the educational stand- unique event, while, at the not only about the years media during the era of that there used to be doz- point? What benefi t does same time, taking from of death and destruction. National Socialism. The ens of houses of worship. visiting this site give you it universal conclusions We believe that to under- program deals with pro- They do not even think and how does teaching about the present. We stand the Holocaust, you fessional ethics and how about it as a place where about the Holocaust dif- cannot say that the Ho- must fi rst fi nd out who journalism responded to Jews once lived. For them fer when it is done in locaust of European Jews the Jews were and the the events within Nazi this is a place where these New York, rather than was the same as the geno- lives they led. To under- Germany as well as the people were murdered. here, at this authentic cides in Rwanda or Cam- stand the enormity of the Holocaust. This is to To a person you meet site? bodia. These were not the loss, you need to explain be a reference point for walking down the street There is something I call same types of events and what has been destroyed. contemporary issues in in New York this is a total “the power of place.” Of we must speak about the Our permanent exhibi- professional journalism. novelty. course our work can be uniqueness of the Holo- tion is divided into three While the second group done with groups in New caust, but then the ques- fl oors. On the fi rst level consists of lawyers who That indeed is the case York. However, teaching tion arises as how this we talk about life before are learning about how with many visitors from the same subject and even lesson can help us explain the Holocaust. We pres- their “professional col- western countries—for using the same words is other historical events and ent the diversity and rich- leagues,” in a sense, had them the word Ausch- different in the context of help shape modern citi- ness of Jewish life, the gone astray. We hope that witz is unambiguously this place, because people zens. You have to formu- hopes and aspirations of this insight into their own associated with the Holo- perceive things differ- late such lessons that can the Jewish community. professional group as caust and the existence of ently when they are able help young people move The second fl oor is de- well as the various ethical the city is quite a surprise to be at the original site. through life. Many young voted to the Holocaust as challenges related to their for them. This stimulates the imagi- people pass through our seen from the Jewish per- work, will be very help- When it comes to the nation and enhances the museum, and I always spective. This means that ful; and that in the future Memorial Site itself, the whole experience. This say that, while such an instead of the narrative there will be a little person narrative about the Holo- will not happen when experience may not be being: “This is what the on their shoulder who caust in the United States we are sitting in a class- life-changing, it can for Nazis did to the Jews,” we will whisper into their treats the Auschwitz Con- room at the museum in many be a stimulus to act focus on stories that speak ears: “Wait a moment, centration Camp as the New York. The physi- differently in some situa- about “what happened to consider and think about dominating place, some- cal experience of being tions. me, my family, and my how to behave decently in times forgetting that the here operates in a specifi c community.” If possible, this situation.” Holocaust did not only manner—consciously or we try to talk about these take place here. There are even subconsciously— on things in fi rst person, and How did the idea of things omitted, for exam- some part of us that deals More information about therein lies the difference working in cooperation ple, the mass executions, with empathy. The power the FASPE project between this approach with the Jewish Center and, for many people, of place is extremely im- can be found on-line at: and others. The third in Oświęcim originate? the activities undertaken portant— it moves us. http://www.mjhnyc.org/faspe/

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WE WANTED TO SHOW THAT COOPERATION BETWEEN OUR NATIONS IS POSSIBLE…

he Polish-German seminar for students of the Pedagogical University in Cracow and the University of Rostock, entitled The Forced migration of Poles and Germans during the Second World War and in its aftermath. The memory of TAuschwitz and the Holocaust, historically as well as today, took place in two parts: the fi rst session was held April 10-16, 2011 in Waren and Rostock, while the second was held May 22-29, 2011 in Oświęcim and Cracow.

The fi rst part of the seminar tures, as well as ask questions was an interesting vision to al Site and its historiography.” of the projects were met with was devoted to the forced while engaging in intense confront history, or facts that The task of the German partic- a positive reception and were resettlement of Poles and discussions. Many emotions we already know, through ipants was to develop the the- widely discussed, while dur- Germans during World War were aroused by a lecture the testimony of people who oretical part, in other words, ing the forum, the strengths II and that, which occurred given by Dr. Mirjam Seils, en- were personally affected by to put together an outline of and weaknesses of each shortly thereafter. Work was titled, “The displaced, driven the stigma of resettlement. historical events. In turn, we presentation and educational done in four groups, which out, the fl eeing...: The forced Part of the seminar in Waren dealt with the practical mat- concepts were analyzed. Dur- worked on more fully de- resettlement of Poles and was to get to know the Meck- ters, which consisted creating ing our work, we were in veloping the following top- Germans during the Second lenburg countryside. We vis- lesson plans. An extremely direct contact with our advi- ics: “Forced migration after World War. Foreign elements: ited the town and met with important aspect for us was sors, who always provided World War II. Political goals, integration and acceptance of the Germans from Volhynia to learn the detailed history us with good advice. Taking ambitions, and its legal basis,” refugees and the displaced living in Linstow. The history of this place. We came to un- into account the fact that we “The loss of their homeland. in the allied zones of occupa- of the Volhynian Germans derstand the transformation are combining our work on The organization and imple- tion.” While in Waren, we also moved us very much. Where of a peaceful city into a site of this project with our future mentation of forced resettle- had the opportunity to get to did the Volhynia Germans mass extermination of Jew- professional work as educa- ment during the years 1945- know students from Rostock, come from? And why is there ish people and individuals of tors in schools, we found the 1950,” “Within the unwanted, who studied the history of the a museum dedicated to their other nationalities, thanks to lecture dealing with these is- strange house. The displaced resettlement their families had history currently open in Lin- a lecture by Dr. Piotr Setkie- sues by Dr. Piotr Trojański fi nd a new homeland. Having faced. stow, Mecklenburg? It was wicz, entitled, “The expulsion extremely important and use- lost their roots and the need One of the German partici- at this very museum that we of the Polish population and ful, entitled, “Education about for adaptation, integration, pants conducted an interview were able to have all our ques- settlement of Germans in the in the and assimilation in Poland as before coming to the seminar tions answered. On the last so-called Auschwitz Inter- historical perspective.” well as Germany,” and “Tes- with his grandparents, who day of the seminar a group est Zone. The model city of The culmination of the semi- timonies and historical re- in 1945 were resettled from of our German colleagues Auschwitz.” In the fi rst days nar was our stay in Cracow, search. Escape and expulsion Równa (grandmother) and showed us Rostock as seen of the seminar, we also par- during which we heard a re- in individual and collective Elbląg (grandfather) to Ger- through the eyes of young ticipated in a study visit to the port by Professor Dr. Marek memory: the everyday life, many. Although he asked people. On our return jour- Auschwitz Memorial Site. Wilczynski about the current dreams, and personal refl ec- both of them the same ques- ney to Poland, we also visited In the evenings we shared our problems dealing with the tions of witnesses.” tions, these two individuals Berlin. thoughts and observations Second World War in Poland. One of the objectives of this responded with different After less than a month, we with each other, these talks In spite of the bad weather, study was to develop a united answers. In this manner, we once again met in Oświęcim. fi lled us with a lot of passion we showed our friends magi- Polish-German view on se- were able to examine the dif- The second part of the semi- and emotions. During the fol- cal Cracow. The seminar end- lected issues. This involved ference in the opinions and nar, about the memory of lowing days of the seminar, ed with a gala dinner. many negotiations and knowledge of German reset- Auschwitz and the Holocaust, many students (mainly from We would like to thank all lengthy discussions as well tlement. For example, one of took place at the International the German group), returned those without whom this con- as concessions about a com- the questions was: “In your Youth Meeting Center. Upon to the former Concentration ference would not have been mon history, however it was opinion, what were the rea- arrival in Poland, the group Camp to learn more as well able to take place, especially worth to learn the opinion of sons for expulsions of the Ger- began gathering materials for as to be able to get to know the “mother and father” of “the other side.” Polish and mans?”—which the grandfa- a presentation on one of our this place in greater depth. In the project, Dr. Anna Zapa- German history has always ther of the student answered four subjects: “The planning addition to our daily seminar lec and Dr. Günter Kosch as been “synchronized” in an, thusly, “The Poles simply and perpetration of the Holo- activities, we endeavored to well as all of our other ad- unfortunately, often negative wanted to take our valu- caust in Europe in the twenti- appreciate the beauty of the visors: Dr. Jerzy Ciecieląg, manner. But we did not want ables and land,” however his eth century,” “The post-War bustling city of Oświęcim to- Adrian Szopa, Ela Pasternak, any antagonisms to cloud our grandmother laid the blame trials of National Socialist day, in the context of its mul- and Andreas Hand. We also vision of the true picture of on the Russians and said, “It criminals,” “Perpetrators, vic- ticultural history. Our meet- extend our gratitude to the history. While in Waren, we was all because of the Russian tims, and bystanders: an anal- ing with witnesses of history, organizers: The European wanted to show that coop- occupation. After them, the ysis of selected biographies,” former Auschwitz prisoners, Academy of Waren and the eration between our nations is Poles came…” Meanwhile, and “Memory about Ausch- had a lasting impression on International Youth Meeting possible. both of them knew very lit- witz and the Holocaust from us. We intensely viewed the Center in Oświęcim. We wish Apart from working in groups tle about the subject of the the Polish and German per- camp photographs taken by to thank the sponsors: Pol- every day, we had the oppor- deportation of the Poles. For spective. The concept of the Wilhelm Brasse as we breath- sko-Niemiecka Współpraca tunity to hear a number of lec- us, students from Poland, this Auschwitz-Birkenau Memori- less were listening to his story. Młodzieży [Polish-German At the same time, the German Youth Cooperation], Bun- group listened to the his- deszentrale für Politische tory told by Mr. Kazimierz Bildung MV [Federal Agency Smoleń, a former prisoner for Civic Education], and who worked in the admis- Förderverein für die IJBS sions offi ce of the Political Auschwitz [Foundation for Section [Politische Abteilung]. the IYMC in Oświęcim]. He had been able to secretly We hope that next year will create lists of the numbers of see the fi fth edition of the prisoners arriving in the trans- seminar take place, which will ports. serve as a pretext for all the While working on this joint participants of the previous project we did our utmost to projects to meet and perhaps fi nd common ground in the there will be an opportunity historical and educational for the organization of a joint contexts. This was not a dif- conference. Ewa Dyngosz Photo: IYMC fi cult task, since these areas Participants of the Polish-German seminar are so closely interrelated. All and Katarzyna Odrzywołek

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I TRIED TO SAVE EVERYONE

A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE WILM HOSENFELD BOOK

n May 13, 2011, the International Youth Meeting Center in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Poland and the Center for Dialogue and Prayer in Oświęcim held a Polish-German conversation about the OWilm Hosenfeld book, I tried to save everyone. The life of a German offi cer through his letters and diaries. omiej Senkowski omiej Senkowski ł ł Photo: Bart Photo: Bart Dr. Halina Szpilman Discussion about Wilm Hosenfeld’s book The discussion, moderated time calling attention to his ner, which would be the most many persecuted Poles and tor Roman Polanski’s famous by Professor Dr. Eugeniusz heroic stance. The culmina- appropriate and most often Jews survive the occupation: fi lm . His diary Cezary Król—the research tion of the discussion were used here. But I am grateful he created false documents, entries and the letters he sent co-editor of the Polish edition the statements by Dr. Halina that I have to do it, because I provided shelter, brought to his family reveal the in- of the Wilm Hosenfeld book, Szpilman, who spoke about can mend some of this.” food to those in need… There ner dilemmas and evolution was attended by: Dr. Halina subjects, such as, Władysław (Wilm Hosenfeld, fragment were few German soldiers of views of a German offi cer Szpilman—the widow of Szpilman’s meeting with of a letter to his family, War- and offi cers who, like Hosen- whose actions testifi ed to his Władysław Szpilman, Win- Wilm Hosenfeld, his relation- saw, August 23, 1944) feld, were willing to risk their humanity in times of great fried Lipscher—the translator ship with the Hosenfeld fam- Wilm Hosenfeld, an offi cer lives and save innocent indi- evil and hatred. as well as research co-editor ily, and the circumstances in the during the viduals. Initially, Hosenfeld Wilm Hosenfeld, born in of the Polish edition of the that led to the popularization Second World War, helped was neither anti-Nazi, nor a 1895 in Mackenzell in Hesse, Wilm Hosenfeld book, and pacifi st. In September of 1939, later wounded in the First Fr. Jan Nowak—the Director as a member of the NSDAP, World War, worked as a of the Center for Dialogue he believed that he was tak- teacher at a rural school near and Prayer in Oświęcim. Be- ing part in a necessary war. his hometown. During the fore the start of the discus- The terrible experiences he Second World War he served sion, KAS director, Stephan had faced in Poland, person- as an offi cer in the Wehr- Raabe, addressed a few ally witnessing the crimi- macht for fi ve years in occu- words to the participants. nal actions of the occupiers, pied Poland. While in Soviet During the fi rst part of the outraged the conscience of captivity, he was sentenced meeting there was a screen- this deeply religious Catho- to 25 years of forced labor. He ing of the documentary lic. Hosenfeld helped save perished in 1952 at a camp fi lm Thanks to Him, We Sur- individuals from death, near Stalingrad. omiej Senkowski vived, directed by Marek ł including, among others, Drążewski, based largely on Władysław Szpilman, a the accounts given by Hosen- Polish-Jewish composer and Thomas Vogel, Researcher at the Military History feld’s children. Prior to this, Photo: Bart pianist; after years his fate be- Research Institute in Potsdam Professor Król presented an Prof. Eugeniusz Cezary Król came the backdrop for direc- introduction that included a historical summary of Ger- man-Polish relations, as well of Wilm Hosenfeld through as the function of stereotypes the book and, later, the Ro- about Germans, especially man Polanski directed movie in the context of their post- The Pianist. To fi ll the gaps war use within Communist within the subjects raised, propaganda. In this part of there was a discussion that the meeting the audience ac- included audience participa- tively participated, especially tion. young people, and Professor “Every day I have to carry Król moderated the discus- out an interrogation. Once sion. again today, I had an insur- Throughout the discussion, gent and a 16-year-old girl. Fr. Jan Nowak referred to the Nothing could be gotten out issues relating to the concepts of either of them. Perhaps of guilt and forgiveness, as I will manage to rescue the well as to accountability and girl... These people are guid- responsibility in light of the ed by patriotism in its pur- teachings of the church and est form, but we cannot save the Christian faith. A later them. I try to save anyone omiej Senkowski speaker, Winfried Lispscher, who is not beyond redemp- ł also alluded to these topics, tion... I am not the right man and showed Wilm Hosen- to conduct these interroga-

feld as an example of a “good tions, or at least to carry them Photo: Bart German” and at the same out in such a ruthless man- Participants at the IYMC

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THE INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL OF SOCIO-POLITICAL POSTERS AT THE WILSON MINESHAFT GALLERY

rom May 12 to June 8, at the Wilson Mineshaft Gallery in Ka- towice an exhibition of posters was presented, which is the Ffourth and current, edition of the International Biennial of So- cio-Political Posters in Oświęcim that is organized by the IYMC. For the fi rst time, almost all the posters from the previous three editions of the Biennial were shown in one space.

The opening ceremony, Municipal Centre for Sport, ted from over 20 countries. which took place on May Culture and Recreation in Each time the exhibition is 12, included a performance Chełmek and the Jewish Cul- accompanied by the Polish- ska by the outstanding Pisar- ture Center in Cracow. German-English catalog, ń ski Trio, featuring: Ryszard Since 2006, the competition featuring all the current Pisarski—acoustic guitar, has been held in the Meet- posters on display. In 2010, Tomasz Mucha—violin, An- ing Center and is one of the the third edition of the Bien- drzej Krośniak—acoustic most important and prestig- nial took place, which was guitar. The well-known and ious projects of the IYMC. attended by 101 artists from

highly esteemed gallery in From the fi rst edition it has 17 countries (Belarus, Bos- Photo: Barbara Daczy Katowice, established in 1998 become very popular among nia and Herzegovina, China, Poster exhibition at the Wilson at the former mineshaft of the participating artists as the Czech Republic, Estonia, the “Wieczorek” coal mine, well as the audience. During Germany, Great Britain, Iran, sium of the Oświęcim Acad- nial. The modern-day mes- was the subsequent institu- the three previous editions Lithuania, Mexico, South Ko- emy at the IYMC in January sage communicated from tion that presented the Poster a total of nearly a thousand rea, Poland, Russia, Serbia, 2010, Professor Jerzy Buzek, Auschwitz can lead the Biennial this year, after the posters have bee submit- Taiwan, the Ukraine, and President of the European public discourse in places U.S.A.). Parliament, said, “Civiliza- where human rights are vi- Creatively for Human Rights— tion based on human rights olated. The artistic expres- this is the main idea behind needs the support of a cul- sions touch a wide range of WINNERS the third edition of the bien- ture, created with respect issues: tolerance, ecology, OF THE PREVIOUS BIENNIALS nial and corresponds to the for human dignity, the indi- gender equality, the impact educational program goals vidual’s innate freedom, and of policies on citizens’ lives, 2006 – Li Hai-Ping (China) for the poster: Victory of the International Youth in the public arena—nation- the problems of racism, vio- 2008 – Vladimir Chaika (Russia) for the poster: Think Meeting Center, which are ally and internationally—re- lence, as well as violations global. Act local based on the history of Aus- specting the principle of soli- of children’s, women’s, mi- 2010 – Bangqian Zheng (China) for the poster: Confronta- chwitz-Birkenau and include darity.” nority’s rights. tion & Refl exion activities for building a civil These words fully express society. During the sympo- the idea of the poster bien- Joanna Klęczar

First prize of the 3rd International Biennal Second prize of the 3rd International Biennal Third prize of the 3rd International Biennal of Socio-Political Poster: BANGQIAN ZHENG (China), of Socio-Political Poster: WŁADYSŁAW PLUTA (Poland), of Socio-Political Poster: DMITRY ZAKHAROV Confrontation & Refl exion Coexistence (Russia), No Title

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livered herself or through clandestine “post offi ce” for PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL PPS couriers and “people receiving secret messages of good will,” the civilians from prisoners and the let- who worked to aid the pris- ters that their families wrote MARIA BOBRZECKA oners in the area around the to them. camp. She stayed up late Immediately after liberation (1898-1957) at night preparing large in 1945, she provided medi- consignments of medicine, cine free of charge to the Commercial Academy in months of the occupation, issued under the cover of Polish Red Cross hospital Cracow. In 1918, she was in the fall of 1939. How- prescriptions fi lled out by in Brzeszcze, which treated an intern at Franciszek Ksa- ever, she remained there doctors who cooperated liberated Auschwitz prison- wery Mikucki’s Pharmacy as its manager. Ausch- with the underground. On ers. She worked at the phar- Under the Golden Crown in witz Concentration Camp many occasions, she ran the macy as its manager until Cracow. The Polish-Soviet was established in nearby grave risks associated with the 1950s. Documents at the War interrupted her studies Oświęcim in 1940. From al- distributing medicine not Medical Academy Museum when she was in the third most the very fi rst moment, recorded in the prescription of Pharmacy in Cracow in- year, and she graduated in she joined the effort to help book. She also took deliv- dicate that she was active 1923. the prisoners. She began ery of, and then distributed, before and after the war Born into a railroad man’s After graduation, she left spontaneously, on her own, medicine obtained illegally in a wide range of associa- family in Tarnów on Feb- Cracow and began working and later as a part of the from the warehouse in Ka- tions, including the Polish ruary 4, 1898, the daughter as an assistant in Franciszek underground. Jan Nosal of towice and carried to her Universal Pharmaceutical of Bartłomiej and Tekla née Schneider’s Pharmacy Un- Brzeszcze, a well-known by courier or mailed to her Society, the Maritime and Trycht. Attended St. Anne’s der the Guardian Angel in prewar socialist organizer, address. Her pharmacy also Colonial League, and the Public School in Cracow, Brzeszcze, near Oświęcim. recruited her for clandestine issued medicine to other or- Polish Tatra Mountain Soci- where her parents moved She bought the pharmacy work. She became a member ganizations, including the ety. Never having married, a year after her birth. She in 1927. In mid-1938, she of the Polish Socialist Party local Peasant Battalions and she died in Cracow on July continued her schooling at moved the pharmacy to (PPS) Brzeszcze Group, us- the Home Army Oświęcim 23, 1957. The Queen Hedwig Wom- a new building near the ing the pseudonym “Mar- District, which were part of She was decorated with the en’s Gimnazjum. In 1916, she Brzeszcze coal mine. Aside ta.” Within the relief effort, the relief effort. Another im- Gold Service Cross for her enrolled in the Pharmacy from her professional du- she was in charge of feeding portant part of her work in underground work during Department of the Philo- ties, she was also active in the prisoners, and cooked connection with Auschwitz the war. After her death, sophical Faculty at the Jag- the community, volunteer- hot meals for them herself. was acting as intermedi- the pharmacy in Brzeszcze iellonian University. At the ing for educational and lec- Her greatest contribution, ary in illegal correspond- and a street in Cracow were same time, in the 1917/1918 ture work. however, was in the fi eld ence between the prison- named for Maria Bobrzec- academic year, she attended The Germans confi scated of supplying them with ers and the outside world. ka. a one-year course at the her pharmacy in the fi rst medicine, which she de- Her pharmacy contained a Barbara Bochenek

FROM GANOBIS’S CABINET

his exceptional desk was once at the former Jakób Haberfeld vodka and liqueurs factory, which was not only known in TPoland, but around the world. It was the 1990s and I learned that in the old Haberfeld factory (known as such, even after it was nationalized and the family had no legal right to the estate) there were still some items, such as documents, labels, bottles, which were in the attic. I decided to take action… I got a job at this fac- tory. This, however, was not a them, I considered propos- made it easier for me to ac- vodka factory, but a spar- ing an exchange to the presi- quire them. I remember the kling water, soft drink, and dent of PSS Społem—the day we removed them from beer bottling plant. Working company that at the time the factory. I had no idea there, my eyes were peeled owned the factory: I would they would be so heavy. for anything that would in take the old furniture and re- They waited in the garage anyway be interesting for place it with new equipment. until a member of the Haber- me, that had to do with the I later realized that this was feld family could come to Haberfeld family and that probably not possible and I Poland. When they arrived, time period. Not once, did threw the thought aside. they came to the conclusion I wonder as I wandered Several years passed and the that the cost of their restora- around the factory’s build- furniture still stood and was tion and transport was a bit ings, what was original and wasting away in the factory. too steep, so they proposed what had been reconfi gured. Then came a moment when that they stay in my hands. There were many original it was decided that the fac- Later when I met with the details still present. The tory was to be closed down. Haberfeld family again, I furnishings drew my atten- That is when I thought: what presented them the renovat- tion, those that were in the about the furniture? I knew ed furniture—which pleas- offi ce of the factory where they would either be de- antly surprised them. The I worked. The unassum- stroyed as junk, end up in doors of the furniture bore ing black furniture, among a private home, perhaps in the logo of the fi rm that had which was: a desk, cabinet some warehouse where they made them (a company that with glass doors, small table, will deteriorate even further, had been in Vienna). coatrack, and wardrobe with and I decided to act. I had Behind this desk sat the sliding doors. contact with the Haberfeld owner of the company Wondering where this furni- family in the U.S.A. I in- that produced the vodkas ture was from, I came to the formed them about the de- and liquers—Jakób Haber- conclusion that these were cision to close the factory feld. Quite a lot of time has aw Ganobis original furnishings from the and what end their furniture passed and now I sit behind ł time when the owners of the may meet. The family’s reac- this desk—when I write my factory were the Haberfeld tion was immediate—they articles for you. family. Knowing that there sent me power of attorney to Photo: Miros is no way for me to acquire Mirosław Ganobis protect the furniture, which The desk from Jakób Haberfeld’s factory

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PHOTO JOURNAL

aving been destroyed by thieves, the historical sign bearing the infamous inscription above the main gate of Auschwitz I has been repaired and reassembled. Conservators from the Museum were able to restore it Halmost completely to its condition before the theft. The inscription will remain under protection and in the future it will most likely become a part of the Museum’s exhibition. Sawicki ł Photo: Pawe Photo: Conservation Depatment Sawicki ł Photo: Pawe Photo: Conservation Depatment Photo: Bartosz Bartyzel Sawicki ł Photo: Pawe

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