O Ś WIĘ CIM ISSNISSNN 11899-4407899-9 4407 PEOPLE

CULTURE HISTORY

no. 16 April 2010 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

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

This issue of the magazine 10 and it was even harder rible and unexpected facts. selves and raise our aware- was published in a time to understand and explain We can only hope that this ness of life that we can di- diffi cult for all Poles–dur- it. We should remember to situation will make us bet- rect only seemingly. ing the National Mourn- be together in this diffi cult ter and we will be able to ing, when it was yet hard period, maybe it will help use the wave of sadness and Paweł Sawicki to believe in what had hap- us to get back to normal life emotions that stroke us so Editor-in-chief Editor: pened near Katyń on April and to deal with those ter- heavily to strengthen our- [email protected] Paweł Sawicki Editorial secretary: Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka Editorial board: Bartosz Bartyzel Wiktor Boberek A GALLERY OF THE 20TH CENTURY Jarek Mensfelt Olga Onyszkiewicz Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech Today we have a spring- trunk large enough for the of useful birds. One of their old MAPLE growing in the Artur Szyndler time, green and ecological small hands of a child. We “generations,” perhaps be- courtyard of the building at Columnist: topic! The history of this hid our treasures there: cause of their wild instincts, 23 Jagiełło Street. A tree of Mirosław Ganobis tree is the history of this ten- girls—rag dolls, ribbons, came to like the branches our childhood games and Design and layout: ement building, in whose and beads. Boys—wires and limbs of the tree and almost magical fascination. Agnieszka Matuła, Grafi kon courtyard it grows, and the and sticks that could later fl ew up onto it to sit as if on Everything has changed! Translations: history of those who live in be used for something, and a perch. This was an inter- Not many of the people from David R. Kennedy this home. pocketknives. Someone esting and common sight: that time are still around, Proofreading: The old, leafy tree… In the said that probably because like a tree in an exotic land the games are over, and the Beata Kłos spring with its green leaves, of the magic of the trees and populated with a squawk- building has changed its Cover: full of golden purple in au- hollows, the items left there ing fl ock of birds. function. But the tree—al- Photo by Emanuel Berry tumn, fi nally reaching the overnight—would double! Today, the tree, though a bit most immortal—as it was— Photographer: earth and covering it with That from one pocketknife, butchered, still stands and is still the same! And those Paweł Sawicki a crisp carpet. With seeds, two, from one doll—two! grows. The hollow within children from under the which like little helicopters We checked this magical it has long grown over and maple umbrella?... I have fall, whirling to the ground. possibility many times, but has become a part of the written about their adult The time about which I in the dampness and wet- trunk. In the spring, as usu- fate, that has been meaning- PUBLISHER: write—in other words, long ness of the hollow nothing al, it turns green, and in the ful for the town, more than ago—at a low level, just right ever multiplied! autumn it spreads its crunch once! Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a child’s eyes and hands, In the courtyard there was leaves. And what kind of was an opening in the tree a coop with a small number TREE is this? This is a plush Andrzej Winogrodzki www.auschwitz.org.pl

PARTNERS:

Jewish Center www.ajcf.pl

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.pli i l

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 Strollers on Jagiełło Street. Photo from Mirosław Ganobis’s collection “A Gallery of the 20th Century”

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

NATIONAL TRAGEDY. ETERNAL REST…

On 10 April 2010 in the catastrophic airplane crash in Smolensk, the President of the Republic of Po- land, Lech Kaczyński, lost his life. He was fl ying, leading a nearly one hundred person delegation to commemorate and honor the Polish offi cers murdered 70 years ago in Katyń. With him, all those aboard the fl ight were killed: the First Lady, the highest offi cials of the Polish State, Members of Par- liament, bishops and chaplains, generals and offi cers of the Polish Army, veterans, representatives of Katyń Families and other social organizations, offi cials of the Government Protection Bureau and the plane’s crew. Many of these people were worthy of merit for Poland. Among them were individuals, whose ties to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum were exceptionally strong. Tomasz Merta, the Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the General Conservator of Antiquities was killed in this catastrophe. A man of exceptional insight, understanding and personal sacrifi ce for the cause of historical memory and the education of new generations. Also killed was Andrzej Przewoźnik, Secretary of the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites, a member of our museum Council, who established countless Memorial Sites and monuments to the military and martyrdom in Poland and abroad. The list of victims also includes Father Roman Indrzejczyk, Chaplain of the Polish President, who recited the prayer “Eternal Rest” on 27 Jauary 2010 in Birkenau for the vicitims of Auschwitz. Among the victims was also Lieutenant Colonel Czesław Cywiński, President of the Association of Armia Krajowa Soldiers, and uncle of the direc- tor of our Museum. To the families and loved ones of the victims we offer our deepest condolences. “Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.” Photo: Chancellery of the President Poland, PAP, gazeta.pl MEETING WITH MIECZYSŁAW KITA

ieczysław Kita—does not look like he is 90 years old—gives the impression of a calm and somewhat humble man. But his book “I was there” describes a brave, contentious, young man who has escaped the greatest oppres- Msion because of his ingrained cleverness. Mieczysław Kita speaks parents and sent to the gas. then I’ll work for you as gamme, next he was sent back the memoir entitled “I was spontaneously, but you can He remembers a Yugoslavian a driver”—“You’d drive me, to Auschwitz from where in there,” published by the see that he has thought his man who struck an SS man but straight to St. Peter,” an- October 1944 he was evacu- Auschwitz-Birkenau State speech through to maintain and then was shot by him. He swered Kapo Maruta. ated to Gross-Rosen, in Febru- Museum in 2009. the chronology of events. becomes emotional when he From the history he tells, the ary 1945 he was transferred to The meeting with Mieczysław At Auschwitz he was a pris- talks of how a friend shared picture of Mieczysław Kita is Flossenbürg-Hersbruck, and Kita took place on 23 March oner for almost three years, a potato with him during the that of a strong and relaxed then in April 1945—to Dach- 2010 at the Auschwitz-Birk- worked in various Komman- evacuation march. man, resistant against his neg- au, where he was liberated by enau State Museum in connec- dos, and remembers many On several occasions ative fate, but above all a good the American Army. tion with a workshop for tour facts connected to the history Mieczysław Kita pulled him- and completely compassion- For 25 years he has lived guides. of the camp, for example: tear- self out of what seemed a ate man that accompanied the with his family in Skarżysko- Gabriela Nikliborc ing down houses in the village hopeless situation thanks to feeble. When asked what was -Kamienna. He is the author of Publishing Department A-BSM of Brzezinka, the murder of luck and his sense of humor. needed to survive the ordeal Jews in the so-called Little Red With a smile, he speaks of of the camp, Mieczysław Kita and White Houses, as well a time when he and his friends answered: “health, a strong as building of one of the gas accidentally dumped a cal- psyche, and lots of luck.” chambers in Birkenau. dron of soup they were car- Mieczysław Kita was born Each of these facts is connect- rying to the block, and then in 1921 in Psary-Podłazy ed with personal experience: Kapo Maruta took the effort near Kielce. During the Sec- tragedy and victory. To this to gather the leftovers of soup ond World War he worked day, his voice cracks when from other blocks and in this in the underground under he speaks about a young way Mieczysław Kita and the pseudonym “Bystry.” Greek, Aaron, much liked in his friends “ate like never be- In October 1941 he was de- his Kommando, who was fi rst fore,” when it seemed like nounced and arrested for sterilized by the Nazis and they would not get their help- his work as he says him- later murdered. The author of ing. It was with Kapo Maruta self and, for helping Jews. the memoirs entitled “I was that Mieczysław Kita had In November of 1941, he there” stresses that he couldn’t a memorable conversation: was brought to Ausch- and watching the scenes that “Mr. Kapo, if I survive the witz. In 1943—as an expert occurred during selection, camp, and you’re going to builder—he worked for Photo: jarmen the children taken from their have your own company, a month and a half in Neuen- Mieczysław Kita

1413121110987654321 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

GREAT INTEREST IN THE COMPETITION

participants declared intent to enter the competition for creating an architectural concept for the new Auschwitz Memorial Site visitors’ center, which is to be created on the site of PKSiS bus garage neighbor- 111ing the Museum. “We are very happy that The deadline for submitting future, there will be a parking reception. Its goal is to pro- of the most tragic chapters in interest in taking part in works for contest passes on 31 and a modern reception for vide visitors with necessary all history,” said Andrzej Ka- the competition is so great. May. Three weeks later, the visitors, whose numbers are knowledge of the history of corzyk, manager of the Visitor Thanks to that, we will have winner will be announced, staying constant and at a very the 1930s, the rise of Nazism, Services Section. a chance to choose from an who will carry out the build- high level. In 2009, 1.3 million propaganda and totalitarian “I hope that fi nally all admin- array of truly interesting ing project of the planned in- people from all over the world system, and fi nally the break- istrative hurdles will disap- architectural concepts that vestment. visited the Auschwitz Memo- out of the Second World War pear, which have blocked the while fully functional will The project of building rial Site. and the German policies in the realization of this extremely correspond to the objec- a new visitors’ center in PKSiS Moving the Visitors’ Center to occupied lands of Poland. important project, impor- tives of the future Visitors’ was endorsed by the Interna- a new location makes it pos- “Thanks to this investment, tant locally because the new Center,” said Jolanta Banaś- tional Auschwitz Council and sible to create a new introduc- we will be able to provide center means more jobs and -Maciaszczyk, Head of the fi nancing is possible thanks tory exhibition in the former even better conditions for a place for local companies to Museum Preservations De- to the extraordinary help of camp building, which is cur- the thousands of people who function,”added Kacorzyk. partment. the Ministry of Culture. In the rently used as the visitors come here and learn about one

DIGITAL REPOSITORY OF THE AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU MUSEUM

ince 1991, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museumhas had a database of source Smaterial about the victims of the camps. The repository’s work is based on original SS documents. Unfortunately, the Museum Archive only has about 10% of the original documents. The rest had been destroyed by the Germans before they fl ed the camp. A list of all those deported to the camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau will probably never be possible. However, the repository is not only the source of valuable historical information, but also a memorial of remembrance to those who tragically had their fate tied to that of the Auschwitz camp.

Currently, the repository of disks, and tape library has collected around 650 with the proper software thousand registrations and were purchased. The cost of 170 thousand documents the equipment was covered scanned, based on 70 collec- by the funds for MKDiN that tions of documents from the come from the Fund for the time the camp functioned. Promotion of Culture and Thousands of documents the Victims of Auschwitz- and tens of thousands of -Birkenau Memorial Foun- names of those deported to dation. The system is set to Auschwitz are still to be add- be built over the span of the ed to the database. next fi ve years. Ultimately, The repository is not only the entire database will in- to store and save the docu- clude digital images of docu- ments, but also to allow ac- ments and objects from the cess to their data. That is Archives and Museum Col- why we are expanding and lections. Thanks to this, we building a professional sys- will be able to reach histori- tem for the long-term storage cal information about people, of digital data. This is part of but also about the items and the “Digitization of and ac- buildings with which they cess to the archives of the were connected. Thanks to Auschwitz-Birkenau State this system, electronic copies Museum” project, done in of documents will be avail- the framework of the “Cul- able about those deported, tural heritage / Creation of scans of photographs, plans digital cultural heritage” and maps, which will help program of the Ministry of to establish the fate of certain Culture and National Herit- individuals. age for 2009. Krzysztof Antończyk In the fi rst phase of the Digital Depository Photo: A-BSM project, two servers, system A-BSM New equipment in the Museum’s repository

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

THE WORLD CAN BE BETTER

he text below was written by former prisoner Tadeusz Sobolewicz and sent to the editors of Oś. These are his Trefl ections and views from meetings that had taken place with German youth. When I come to meetings Polish and Jewish people. I—burned and moaning in us to hide in their homes. that this cannot be repeated, with German youth—young I speak further about how pain —was hit by an SS man The meeting ends with the that it was good that they boys and girls—I ask myself I became a soldier, who sum- in the head with a club and words “No More War.” could confront their diffi cult the question—WHY have moned by my father worked lost consciousness, and then Those gathered do not get historical past at Auschwitz. they come to Auschwitz, in the underground and how my body was dragged up right away, as if they are For some, it is diffi cult to what interests them, what fought against the violence over the dirty ground—I no- still experiencing the frag- believe. They ask: “Sir, you do they want to fi nd out— of the Nazi criminals in the tice tears in many of the lis- ments they heard about the really don’t carry in you any after examining the exhib- independent organization teners’ eyes. fate of a witness of history. hatred toward Germans?” ited documents—from me, Union of Armed Struggle I continue, telling them After a moment they hit I answer: “If it had been former prisoner, a human (Związek Walki Zbrojnej). about mutual help and soli- the table with their hands different, I would not have who returned, lived through They listen. Carefully, they darity of fellow prisoners or they clap. For me this accepted your invitation to the hell of six camps and the listen—concentrated and (thanks to some of whom gesture is not only a thank meet. Believe in what I have mire of human misery and, in suspense. On some faces I survived), about the heroic you, but also the expression told you. Put effort in your at the same time, human I see at fi rst disbelief, and sacrifi ce of Father Maximil- of emotions and acceptance new, future world and live barbarity. later shock. In some eyes lian Kolbe, about the Ger- of the speaker, who is still so that it is better than when However, if they want, then I notice shame and embar- man nurse Maria Stromb- alive… and carries no ha- you arrived. Much depends you must give them testimo- rassment. I tell them facts erger who helped members tred. on you—you have to con- ny about what really hap- about the sadistic behavior of the camp organization in Often, some come to me vince and teach others when pened in the concentration of the SS men, about the passing information to parti- after the meeting and ask there won’t be any more of camp. So I ask: do you re- cynicism of some German san units around Auschwitz about faith in God, if I have those like me… This is your ally want to know the whole masters, supervisors of tor- and brought medicine from a number on my arm, about task—build a world without truth—about the inhuman tured prisoners. I also talk them to the sick in the camp my mother, if she survived hatred. Look everywhere for behavior of people from about Germans who had the hospital—I see in the eyes imprisonment in the Raven- tolerance and compromise your country who wore hats courage to help prisoners of the listeners relief: so, in sbrück camp, if I met my tor- so that you shield people with the death’s head? —because there were those, this hell there were not only mentors after the war, and from total catastrophe. The They always say “yes.” Nev- but not many. I tell them criminals. fi nally, if I received compen- world can be better, but this er has it happened that they about my tragic situation in In the last phase of the meet- sation… depends on people them- have said, “No, we don’t the basement sleeping quar- ing I tell them about my Is it possible to receive selves—especially now, in want to listen.” So I start to ters, when during an upris- escape from the evacuation “compensation” for a sto- the united Europe. speak: about the attack by ing by Russian prisoners march—the so-called Death len, contaminated youth in the Nazi armies on Poland a fi re broke out and together March—about Bavarian, the camp? They squeeze my Tadeusz Sobolewicz in September 1939, about the with others I searched for German women, who fed hands, apologize with tear- former Auschwitz prisoner, rape and terror against the help. When I illustrate how us, escapees, and allowed fi lled eyes—convincing me camp number 23053 Photo: IYMC Opening of the exhibition ending Polish-German seminar “Tadeusz Sobolewicz—biography as an argument”

1413121110987654321 International Youth Meeting Center Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

FOR IGOREK

n the last edition of Oś we wrote about the 32nd Krakow Poetry Salon, dedicated to fi ghting Igor Bartosz’s cancer. Below are a few Iwords about two other cultural events that the IYMC “organized” as part of the Small Orchestra of Great Charity for Igorek.

Winnie the Pooh Jurkowski, Łukasz Stawar- also for all the other creators and the Others czyk, Bartek Gelner, Marek of “Winnie the Pooh,” who Hucz, Wojciech Sikora, Ma- worked in Oświęcim free In the afternoon of Sunday teusz Trembaczowski, and of charge to support Igorek March 14, in cooperation Sylwester Piechura. Playing Bartosz’s fi ght with cancer. with the Oświęcim Culture the piano was Dawid Rud- Igorek—with his parents, Center (OCK) and the Lud- nicki. older brother, and grand- wik Solski Academy for the The children and parents mother watched the play Dramatic Arts in Krakow enjoyed the happy songs from a balcony in the hall (PWST) we invited families and playful scenes by the and he liked it very much. to watch the play “Winnie young actors. The audience Before the play, Rotary the Pooh and the Others” clapped and laughed often. Club Oświęcim held a pub- put on by the second year At the end the applause, am- lic collection for treating acting students of the PWST, plifi ed joyfully by the chil- Igorek. As a result, almost prepared and under the care dren, who were showered 2,200 PLN was collected. of Ewa Kaim. by colorful balloons thrown Performing on the stage of from the stage by Winnie Ula Dudziak at the IYMC the OCK were: Małgorzata the Pooh, Christopher, Pig- Gorol, Martyna Krzysz- let, Tigger, and friends, was On the evening of Mon- Photo: Tomasz Mól tofi k, Kamila Kuboth, fully deserved. Not only be- day March 22 at the IYMC, Urszula Dudziak Kasia Dorosińska, Janek cause of the great acting, but sang Ula Dudziak. Sang—is probably a bit of an under- statement. The artist not …A MAGICAL only shared her phenomenal voice with the tightly packed EVENING audience in the forum hall at the IYMC but she also al- I just returned from IYMC. lowed a peak into her secret From Ula Dudziak’ con- workshop. The presentation cert… My face glowing. “from the kitchen” showed It was an incredibly magical the possibilities of her magi- evening. Wonderful people, cal suitcase, thanks to which a wonderfully powerful art- incredible sounds character- ist, emanating an unbeliev- istic of the vocalist are cre- able aura around herself. ated and she told colorful A fulfi lled woman? Happy? and funny stories about life With a huge sense of humor? in New York City, famous Who loves people and life? people, her international ca- I think that above all a reer, but also anecdotes one woman who accepts herself might say—everyday, ordi- and even with the passing nary, that could happen to of time (which she speaks all of us. of unashamed and, in fact, doesn’t look her age) she is The concert at the IYMC was still a girl… A crazy giddy dedicated to Igorek. During girl with dreams… a collection of donations for Igorek’s treatment and re- Photo: Bart ł omiej Senkowski habilitation by Rotary Club …I won’t forget Ula’s “Winnie the Pooh and the Others” Oświęcim, the public gave words, which she said dur- over 6,300 PLN, half of it ing the concert. She told the thanks to the help of won- audience that since she was derful artists: Kalina Dulko, sixteen years old she has been Józef Hołard, Janusz Kar- writing a diary. Now she is bowniczek, Halina Kozioł, working on an autobiogra- Elżbieta Kuraj, Adam phy, so she must return to Pociecha, Waldemar Rudyk, it and read carefully. On one and Paweł Warchoł. The of the fi rst pages she found works they offered as prizes a picture: a vocalist at the were for those who gave the microphone and behind her largest donations for Igorek. the silhouettes of band mem- bers. CAPTION: “Ula, great That evening at the IYMC jazz artist.” And later an was ailing Igorek’s mother, addition: “Some time later, Monika. She spoke to Ula when you’ll be famous and Dudziak, who wrote the lit- admired, you’ll look at this tle boy a dedication on her page and then you’ll be con- record. Next—instead of vinced that EVERYTHING a review—are a few words IS POSSIBLE.” written by Monika, which appeared on the blog about Igorek www.igorbartosz. Everything is possible! If you blogspot.com. truly desire it! Ula, Leszek, IYMC, Marcin, Friends— thank you for this evening. Joanna Klęczar

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010 International Youth Meeting Center

HUMAN RIGHTS AND NATIONAL SOCIALIST PROPAGANDA —CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, THEN AND NOW

he adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was a response to historical injustices that had taken place during the Second World War. Stephane Hessel, one of the authors of the Declaration, wrote Tabout its meaning in 1998: When the war ended, we thought: Either the world will soon end, or something new will come about. And what was new in this? It was victory of a new vision of people and society. Enacting human rights.

In light of these words, af- created by the Nazis in the workshops, and thanks to ter almost 60 years after Third Reich. The concept of that, it allows for a more this document was enact- the presentation is based in-depth look at current QUOTES OF GROUP ed, it is essential to educate on, among others, show- phenomena in society. CHAPERONES: the young generation about ing posters and analyzing Awareness of the issues af- human rights based on fragments of documentary fecting society is another “The workshop described the political and propaganda specifi c events taken from fi lms, which allows a true important point of civic ed- workings of the Third Reich well, presented the anti- history. Looking deep into showing to the historical ucation of youth. humanitarian views that led to the Shoah. Interspersed history shows how impor- and social background of The subject of propaganda throughout with fi lm fragments, presentations, and in- tant it is to teach about hu- the events of those times. was chosen purposely, teresting posters. The educator was able to get the stu- man rights, for democracy, During the workshop, to show that propaganda dents interested and active in cooperation, even though human dignity, and peace. young people have three doesn’t work in the abstract the topic was a diffi cult one. In this way, the workshop The education department topic to choose from for world of society, but with enriched the educational program.” Volker Neupert staff of the IYMC have cre- group work: “Education of a fi rm basis, at a particular “Convincing, well-structured concept of the workshop, ated training project for youth in the Third Reich,” time and place, and certain which presented the historical context through well-cho- study groups in the frame- “The role of the press in historical, social, political, sen fi lm excerpts and presentation. The materials meant work of the project “Re- the life of German society,” and economic alignments. for group work were thematically well prepared.” Rosa member about Auschwitz: “Political parties in posters The effects of propaganda Linerberg Human Rights in Today’s in 1932.” Educational ma- are therefore connected World.” One proposition is terials for each group are with other factors that shape a workshop entitled, “Hu- properly chosen posters, the behavior of society, such Disturbing are the words rectly, you must bear in mind man Rights and National texts, as well as appropri- as: administrative, econom- of Robert Ley, editior of the that you are a soldier of Adolf Socialist Propaganda— ate articles of the Univer- ic, and moral coersion. newspaper, “German Labor Hitler, you are alive and you Crimes Against Humanity, sal Declaration of Human This is exactly how pro- Front” (Deutsche Arbeits- are trained according to the Then and Now.” Rights and questions to poganda functioned in the front), who already in 1938 regulations... We do not have The idea behind this work- guide discussions. Con- time of National Socialism wrote: In Germany there is any private individuals. The shop is to get to know, necting historical issues —breaking all rights of indi- no privacy. If you are asleep times in which everyone could through a multimedia pres- with the modern works viduals and national groups then it is your privacy, but as do whatever they wanted, are entation, the methods and serves awakening interest in social, cultural, and po- soon as you wake up and come behind us. elements of propaganda in the participants of the litical life. into contact with someone di- This statement is meant for consideration in what times we want to live and if we agree with what is going on in our modern world. When we look through the internet and see the constant fl ow of new information, do we have the awareness of po- litical consequences and the breaking of human rights? And so, raising awareness and “opening eyes” to dis- crimination, human rights abuses, and promotion of the ideology of ruling groups that is happening before our very eyes is very important. It is not enough to know that human rights exist, but that there is a need to work on their behalf. Working on behalf of hu- man rights should be the basis on which young peo- ple enter the adult world, so as to change the world and build on “the right to life, freedom, and safety of each person.”

Ewa Guziak

Age of participants: 16-18 Duration: 2-3 hours

Photo: IYMC Youth participating in the workshop Led by: Ewa Guziak

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

SNAPSHOTS ARE CREATED VIRTUALLY BY THEMSELVES

ntil 12 May in the temporary exhibitions hall in Block 12 in Auschwitz I there was a presentation of French photographer Emmanuel Berry’s work called Image Versus Knowledge. Paweł Sawicki has spoken to the Uauthor. spring and in the peace. historical footprint. The As always, I had my pictures from my walk camera with me. could have been taken anywhere… this is the The world you show in power that comes from work is Oświęcim, but analyzing their context almost none of the pho- later. tos have the historical context of the concentra- You chose black and tion camp. What kind of white photos. This is world did you decide to a feature of historical show? documentation, not of the modern world. Why After my return from my did you decide not to visit, I waited a while use color? to develop the fi lms. I was occupied with Black and white photos other work at the time, were the fi rst kind that which completely took I have seen and they over my photographer’s took me back to my mind. When I printed childhood. I remember the thumbnails of all a book entitled Dead pictures, I was amazed War, describing, with once again to fi nd these the help of mainly docu- spaces, a gray, almost mentary photographs, neutral green, peace- the war in Indochina… ful and overwhelming this was probably my at the same time. There fi rst introduction to pho- weren’t any pictures of tography. Later, the de- the camps… during my sire to take and develop visit, I didn’t feel, or de- photographs meant that sire, even think to take I became the owner of Can you tell us about your organized a trip. Howev- I have always known the pictures this way. So my own darkroom for photographic project? er, this never came to be, that I must go to many had been taken at developing black and What ideas brought you but I regularly thought Oświęcim… so that I different times, that my white pictures. In the to Oświęcim? about this trip as some- could do my own self-re- imagination was full of 1980s this was very com- thing needed. It was nec- fl ection and to collect my pictures and words. In mon before the creation I came to Oświęcim for essary to fi nd and seize thoughts. During this the days that followed and popularization of the fi rst time in 2007, the opportunity. I am the trip, there was never any my visit to the camps, digital photography. right after I fi nished father of three boys and talk of doing any kind of I wandered around From that time I started an exhibition in Paris, grew up in a family in photographic project. I Oświęcim without a to analyze photographs, which consisted of por- which my parents and went there like many, ex- destination, not know- which mainly in the case traits of stuffed birds. grandparents raised me cept that like the major- ing where I am headed. I of black and white pic- I was close to coming partially based on their ity of others I was in the walked during this time tures were based on sil- a few years earlier when own childhood and trau- “area” for a few days, al- through the new “out- ver nitrate technology. several well-known per- matic experience during most emotionlessly tak- side” terrain, not marked This method of photo- sonalities from my area the Second World War. ing walks during coming by any archeological or graphing is not to be

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

underestimated when it which I lived. I hurried ile, the pictures come to comes to the history of in doing only one thing: be by themselves. That is this medium and harks to once again—thanks my opinion. back to the time of its to my darkroom—redis- Many of the pictures are creation, this is also why cover those emotions, abstract compostitions I believe it is the spirit experienced during my of nature. Why? of photography. This is strolls full of various dis- why most of my own coveries. That area was Without falling into mel- private photos, which lively and vivid, howev- ancholy and sadness as I take and work with on er, sometimes it was also well as with a strong a daily basis are black gloomy and secretive. determination to be in a and white and taken on state of utmost readiness 35mm fi lm. The pictures I took many trips to during my “marches,” of Oświęcim, were there- Oświęcim, getting at- I allowed myself to be fore, spontaneously tak- tached to the landscapes led by the path and en on this type of fi lm, of the villages and city road. Natural light plays even though that during that are visible in this a great role in this work. my fi rst visit I still had area, despite the more Other than that it brings no defi nite plans. Gener- than traumatic history us life, it brightens the ally, color photographs that these places wit- things of this world, for are full of information nessed. From the very instance Oświęcim, and and realism; the larger beginning, I made sure covers it in a bitter and their size, this realism that there were no people at the same time sweet takes on more objectiv- in any of the shots, want- cover. That’s how I saw ity. I decided to start ing to stay away from it… document the world. at the same time offering real, thorough work in a journalistic approach This work has already a pause, so that to open the Oświęcim area after to my work. I tried to I also wanted to give my been exhibited at a very their eyes and emotions I saw those fi rst black concentrate my subject audience a bit of contrast, important museum in to something that lies and white pictures with on the surroundings of constantly pointing out France and more of these further, only a few kil- a strong desire to research the place so close to Hell. details while remaining are in the works. Exhib- ometers away. the area and its history, This is how the pictures an open observer. There iting them on the terrain while at the same time were created in various was no reason to high- of the camp is something During your time in examine photography’s conditions, depending light or dramatize the different, when you Oświęcim you visited rules and their modern on the season and the subject matter, my feel- return the pictures to the former concentra- usage. weather. This wasn’t ings, or the very pictures their place, which causes tion camp. What were done to make the pic- for sudden and even ob- a healthy and needed your impressions of You show a ruined reali- tures banal; conversely, scene framing. Some of collision between my this place? What do you ty, almost devoid of peo- it was done to limit their the abstract forms, seen point of view and that remember? What, from ple—the composition silhouette, something from time to time on of all visitors that pass this historical world, seems to be accidental that photography un- some photographs, are through here daily. Not made the biggest im- and chaotic. The effect conditionally demands. due to my own state of many have the oppor- pression on you? of this is a sad and often The place asks for se- mind at the time… en- tunity to go beyond the depressing mood. Was riousness, respect, and riched with elements of confi nes of the former In completing this this done purposely? humility. Mainly and pictorial, musical, and camps’ terrain, even project over the last two above all, I wanted my photographic culture. for a few hours to wan- years I was in Oświęcim Long time ago already, pictures to come as close der only in the “area” 6 or 7 times, during dif- ever since I started pho- as possible to a “pause” The exhibition is being aimlessly and in this ferent seasons, but I only tographing, I was prob- from exhaling in an al- shown in the former way experience dif- visited the camps during ably 13 years old then, most musical way… I concentration camp. ferently, more calmly, my fi rst visit. Feelings I became aware that this don’t know what pushes Does that have a mean- this overwhelming after time spent in both creative work is some- the photographer to at- ing for you? tragedy. Buses con- camps, Auschwitz and thing that is detached tempt to reach the edge tinuously come and go Birkenau, are something as well as personal. The of this, that can be seen; Generally speaking, I full of travelers, wave more than mixed, it is a fi rst pictures that I took, anyway, in my case it want my pictures to be after wave, forming real test that will forever still as a child, were cre- was about searching the accepted in the same a human fl ow, full of stay in my mind and I ated similarly to those time when pictures come way as I could have sadness, tears, and mis- want it to remain that from Oświęcim. I took to be little by little, stub- found them in books or comprehension. Show- way. This is probably a walk, taking pictures bornly returning to the in exhibitions and those ing them this here, above one of the few places of the area, streets and place that repelled them. pictures that made me all proposing taking on earth that conjurors fi elds near the house in Being real, but not frag- desire to discover and a different breath… and these types of feelings,

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

where fear, anger and could be interpreted in misunderstanding con- a vastly different way stantly clash with each than they could be here. other and take us into When the exhibition was a state of the greatest presented at the Center emptiness and abandon- of History and the Re- ment. After walking out sistance in Lyon, more of there, once the visit than a year ago, visitors is over, one needs to were drawn mainly to catch one’s breath and the large amount of de- to fl oat to the surface of tails that are in my pic- our world, our today’s tures, as well as the fra- reality. This has to do gility that small format with the full meaning of provides. They were this place, where people forced to come as close were able to do some- to these tiny windows as thing that had prob- possible to look into my ably never even been vision of this “end of the contemplated: creation, world” and in this way organization, and im- to accompany me in this plementation, on an in- search, intimate, and si- dustrial scale, barbarism multaneously fragile. in an unnamable project My desire is that the all done for their own visitor feels my artistic profi t. approach as much as possible… regardless of More than anything, their age, education, or times of year. If I try to out. This is a region with agine life there, to raise I remember the thou- nationality. They found put aside its horrifying a harmonious landscape, their children, or to even sands of personal ef- themselves quite quickly history, I could compare with gentle lines, where, work there. I have asked fects that you can see in the peace of the pho- this small town with the after the rain in the air myself these questions… and almost touch at to and richness of the one in which I live and there is a pleasant smell that which is unbearable the Auschwitz I camp, grayness and were in a where I raise my sons of peat and earth, a nice also has its limits. spread among the vari- state to look at the place in France. A calm town, smell for someone like Interview by: ous blocks. All of these and its history from a where winter is bitter, me who likes the coun- Paweł Sawicki normal things, everyday modern perspective; but becomes milder tryside. I have met many Translated from French by: items easily recogniz- including the camps in when the sun comes people who cannot im- Jarek Mensfelt able, plunge us so inti- the wider perspective mately and with such with the territory or re- turmoil into the millions gion comparable to any of unbearable stories. other. Borders, though At Birkenau it is differ- many, were thin and one ent. Only some of the could easily cross them. barracks still stand and It is this that I tried to it gave me a feeling for analyze during my pho- emptiness, the very mo- tographic work, trying ment I walked through to add a slightly differ- the gate… ent view and completing those already in exist- Do you feel that these ence. pictures can be under- stood beyond Oświęcim As someone from and the concentration abroad visiting Poland camp? Do they have how do you view mod- some kind of universal ern Oświęcim? value? I have visited Oświęcim I don’t believe that un- from many different derstanding my pictures sides… and in different

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010 Jewish Centerter

END OF THE 2009 RETROSPECTIVE

AN INTERVIEW WITH EWA SZPRYNGER

t the end of March at the Jewish Center the latest showing of fi lms with Jew- ish themes “Jewish Motifs. Retrospective 2009” ended. During the showing, AOświęcim’s public had the opportunity to see over thirty fi lms, documentaries, short fi lms, and animations. The end of April in Warsaw saw the start of another show- ing “Jewish Motifs 2010.” Below is an interview with Ewa Szprynger, Chairman of the

Jewish Motifs Association and organizer of the festival. Photo: Anna Szprynger

Not long ago at the Jew- interested in everything rary, young Israel… an The festival is connect- the idea of the festival ish Center in Oświęcim that we do not see eve- Israel that asks, what ed to a volunteer drive has a special meaning the latest showing of ryday in Poland, as well is its identity, which is that has many par- in this place? fi lms “Jewish Motifs. as morality, confl ict, “examining” its past… ticipants. Many young Retrospective 2009” religion, everyday life What meaning does the people contact you. Is Oświęcim borders came to an end. Among that to us is extraoridi- festival have in a some- this the same with the Auschwitz. The mean- them were fi lms mainly nary… We are most what homogeneous interest in the festival, ing of this place, of from Israel, but audi- interested in showing country, which Poland or is the audience more course, does not require ences could also see fi lms that are “about has become after the heterogeneous? I’m comment. I had the productions from Po- something,” so that we War? asking this because it’s great pleasure to take land, Sweden, England, can learn about the cul- noticeable that young- part in the fi rst retro- and France. The range ture of people that are The audience best exem- est generation (16-27 spective in Oświęcim of topics taken up by scattered all over the plifi es the meaning and years old) is interested, and I think that because the makers was very world, who have a sense need for the existence of but the generation of these fi lms were shown wide. What has been of their Jewish identity, the “Jewish Motifs” Fes- “parents” (40 years old here is a symbolic tri- noticable for some time who for about 70 years tival. Not too long ago, plus) is much less in- umph of life over death, now, is that there are are no longer our neigh- the contest showings terested. remembrance over for- fewer fi lms about the bors and that is why took place in one of the getting. I’m thankful Holocaust. Do the or- they seem to be exotic. two Muranów Cinema For us, the organizers that we have such an ganizers purposely do screening rooms. For of the Festival, it is very opportunity. this, or is this more or What are your criteria— a few years now, they satisfying that every less the scope of fi lms what kind of fi lm is and are shown in both year there are more vol- In Oświęcim we had that are sent to you? what kind of fi lm is not rooms, because inter- unteers to help us in this the retrospective, but about a Jewish topic? est in Jewish topics has endeavor. I, myself, am soon—from 20 April I can’t fully agree with outgrown our wild- curious why this is the in Warsaw the follow- this. The Holocaust is Qualifi cation of fi lms est dreams. The show- case. Perhaps the at- ing Festival is start- the topic of many of the for the Festival is decid- ings were overcrowded mosphere? Maybe also ing. What is planned fi lms, even those that ed by a Selection Com- and—though it was interest in the subject? for this year? Can the seem to relate to the mittee, which has the risky from a safety per- However, the young Oświęcim public count contemporary world or job of choosing 30-40 of spective—the audience people that come to help on the fact that the fi lms to morality. It turns out the best fi lms, sent to us sat on the fl oor. That’s us have lots of work and will also be shown here that the trauma of mass from all over the world. why for fi ve days we not much time to watch next year? murder is inherited. It Just as in school, we “take over” the entire the fi lms. Without them touches the third, even give the fi lms grades. Muranów cinema. It is not much would be We will show 41 fi lms fourth generation. In Any uncertainty, if also signifi cant that all accomplished. There from 16 countries. It fi lms, mainly documen- a given fi lm should be screenings are free of wouldn’t be an audi- looks like there will be tary, this can show up shown or not is decided charge. What is more— ence vote and award for a several-day long as over-sensitivity to vi- by Andrzej Titkow, the the audience has the op- a fi lm chosen by them. marathon of truly inter- olence or justifi cation of artistic director of the portunity to meet and However, they say we esting pictures—both certain attitudes in the Festival. Sometimes this talk to the directors, are a prestigious festi- fi ction as well as docu- Israeli-Palestinian con- is a very diffi cult deci- invited by us, of the val and working with mentary. Topics will be fl ict. There hasn’t been sion. This year, for ex- fi lms shown. I am very us enhances their CVs. both modern and histor- such a festival where the ample, almost 300 fi lms happy about this inter- They really do work ical, shown through the generally understood were sent from all over est in the Jewish world, very hard. It’s great. I’ve prism of many nations’ topic of the Holocaust the world. There are because in this way we even heard of students experience. It is impor- hasn’t been shown from technical criteria, but learn more about peo- skipping school in fa- tant for us that our Fes- various perspectives. also important are the ple, those that we have vor of our festival. The tival will be a chance The world is moving topics, characters, and lost, for example what “parents” generation for directors from the away from classic, edu- fi lming method. We interesting people were comes to our screenings former Eastern Bloc. cational documentaries, look for Jewish motifs thrown out, even in in the evening or dur- That’s why I’m happy because we search for in this. Sometimes we March of 1968, from the ing the weekend, and to say that among the truth in living people. follow our instincts and Polish People’s Repub- I wouldn’t say that they fi lms that qualifi ed for And they, unfortunate- assumptions, that be- lic. Perhaps because of are not as interested in the competition show- ly, are passing away. cause the fi lm moved our audience there will the subject. They are ing are those from Rus- us, it will also move the be fewer stereotypes, simply busier and have sia, Belarus, Slovakia, Generally speaking, audience. and perhaps we will more responsibilities. Serbia, the Czech Re- what are the topics of arm someone with ar- But it is true that young public, and Kazakhstan. fi lms that are shown at Many fi lms dealt with guments against anti- people dominate the If you wish to invite the festival? the creation of the State Semitism? This is why I audience. And this is us—we will certainly of Israel, there were believe that our festival something that we also come and share Jewish Films, shown at our fes- also fi lms dealing with has a meaning that is not wanted. motifs from all over the tival are very different, Israel’s contemporary only enriching and edu- world with Oświęcim’s because the world is di- identity, fi lms dedicat- cational. That is why we In Oświęcim, the festi- audience. verse and rich in topics ed to war, the confl ict are so happy to travel val’s fi lms were shown of interest to fi lmmak- with Palestine. You the country to show the again as a retrospec- Interview by: Agnieszka ers. Of course—we are also show contempo- best fi lms of the festival. tive. Do you think that Juskowiak-Sawicka

1413121110987654321 Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

ALL WANT TO BE VICTIMS

BELOW IS THE SECOND PART OF THE INTERVIEW WITH NORBERT RECK

orbert Reck was one of the guests of the New Year’s retreat at the Center for Dialog and Prayer in Oświęcim, which took part for the sixth time from 28 December—1 January 2010. This year’s meeting Nwas entitled “The end of silence.” How do you under- in such an extremely NR: Maybe not Ausch- fering that also has to regardless of how hor- stand the words of J.B. hellish place like Ausch- witz itself, but our be battled. If it cannot rifying it can be, but Metz, “If there is no witz then speaking thinking about Ausch- be gotten rid of, then we understand life in a God for us in Ausch- of God does not have witz. Of course there one has to at least try way that we must work witz, how can there be much meaning. This is are discussions and dis- to fi nd a cure. There is actively—this is the ef- a God anywhere else”? why for J.B. Metz it is so agreements that change an idea that is almost fect of thinking about important that God, in us fundamentally. I nonexistent in theol- Auschwitz. I understand this sen- His way, was present at feel that with time we ogy before Auschwitz, tence this way: if you Auschwitz. have learned that the with the exception of You wrote in your text cannot testify about suffering was enor- mystics. This is an idea “On earth from Ausch- God at Auschwitz, then Has memory of Ausch- mous, horrifying, and that started to expand witz. Theological and any other place where witz changed us in our without sense, which in the 1960s, that today philosophical refl ec- you can witness to God Christianity, or has it God did not want for as Christians we don’t tions on an unusual has no meaning for us. brought about a new people. Not all suffer- understand our life in gift,” Spira, 2007: Do That means that if you quality of Christian- ing has to be endured the way that we should not take the perspective cannot experience God ity? patiently, there is suf- suffer until our death, of the victims, and do Photo: CDP

1413121110987654321 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010 Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation

which still exist today. Right now, I am think- NORBERT RECK ing about yesterday Norbert Reck, born in 1961, Doctor of theology, editor responsible for the international German-language theological pe- evening’s discussion riodical Concilium; member of the Research Council of the periodical Theology of History. His doctoral thesis concerned the with Muriel, one of meaning of witnesses of concentration camps for theology (1998). Author of radio shows and books, as well as reports on the participants of the religious education. He lectures in philosophy and theology in a Catholic School in Munich, the University of Saarland in meeting in Oświęcim, Saarbruecken, and at the Free University of Berlin. E-mail: [email protected] who told many sto- ries about her family’s meetings with soldiers not force the perspec- started to see them- It could help them to lieve, however, that this of the Wehrmacht, tive of the perpetrators selves as victims, but it not take the role of the is the media, Jews, and who did not function into yourself if you cannot be this way. victim, but look where from abroad. It could in accordance with the were not a perpetrator. true guilt lies… their help them if they fol- image of the perpetra- Guilt is not inherited, What is the difference ancestors. And if they lowed that internal tor but also helped her it is always personal. between being guilty could go through this, voice, to see where the family… Wilm Hosen- Instead, we must stand and being responsible? then the general feel- feelings of guilt are feld is a similar exam- on the side of reality. What is the responsi- ing of guilt disappears originating, so that the ple, or from the other What does it mean for bility of the descend- and they can become cloud of guilt would side, I am reminded of Germans to stand on ents of the perpetra- mature enough to feel no longer hang every- the books by Andrzej the side of reality? tors based on? Guilt is always something You cannot hide the personal. One becomes presumption of inno- guilty once someone BOOKS BY cence in the form of the has done another per- NORBERT RECK: victim, but you can see son harm. I am not what happened, what guilty because of my 1. „Mit Blick Auf die Täter. Fragen an die deutsche Theologie nach 1945” my people did, what race, my background, 2. „Abenteuer Gott – Den christlichen Glauben neu denken“ wounds still exist, and or my nationality. I am what I can do to heal therefore above all re- 3. „Erinnern. Erkundungen zu einer theologischen Basiskategorie” these wounds. Howev- sponsible for the world 4. „Von Gott reden im Land der Täter. Theologische Stimmen der dritten Generation er, that, what I always in which I live. More seit der Shoah” called the “German precisely, responsible creed,” i.e. we suffered, for the area where I can 5. „Im Angesicht der Zeugen. Eine Theologie nach Auschwitz” we are innocent, we do something. couldn’t do anything, we didn’t know—this is Protestant German the- responsibility. where, but it can also Szczypiorski, someone what Germans should ologian Dorothee Soelle Mr. Reck, what do Ger- be said: there were who did not want to see say goodbye to. There said: “I am responsible mans expect? What do perpetrators, who Poland only as a nation were some in Germany for the house I did not they want? have names, and the of victims but rather that resisted National build but inhabit.” We descendants are not showed a varied his- Socialism. I am speak- have inherited a certain This is exactly the perpetrators. Then it tory. It would be desir- ing about the young house and this house question that has to be would be clear. Howev- able to now move from Christians from the has particular prob- asked. Latest research er, in not painting a too the general history to White Rose Movement. lems, even though we shows that 67% of Ger- general picture, it must one that is more spe- They did not have much have not caused them mans do not want to be be said that for the last cifi c. On the other hand, of a chance to change we must do something assigned guilt by those 10 or so years, there is stories about good Ger- the country. They cre- about them. Or, using from abroad, Jews, and a growing tendency to mans should not be ated and distributed the words of the Bible, the press. This is amaz- not to view themselves used to downplay the leafl ets and in this way the sins of our fathers ing. I do not recall that as victims, but to spe- crime. they did something. who have not repented in the last 40 years cifi cally look into their You can always do still exist. This guilt those abroad, as well own families’ histories, We started from vic- something. In Germany does not die. Violence, as Jewish people have to study the history tims and we fi nish on I learned that if people which we “bring into placed collective guilt of perpetrators, work sacrifi ce. What do the believed themselves to the world” still exists on Germans. I believe though it and become sacrifi ces teach us? be victims, this was of- and is toxic if we do not that this is something responsible. This has al- ten a lie. There exists a do anything. Children that lies inside them, ready started, however, I don’t believe that there general feeling—we fell of perpetrators are not something that does not it does not concern the is a general answer for into the hands of crimi- guilty, but are respon- allow them to come to majority. such a question. If my nals, who cheated us, sible for what their fa- terms with the feelings friend Hannah Mandel, made false promises as thers have brought into of guilt. This unfortu- How do you view our who was liberated from well as illusions, and the world. nate situation comes nationalities, Polish Auschwitz, she was we were used by the from the fact that Ger- and German? As vic- called a victim, I have a criminals to perpetrate Do Germans need mans feel that others tims and executioners? feeling that she would crimes that we never to feel they are “vic- are accusing them. And Or in some other way? not like that label. But if wanted to commit. I tims”? to the question of what we are not asking her never believe that most Germans want, you can We should be rather about her opinion, we people became victims You escape into the role say that they want to careful using the con- call her a victim, then of an illusion, but they of being a victim so come to terms with this cepts of nations trying perhaps teach us, as it clearly knew what they that you do not have to history, but they will to assign certain char- is often said, that you wanted. They knew ask yourself questions not fi nd peace as long acteristics. Naturally, expect anything from what they wanted when about guilt. If a family as they believe that oth- it is important that the anyone, both the good they were fascinated by feels its guilt, guilt of ers should remain silent German Third Reich at- and bad. It means that Hitler, when they paid the parents and grand- about this subject. tacked Poland. If at the you must be ready for their taxes, when they parents, then it is usual- same time we return the bad and have faith joined various organi- ly not acknowledged. If Before that, do Ger- to the beginning of our in the good. And this zations, and fi nally with we return to differenti- mans have to stop talk, when we easily is what we learn from all of their strength, sac- ating guilt and respon- blaming themselves? used the ideas of per- her. rifi cing their own lives sibility, then today’s petrators and victims, fought for Hitler. Only Germans do not have Germans hear an in- we may overlook other Interview by: Marta Titaniec in 1944 when the end a problem with guilt, ternal voice that talks avenues for action that Translated from German by: was obvious, people only the feeling of guilt. about guilt. They be- existed in history and Joachim von Wedel

1413121110987654321 History Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 16, April 2010

tine materials for the lead- tary school, and later gave PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL er of the local BCh group, birth to a daughter, Maria. Wojciech Jekiełek, in the She was also active as a vol- grocery store without the unteer in the community. IRENA KAWALA knowledge of the owner. Together with Mieczysław After liberation, she joined Faltus, the director of the (1913-1984, MARRIED NAME: KAHANEK) the effort to get elementary Brzeszcze Culture House, school in Brzeszcze back she helped children pre- lic school at Kamionka in ganization’s couriers, most into usable shape, and then pare theatrical perform- the Eastern Marches. frequently with Helena began working as a teacher. ances that were presented The outbreak of the war Płotnicka and Władysława She taught physical educa- in Brzeszcze and in other found her in Brzeszcze. Kożusznik. Running the tion, Polish, and history. At localities. From the very beginning, as risk of great danger, she the same time, she taught For her underground work soon as she learned about gave them bread, fats, sac- adults in night school. On during the war, she re- the camp and the conditions charine, and sugar in ex- August 10, 1946, she mar- ceived the Knight’s Cross there, she became involved change for counterfeit food ried Franciszek Kahanek, a of the Order of Poland Re- in helping the prisoners. ration coupons, and later teacher of geography and born. She died in Brzeszcze Born March 29, 1913 in At fi rst, she collected food, without any coupons at all. biology in the same elemen- on August 20, 1984. Brzeszcze, the daughter mostly bread, onions, and She also gave them medi- of Romuald and Karolina, fats, and gave these items cine that she obtained from nee Faltus. She attended el- to the women who fed the pharmacists and physicians ementary school and gimna- prisoners. Sporadically, she in Brzeszcze. She also sup- VESTIGES OF HISTORY sium in her hometown and also gave food to the pris- plied medicine and food to FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE continued her education at oner labor details working the ZWZ/AK courier Zo- the St. Hildegard Teachers’ in the area. In 1940, she fi a Zdrowak. From Helena AUSCHWITZ MUSEUM College in Biała Krakows- was employed at Tomasz Płotnicka, she also ob- ka, graduating in 1932. She Kegel’s grocery store in tained illegal correspond- he Museum has a large collection of was a member at the time Przecieszyn. From that time ence from the prisoners and of Polish Scouts Union, and on, her aid took an organ- mailed it to the indicated decorated camp letters. Created on the organized excursions and ized form. She then became addresses. Correspondence regulation camp forms, the pictures are scout camps Society and T a member of the Peasant to the prisoners arrived at in many cases truly miniature masterpieces. appeared in its theatrical Battalions (BCh), using the her address, and she gave productions. In 1937, she pseudonym “Hanka.” She it to Helena Płotnicka. She These letters made it for the walls of the camp began teaching at the pub- was in contact with the or- concealed various clandes- thought the German museum (Lagermuseum). censorship, so that means The fl owers, landscapes, that they were sent through and scenes from fairy tales offi cial channels. Censors that complemented the text FROM GANOBIS’S CABINET treated decorated letters were expressions of true as propaganda material. feelings that prisoners were However, the goal of the forbidden to write. A UNIQUE COIN prisoners was to make Today we cannot call these contact with their loved little works of camp art his coin originates from the Great Duchy of Oświęcim-Zator, ones and provide their decorations—they very and is dated 1776. It was created during the time of Maria families with at least a accurately express what was moment of joy. The artistic not allowed to be expressed TTeresa—from the grace of God, Roman Empress, Queen of level of the decorated in words—longing for home, Hungary, Bohemia, Galicia, Lodomeria, Grand Duchess of Austria, letters, however here not freedom, and normal life. Duchess of Oświęcim and Zator. The coin is made of silver, weighs the most important, is often Agnieszka Sieradzka better than large pictures Collections Department 9.2 grams and has a decorative edge. This is one of the rarities in A-BSM my collection. created for the SS men or

The coins were created in the an inscription in two lines: of the Habsburgs. Under Vieneese mint in the years XXXXVIII EX MARCA/ the crown there is a shield 1775-77. Other than the 30, PURA VIEN. Around the with a horizontal line, under 15 Kreuzer coins were also rim is the inscription: M. it, decorated with a wreath, minted. In this way, people THERESIA.D.G.R.I.HU. the worth of coin—30 kr.— living in these lands were BO.GA.LO.REG. On the re- meaning 30 Kreuzer. In gotten used to using Aus- verse side, under the crown, a semicircle is the inscrip- trian currency. you can see a shield with tion: ARCHID.AUS.DUX. four coats of arms of Galicia OSW.ZAT.1776. On the front, above the (three crowns), Lodomeria crossed palm and lau- (two fi elds of a chessboard), My collection also includes rel branches is the bust of Oświęcim and Zator (eagle), another older coin—a cop- Maria Teresa, and under it as well as the coat of arms per coin of Maria Teresa from 1774. OOn the front you can see fofour similar coats of arms, wwhile the inscription on the rereverse is SCHILLING 1774. ThThe coin weighs 2.2 grams.

BeBeing over 230 years old, ththe coin is a unique piece in mmy collection. I know that ththere are even older coins coconnected to the history of ththe Oświęcim—a Wacław ive h anand Jana IV Heller from the arc DDuchy of Oświęcim, years s’s 141445-1457. However, since

nobi nob mmy collector’s luck has not rurun out yet, I hope that one daday I will be able to fi nd one oto: M. Ga

of these. Photo: Collections Depatment, A-BSM h Photo: M. Ganobis’s archive P Coin—over 230 years old Mirosław Ganobis A decorated camp letter

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