O Ś WIĘ CIM ISISSNSNN 11899-4407899-9 4407

ISSN 1899-4407 atny atny atny atny ä ä ä ä Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp PEOPLE

PAMIõTAMY NADZIEJA ZOCHRIM W FOTOGRAFII ēYCIE I ćMIERç OBOZOWE WIERSZE NA OBRAZACH ZOFII POSMYSZ OćWIõCIM – ćWIATOWE JANA KOMSKIEGO NIEZWYKãA CENTRUM EDUKACJI PERM-36: KOLEKCJA OBRAZKI Z ROSJI W ZBIORACH MãODZI OćWIõCIMIANIE MUZEUM DLA BIAãORUSI ROTMISTRZ MOST DO HISTORII WITOLD PILECKI MEDYTACJA NIE TYLKO (1901-1948) CHRZEćCIJAýSKA AUSCHWITZ CULTURE IZRAEL OCZAMI 25 LAT PAWãA SMOLEýSKIEGO TOWARZYSTWA OPIEKI NAD

ART-TERAPIA OćWIõCIMIEM

W MIEJSCU PAMIõCI nr 1 maj 2008 HISTORY nr 2 czerwiec 2008 nr 3 lipiec 2008 nr 4 sierpieþ 2008

ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 atny atny atny atny atny ä ä ä ä ä II BIENNALE PLAKATU

Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp SPOãECZNO- Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp -POLITYCZNEGO W MDSM

„KATOLICKIE NOBLE” 67. ROCZNICA ćMIERCI ćW. MAKSYMILIANA JERZY WOLONTARIAT HRONOWSKI W MUZEUM PRZESTRZEý MIASTA IZRAEL – PODRÓē ēYCIA POBãOGOSãAWIONA KTO TO JEST ćWIõTA W OBOZIE PRZEZ KRZYē SãAWIK? OSTATNI KRAKOWSKI SALON POEZJI? AMERYKANKA O TEOLOGII NAUCZYCIELE-FILMOWCY W DOMU KLUGERA FUNDAMENTALNEJ

ROZMOWY Z MEDALIKIEM W TLE W OćWIõCIMIU O PRAWACH CZãOWIEKA NIE TYLKO CHAGALL WYZWANIA PAMIõCI NA XXI WIEK „NOWE ēYCIE” MãODZI O JÓZEFIE PACZYýSKIM

nr 5 wrzesieþ 2008 nr 6 paĒdziernik 2008 nr 7 listopad 2008 nr 8 grudzieþ 2008 nr 9 styczeþ 2009

ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 atny atny atny atny atny atny ä ä ä ä ä ä Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp

DOBRE DUCHY MDSM WSPOMNIENIE O KS. STANISãAWIE MUSIALE BUTY, CHLEB... UNIJNA DOTACJA ORAZ ZUPA NA KONSERWACJõ KONCERT ENSEMBLE „NOWE ēYCIE” WYSTAWA VOIX – WYSTAWA SZTUKI OBOZOWEJ ETOUFFÉES W CENTRUM ēYDOWSKIM

64. ROCZNICA WYZWOLENIA AUSCHWITZ PATRZYãAM NA USTA... REKOLEKCJE – DZIENNIK „U PROGU AUSCHWITZ” Z WARSZAWSKIEGO GETTA OTTO KÜSEL HORYZONT – WIõZIEý NR 2 – SPOJRZENIE NA EUROPEJSKI WOLONTARIAT „HISTORIE W BIOGRAFII” – ZOFIA ãYć

nr 10 luty 2009 nr 11 marzec 2009 nr 12 kwiecieþ 2009 nr 13 maj 2009 nr 14 czerwiec 2009

ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 atny atny atny atny atny ä ä ä ä ä Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp

WZORCE PAMIõCI PRZED I PO 1989 R. NOWA SIEDZIBA HISTORYCZNY CENTRUM EDUKACJI WAGON NA RAMPIE OCHRONIç AUTENTYZM W BIRKENAU MIEJSCA PAMIõCI SELEKCJA ROZMOWA Z TERESð ćWIEBOCKð W SZPITALU OBOZOWYM AMERYKAýSCY KADECI W POLSCE PO CO NAM DZIEý PAMIõCI TOLERANCJA? O ZAGãADZIE ROMÓW BUDDYSTA I SIKH O POJEDNANIU MALA I EDEK: TRAGICZNA OBOZOWA MIãOćç JERZY BUZEK I HANS-GERT PÖTTERING MOST DO HISTORII W MDSM I MIEJSCU PAMIõCI AUSCHWITZ I MOST PRZYJAđNI KARDYNAã DZIWISZ O OFIERZE ćW. MAKSYMILIANA MIõDZYNARODOWY KONGRES DLA POKOJU WYSTAWA OKIEM KONSULA SENTYMENTALNA PODRÓē DZIEý KULTURY ēYDOWSKIEJ „Oć” W UZBEKISTANIE TABAKIERKA, KTÓRA URATOWAãA ēYCIE

nr 15 lipiec 2009 nr 16 sierpieþ 2009 nr 17 wrzesieþ 2009 nr 18 paĒdziernik 2009 nr 19 listopad 2009

ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 ISSN 1899-4407 atny atny atny atny atny ä ä ä ä ä Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp Magazyn bezp

25 LAT TWÓRCZOćCI PAWãA WARCHOãA

ROZMOWA Z ZASTõPCð DYREKTORA MUZEUM BAJKI RAFAãEM PIÓRO Z AUSCHWITZ KULTURY PAMIõCI 65. ROCZNICA WYZWOLENIA OBOZU AUSCHWITZ

STYCZEý 1945 R. W AUSCHWITZ POLSKO-NIEMIECKI PROJEKT FOTOGRAFICZNY

ćWIõç SIõ IMIõ TWOJE

nr 20 grudzieþ 2009 nr 21 styczeþ 2010 nr 22 luty 2010 nr 23 marzec 2010 nr 24 kwiecieþ 2010

no. 17 May 2010 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

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

We are very pleased to host you, International Center for Education near the Auschwitz Memorial Site ladies and gentlemen, for the 25th about Auschwitz and the Holo- on the river Soła, a performance of time. This number reminds us that caust. Here you will find a report the artistic installation by Agnes we are starting our third year of about this event. On the pages of Janich “Light in Darkeness” took publishing our monthly. The main the Center for Dialogue and Prayer, place. While at the Oświęcim mu- subject of this edition of “Oś” is you can read an interview with the sic school there were two concerts: the annual event summing up the bishop of the German diocese of a performance by Grzegorz Turnau Editor: Paweł Sawicki work of the International Youth Passau Wilhelpm Schramm, who for Igorek Bartosz as well as for the Meeting Center. Once again, the came to Oświęcim with a group of second time, the French chamber Editorial secretary: Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka Center is hosting its friends and 27 seminarians. orchestra Ensemble Voix Étouffées supporters, in other words, Good played (an interview with its direc- Editorial board: Bartosz Bartyzel Spirits. At the IYMC, there was also This month we dedicate quite a tor, Amaury du Closel, will be pub- Wiktor Boberek the finale of the fifth edition of the bit of space to various cultural lished in Oś). Jarek Mensfelt project “Auschwitz—my land. His- events. The Jewish Center hosted Paweł Sawicki Olga Onyszkiewicz tory and remembrance years later” editor Piotr Paziński, who spoke Editor-in-chief Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech organized in cooperation with the about his book “Pensjonat,” and [email protected] Artur Szyndler Columnist: Mirosław Ganobis Design and layout: Agnieszka Matuła, Grafi kon Translations: A GALLERY OF THE 20TH CENTURY David R. Kennedy Proofreading: Beata Kłos Easter is behind us, but in pendce, so may every soldier kindly, but were banned. terms with these “supersti- Photographer: reference to that recently feel the love of the entire nation The nation had “freed itself” tions,” and the monopoly of Paweł Sawicki celebrated holiday I bring during the Easter Holidays. from religious practices and ruling the spirit was taken to attention a certain offi cial They are in great fi nancial “superstitions”! For exam- over by the state-party au- document issued by the au- straits and we turn to all Citi- ple: Christmas trees put up thorities, at least that is how thorities of our city, which I zens with the sincere request in towns at the time—here it stayed as an illusionary PUBLISHER: quote in extenso: to come with help in reaching on the former bunker on belief. To religion and the this goal. Donations in kind the main square bearing the Church, you could only turn Auschwitz-Birkenau Municipal Offi ce of Oświęcim, and money, we ask be given to name of Joseph V. Stalin— to for help in moments of State Museum Military Offi ce, 31 March the Social Citizens Women’s was not for Christmas, but social crisis and distress— 1947, to Citizen Winogrodzki League in Oświęcim. Mayor: J. for the New Year, a lesson which happened so often! In www.auschwitz.org.pl (lawyer), Jagiełły Street 23 in Cinalski. taken from our neighbors in moments of social protest. Oświęcim. Oval stamp with the words: the East. Here we can remind our- On orders of the District Ad- Municipal Offi ce of Oświęcim, Over the fi rst few post-war selves of a known saying, PARTNERS: ministrator in Biała-Krak. Bialski District. years, certain aspects of so- this time having to do with in the matter of organizing a cial life were connected with the atheist party: when in Jewish “Blessing” for soldiers of the A few years later, this type traditions of the inter-war fear, God is dear! Center Polish Army, the local Friends of initiative, this kind of period, for example, con- I do not know if my father of Soldiers Society in Oświęcim document and these collec- cerning religion, of which answered the offi cial docu- www.ajcf.pl —asks for the collection of in tions would be impossible. some ceremonies such as ment with a positive re- kind and monetary donations. All offi cial mention of reli- processions, were held with sponse, but if it survived in Our Polish soldiers paid a dear gious traditions, ideas, and the participation of repre- family archive… Center for Dialogue price for our Free Holiday and practices, such as, bless- sentatives of state authori- and Prayer for our Freedom and Inde- ings, were not looked upon ties. But soon they came to Andrzej Winogrodzki 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.pliecim pl

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

THIS HISTORY ALWAYS ALIVE WITHIN US

t the International Youth Meeting Center in Oświęcim a con- ference to sum up the fi fth edition of the educational pro- Aject “Auschwitz—my land. History and remembrance years later” was held, and during which the contest for middle and high school students entitled “Liberation as the fi rst step to freedom”

took place. One of the organizers of the project is the International Photo: agjus Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust. Conference recapitulating the project

Guiding theme of this edi- ate: “I met with my aunt, key photographed near the quences in their own and ticipants of the contest from tion was the liberation of who survived the Second ponds full of human ashes their loved ones’ lives as Chełmek. Auschwitz. There were World War. She was eight at Birkenau. It has a double well as developing sensitiv- 384 student participating years old then and lived in meaning: it opens the door ity. “Thanks to contests like In the fi ve editions of the from 21 schools, represent- Chełmek. Her uncle was to a home, and it opens the this one, we can learn about project organized since 2004, ing Małopolska and Śląsk. in Auschwitz, where he door to freedom,” she said. the history of the camp in in cooperation with the In- During the meeting at the worked at the factory. He an unconventional way. If ternational Center for Edu- IYMC, Dr. Jacek Lachendro, was sent there for some mi- Among some of the most this were knowledge from cation about Auschwitz and from the Auschwitz Muse- nor offense. I wrote about important goals of the pro- a book, it would have been the Holocaust, the Interna- um Research Department, her history. For me, it was gram, worth mentioning a bit boring. Here we are tional Youth Meeting Center gave a lecture about the lib- shocking. Every word she is to teach students and submerging ourselves into in Oświęcim, and MCDN— eration of Auschwitz. Later, spoke was diffi cult for her. teachers about the history what happened there. We Teacher Training Centre in the contest results were an- Her story is told within of Auschwitz, to shape the are experiencing something Oświęcim, there have been nounced and awards were our family. This history is ability to evaluate histori- deeper, not just a page from nearly 3,000 participants. presented. The conference always alive within us,” cal events and their conse- a notebook,”say the par- agjus was linked with an exhibit Roksana said. of the submitted contest en- tries. Dominika Radziun is one THE RESULTS OF THE LITERARY COMPETITION: of the laureate of the photo- The fi fth edition of the pro- graphic contest: “It started • 1st—Roksana Butryn, class III a, C. Norwid Publiczne Gimnazjum in Chełmek, ject started in September with with a visit to the Mu- teacher: Bogusława Opala, 2009, when the students seum. I took pictures and • 2nd—Paulina Cyganik, class III a, Zespół Szkół w Żarkach—Gimnazjum in Żarki, took part in study visits and used photographs from the teacher: Marcin Włodarczyk lectures at the Museum. The family album. I composed • 3rd—Patrycja Nędza, class III a, Zespół Szkół w Żarkach—Gimnazjum in Żarki, students’ task was to create the photos using a com- teacher: Marcin Włodarczyk a literary or photographic puter program. Here is my project on the subject of grandmother, grandfather, “Liberation as the fi rst and my uncle. They lived THE RESULTS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION: step towards freedom. My in Vilnius Region before thoughts and feelings asso- and during the War. After • 1st—Marta Budner, class II a, LO, ZS Towarzystwa Salezjańskiego in Oświęcim, ciated with this visit.” the war they were moved teacher: Łukasz Śleziak to the vicinity of Chełmek. • 2nd—Wiktoria Zaręba, class II, LGS, Powiatowy Zespół Nr 10 Szkół Mechaniczno- Roksana Butryn from the I wanted to show how they Elektrycznych im. Mikołaja Kopernika in Kęty, teacher: Grażyna Ferenc C.K. Norwid Publiczne lived while, Auschwitz was • 3rd—Anna Szen, class III, Gimnazjum Gminne nr 1 im. mjr. Piotra Szewczyka in Gimnazjum in Chełmek operating. On the picture of Rajsko, teacher: Zofi a Kanclerz was the fi rst place laure- my grandparents, there is a

REMEDY FOR A BETTER LIFE group of several dozen Silesian district directors of the Prison Service were at the Auschwitz Museum for a one-day semi- A nar “Auschwitz—History—Civic education,” organized by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the

Holocaust and the Prison Service. Sawicki ł Representatives from all the Silesian District Prison Service of Małopolska. The jails and prisons located in Service appeared after a suc- second, with the Prison Ser-

Śląsk visited the Museum cessful project done in the vice of Śląsk, which starts Photo: Pawe site and learned about the Spring of 2009 by the Muse- with this very meeting with Representatives of Prison Service Museum’s collection as well um with the District Prison its directors. during their visit at the Museum as watched selected docu- Service in Krakow. As the result of this special mentaries showing Ausch- “Until the end of this year, the educational and resocializa- correctional institutions. for workers and guards witz in fi lms. Museum will carry out two tion project, chosen groups “It would be naive to believe in the Prison Service. “But The seminar was an occa- projects in parallel,” Antoni of prisoners have the oppor- that the visit by convicts to there is faith that they will sion for discussions on the Stańczyk from the Interna- tunity to visit the Auschwitz the former Nazi German enrich their historical and subject of cooperative edu- tional Center for Education Museum and take part in an Concentration and Extermi- civic knowledge, making an cational work and its pos- about Auschwitz and the educational seminar. At the nation Camp of Auschwitz impact on their moral atti- sibilities when done in cor- Holocaust said. “One will same time, historians and will be a remedy for a better tudes.” rectional institutions. The be a continuation, the sec- educators from the Museum life,” wrote Jacek Matrejek proposal for cooperation ond part of the continuing are going with presentations, in the last edition of Forum between the Museum and cooperation with the Prison exhibitions, and lectures to Penitencjarne, a monthly Bartosz Bartyzel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

THIS SYMBOLIC WAGON NEEDS TO BE HERE

n the ramp of the former Nazi German Concentration Camp Auschwitz II-Birkenau on 15 April, a memorial- wagon was symbolically unveiled. It is dedicated to the memory of over 400 thousand Jews from Hungary, Owho from May to July 1944 were brought to Auschwitz. The wagon stands in the spot where SS doctors per- formed the selection, sending most of those deported to their deaths in the gas chambers. Sawicki ł Photo: Pawe Unveiling of the memorial - wagon on the ramp in Birkenau

The conservation of the his- taining the remains as well ral that this symbolic wagon The wagon that is at the for- and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. torical wagon was possible as maintaining the memory should be here. It shows each mer Auschwitz II-Birkenau In the years 1942-1944, it was thanks to the fi nancial sup- of those horrible events. For visitor how important it is to site is originally from Germa- where the trains of those de- port of Frank Lowy, whose this, I am truly grateful,” remember the people who ny. Under the supervision of ported stopped, that was un- father, Hugo, died in the Frank Lowy stated. were murdered, not only Museum specialists, the Ger- til the railroad tracks were camp. “We have a memorial- The ceremony was attended here, but also that this was a man company Die Schmiede built up to the very gas cham- wagon that symbolizes the by about 100 people, in- plan that included all of Eu- that deals with technological bers at Birkenau. suffering and the deporta- cluding former chief Rabbi rope. This wagon is a symbol antiquities restored it. Before The transport from Hungary tion of Jews from Hungary, of Israel, Yisrael Meir Lau, of that process and everyone the Second World War, in in which Hugo Lowy was de- among whom was my father, director of Yad Vashem in will be able to understand that. the years 1919-1925, over 120 ported, arrived on the ramp brutally murdered upon ar- Jerusalem Avner Shalev, the I would like to recognize the thousand such wagons were at Birkenau in May of 1944. rival a few meters from the immediate family of Hugo Director of the Museum, Piotr produced. Many of these During the selection he was place where we are. This is Lowy and directors of the Cywiński, for initiating this were used to deport people to selected as fi t for labor. When a very moving moment, but Auschwitz-Birkenau State project,” Avner Shalev said. the camp, which is proven by he refused to leave behind a for me it is also the end of a Museum. Those gathered also observed documents and archival pho- package with religious items certain stage. I lost my father In Avner Shalev’s opinion, a minute of silence for the vic- tographs. —tallits and tefi llins—the when I was 13 years old and putting an authentic wagon tims of the catastrophic plane Two historical rail cars are SS men brutally beat him to today I am 80. In my opinion, on the ramp is an extraordi- crash that killed 96 individu- also found on the so-called death. Auschwitz-Birkenau Muse- nary and important event. “It als, including Polish Presi- Altejudenrampe, the railway um does great work in main- seems to be something natu- dent Lech Kaczyński. ramp between Auschwitz I Paweł Sawicki

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

MUSIC FOR COMMEMORATION

he French chamber orchestra Ensemble Voix Étouffées for many years has been commemorating music of composers persecuted by the Nazi Third Reich. On April 24 and 25 musicians gave two concerts in Poland T—in Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw and in music school in Oświęcim which hosted the orchestra for the second time.

This year the musicians per- you include all religious realatives, composers Jewish Historical Insti- rope. We plan to publish formed works by Alexander works as well as popu- who perished during tute. These are two very a handbook for teachers von Zemlinski, Aleksander lar music of Jewish ori- the war. They ask if we symbolic places. about relationship be- Tansman, Norbert Glanz- gin, it might involve up can do something for tween the Holocaust and bert and music of Johann to 4 thousand people. their music. Then I have This symbolic point of music or the Holocaust Strauss edited by Arnold It was genocide so the a look at their works view is very important and culture in general. Schönberg. In Oświęcim, idea was to destroy eve- and if it is good I can for us, but it is also im- We also plan to develop young musicians, students rything. Not only peo- say: “Yes, we will do portant because we dis- our cooperation we have of the local music school ple but also their works it.” We try to publish covered, after playing in here with Auschwitz took part in the concert as were destroyed. You can and record. Last year Oświęcim last year, that Memorial and other well as workshops with fi nd so many absolutely in Oświęcim we played we could use music as a institutions. Next year French musicians. beautiful works which some pieces by Alfred tool for teaching the his- we would like to try to The orchestra is headed by deserve to be part of the Tokayer. It was nice tory of the Holocaust. create an exchange be- Amaury du Closel. He was normal concert life. It’s and entertaining mu- It reoriented our work tween the music school interviewed by Paweł Sa- the job we have been sic. It was sent to us by in the past year. At fi rst in Oświęcim and a music wicki. doing with so many dif- his daughter. Since his I thought—yes, these school in France. There fi culties for the last ten death this music had are wonderful compos- are works that were Voix Étouffées is a pro- years. I try to choose never been performed. ers and we need to play composed at that time ject that deals with a the best works for the Nobody knew about their works but it was— that could be used by very unique part of the ensemble. There were him. He was not a very if I may say so—a self- children. There is for ex- history of music. How operas, symphonies and well known composer. ish musician goal. We ample a children opera did it all start? chamber music written. He arrived in France realized afterwards that “Brundibar” by a Czech We are just a chamber in 1935 and he did not we have a duty to the composer Hans Krasa. It started about ten ensemble up to 15 peo- even start his career. He community to help the The piece was composed years ago when I discov- ple and that means that composed some music youth understand what in Prague in 1938 but it ered numerous pieces big things are not avail- for the movies but gen- happened, that we could was mostly performed by composers who were able for us as it is too ex- erally he remained quite play part a modest part in the ghetto in Terezín completely unknown pensive. unknown. After he died in remembrance of this in 1943 and 1944. It was to me. I learnt that they in Sobibór in 1943 every- terrible events so that sung by children be- either disappeared in Have there been any body forgot about him. they would not be re- tween 7 and 14. Most concentration camps major discoveries dur- We recorded his music peated. of them were deported or were compelled into ing your research, with Romanian Cham- to Auschwitz. Also the exile by Nazi Germany. something that may be ber Orchestra and then What are the plans for composer was murdered From this point on I really signifi cant to the started to perform it as the future? in the camp in October started to rediscover history of music? often as we could for 1944. If we could form scores, I searched the about a year. We have been sup- this cooperation on this archives and I wrote a It happened to us once ported by the European specifi c work, it would book. Finally, I formed or twice. From time to You are in Oświęcim Union for the last two give a huge symbolic an ensemble of musi- time we get messages for the second time and years and we can work valule. cians that is special- from families who had you also performed in more and more in Eu- Paweł Sawicki ized in interpreting the works by these compos- ers. It’s a collection of styles and aesthetics. It’s not an entity or a school, like for instance the Sch- oenberg school which is a part of this tragic his- tory… The only com- mon aspect of these composers is that at some point of their lives they were persecuted by the Nazis, mostly be- cause they were Jewish. The only common thing they have is the fact that they suffered.

Are you able to esti- mate after all years of research what was the number of persecuted composers?

It’s a huge amount of works. It’s impossible to give a precise fi gure. I have studied about 250- Sawicki 300 composers. When ł you talk about “serious music” we are talking about 500 musicians and Photo: Pawe composers, but when Ensemble Voix Étouffées concert in Oświęcim Music School

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 International Youth Meeting Center Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

All those who attended the lack in generosity that even- concert were given beauti- ing. As a result of the collec- WITH A CLEAR BROW ful fl owers, offered by To- tion for Igorek’s treatment, masz Polak from the Śląska the account of the Child- Giełda Kwiatowa in Tychy, rens’ Foundation “Help in thanks to the work of Lu- Time” will receive 10 thou- GRZEGORZ TURNAU’S CONCERT FOR IGOREK BARTOSZ cyna Pasternak. The perfor- sand Zloty! This excellent mance, which was not only result was possible, among n 22 April Grzegorz Turnau performed at the Music School a musical feast, was given others, thanks to the help of a standing ovation by the artists: Kalina Dulko, Józef Oin Oświęcim that was packed to capacity. The artist sang for audience. During his hu- Hołard, Janusz Karbownic- Igorek Bartosz, who is suffering from cancer. The organizers of the morous exchanges with the zek, Halina Kozioł, Elżbieta concert were the International Youth Meeting Center and the State audience, Grzegorz Turnau, Kuraj, Adam Pociech, Wal- Music School in Oświęcim. talked about the beginnings demar Rudyk, and Paweł of his singing career, his Warchoł. Artwork donated fi rst love, and “youthful by them was awarded to sins,” and each anecdote in- those who offered the larg- cluded a musical commen- est donations for Igorek’s tary. He parodied: among cause. And I think everyone others, John Lennon and who came to the concert, Marek Grechuta, to the au- came out—with what Grze- dience laughter, while his gorz Turnau asked for—“a greatest hits were sung to- clear brow” and a sense gether with the entire audi- that, together, we can over- ence. come the greatest obstacles. Before the concert, Rotary The organizers wish to Club Oświęcim held an- thank friends who made it other collection drive for possible for the successfully Igorek Bartosz. The artist hosting the concert. They himself appealed for gen- are: Maria Anna Potocka, erosity, dedicating the fa- Ula Maj—Director of OCK, mous words to the parents: Waldemar Rudyk—Direc- “… really, nothing is hap- tor of MOKSiR in Chełmek, pening and nothing is going Tomasz Polak, Lucyna Pas- to happen, until the end…” ternak, Grzegorz Gniady,

Photo: IYMC And truly—there was no and Marcin Boiński. Joanna Klęczar Grzegorz Turnau

preparation phase and dur- entartete Kunst). This is the ing the show; this reinforced term the Nazis used for art the aspect of cooperation that was not in line with their ARTISTIC FREEDOM and made the participants ideology, created by artists conscious of the uniqueness who were “racially inferior.” of the extraordinary moment, This is how participants project “Human Rights Yesterday—Human Rights Today: Ar- strengthening the ties be- were able to see examples of tistic Freedom” that involved a two-part exchange of youth tween the participants who great German art that did not has come to an end. In April, young people from Oświęcim, worked together during the belong to the offi cial art of A fi rst week of the exchange. the Third Reich. During dis- Toruń, Zielona Góra, and from Germany, Weil der Stadt, met for the That is why the meeting in cussions and work in groups second time. The fi rst part of the exchange happened in September Germany, after half-a-year the young people contem- 2009 at the International Youth Meeting Center. Young Poles and break, did not start with a plated: if there is a limit to Germans waited half a year to take part in the second part of the get-to-know session, but in- artistic freedom? How wide stead long awaited greetings. a margin of freedom should program—in beautiful Bad Liebenzell, where the longtime partner We left Poland on Sunday, 11 the artist have? Should the of the IYMC in this project has its headquarters, the International April, the day after the cata- state regulate art? Who de- Forum Burg Liebenzell. strophic Polish air disaster. cides what is art and what is At the initial meeting there a simple provocation? Apart The coordinator of the pro- democratic society as well as that were experienced in was no lack in expressions from the subject of the April ject was most pleased that to point out situations, which this place—and on the other of sympathy from the Ger- meeting, there was not a lack almost all the participants of had occurred in the past or hand, let the participants feel man participants and edu- of artwork. The participants the fi rst part of the program are taking place in the pre- like artists, feel what artistic cators for the Polish group. worked on a fi lm as well as participated in the second, sent where these rights are freedom means in terms of The words and gestures of in creating a dance spectacle. which took place in Germa- being trampled. the possibilities manifested understanding created the Ewa Lewandowska wrote ny. This was seen as the suc- In Oświęcim there was heavy in themselves to present immediate renewal of friend- about the participants’ work cessful result of the project in emphasis on the historical their work on the stage and ship, trust and willingness to during the workshops: “The Oświęcim and the challenge aspects: of persecution, de- fi nally feel that the impact rebuild cooperation in the huge amount of energy and of making the following struction of the intelligentsia, the artists and their art have coming days. creativity of the participants week of the project live up world culture and art by the on the audience. The main element connected meant that the adult educa- to the participants’ expecta- Nazi regime. A major part of The theater workshop was to the fi rst part of this project tors of the project had only tions. Now, after returning the meeting was dedicated also an opportunity for par- was a visit to the temporary the opportunity to stand home, after reading the eval- to the subject of Auschwitz, ticipants drawn from two exhibition in the National back and observe as the uation of participants, it’s above all, illegal camp art different cultures for mu- Gallery in Stuttgart entitled: spectacle took shape and in known that they have suc- by prisoner-artists as well as tual inspiration and mutual Bruecke, Bauchaus, Blaue Re- moments of need, discreetly ceeded and the second part how they risked their lives support while making art. iter. The exhibit consisted of help. The young people, per- of the project was an ideal to create, its role in staying Theatrical work was ideal works from a private collec- haps intuitively, but with a complement to the week at psychologically free and for the international groups. tion, 250 unknown until re- surprisingly strong result, the IYMC. escaping camp reality. Led Gestures, props, sound and cently pieces of the highest read the signals of the or- The goal that the organiz- by Ewa Andrzejewska from light easily substitute spo- art. Participants could mar- ganizers, accumulated their ers of both parts of the ex- Zielona Góra, were theatrical ken language in theater, so vel at, among others, Ludwig experiences and thoughts in change wanted to achieve workshops that were sup- it serves as a communica- Kirchner’s drawings, Edvard the creation, and certainly was, above all, making the posed to—on the one hand, tor, and breaks the language Munch’s lithographs, Max will never again be simple participants aware of the help in the learning about barrier. The performance Beckmann and Emil Nolde’s witnesses of history, but will right for artistic and cultural the history of Auschwitz and was a great experience for oil paintings. also never be uncritical con- freedom as a part of an open, in dealing with emotions the participants, both in its The tour focused on the idea sumers of culture.” of degenerate art (in German Teresa Miłoń-Czepiec

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 International Youth Meeting Center

POLISH-GERMAN ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS

rom the 23 to 29 of March the fi rst Polish-German comic book workshops took place at the International Youth Meeting FCenter in Oświęcim, in cooperation between the Educational Department of the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Educational Department of the IYMC in Oświęcim.

The fi rst part of the project pants visited the Nożyk Syn- -year-old was deported to took place in November 2009 agogue at Twarda Street, the Auschwitz with her mother at the IYMC Sachsenhausen only that was partially de- two days after the start of as an element of a model stroyed during World War the Uprising. Photo: IYMC project Art—Space—Remem- II and later restored. Before The meeting with Janina Participants of the workshop brance. The second part of the Second World War, Rekłajtis was especially the project in March allowed Warsaw had the largest Jew- moving because in her something the Germans ef- drew a picture of a his- for another seven-day meet- ish Qahal in Europe con- graphic descriptions she was fectively prevented. Janina, torical event, which in the ing of twenty students sisting of 350,000 members. able to recall many details of as the youngest of three (she last days most powerfully from secondary schools in Before the War, the Nożyk stayed in their memory or Siedlce, Oranienburg, War- Synagogue was one of the a picture showing what is saw and Oświęcim. Artistic fi ve biggest synagogues in JANINA REKŁAJTIS, most important in their life. care over the Polish-German Warsaw, built at the turn of NEE PAPIERNIK The participants worked workshop was in the hands the 19th and 20th century. together with the help of a comic book illustrator to cre- of graphic and comic book Unlike all the other Warsaw Was born in 1934, spent her childhood in occupied War- ate the fi rst fi ve topics of the artist Łukasz Mieszkowski synagogues, it survived the saw. During the uprising she, along with her mother and project: children, dreams, from Warsaw and artist Second World War because brother, had traumatic experiences in “Zieleniak”, which the Warsaw Uprising, fam- Thorsten Streichardt from the German occupiers used was one of the transit camps (that was on the way to one ily, and humiliation. Basted Berlin. The point of the sev- it as a horse stable. of the following transit camps at Pruszkow), located on on these fi ve topics, they en-day workshop session During the tour, above all, the site of a former produce market, so called Zieleniak created fi ve Polish-German was confronting the history signifi cant moments in his- (today Hale Banacha). Until the evening of 5 August groups, working together of the two Warsaw upris- tory were highlighted, as 1944, several thousand residents of the Ochota district 2-3 days on the history— ings (the Warsaw Ghetto well as the fate of individ- and surrounding areas were held there. From the start, personally most important Uprising in 1943 as well ual people and known indi- Zielaniak was a place of mass murder. The following to them—that would then as the Warsaw Uprising in viduals such as Mordechaj place little Janka was sent after “Zieleniak” and Prusz- be reshaped in the form of a 1944) and the fate of War- Anielewicz—leader of the kow was the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, where she comic strip. saw’s civilian population Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. spent almost half a year. After the War, Janina married Helpful in this were draw- that was deported to Ausch- The participants visited an offi cer of the Fire Department and worked as a clerk. ings that the young people witz during the Warsaw Up- the place, at 18 Miła Street, She lives in Warsaw to this day. rising and after it had been where the bunker was in created from sketches they crushed. which he lost his life on 8 made during their stay. The The seminar group spent the May 1943; and also visited the occupation and her time had a sister and brother), fi rst part of the workshops fi rst two days of the project the Warsaw Uprising Mu- in the camp. Among the often dressed in the clothes in Sachsenhausen, partici- in Warsaw. During the tour seum, where they observed memories she shared was passed down from her pants worked individually around the city, the group the work of the Spoken the moment of deportation older siblings and remem- on their own comics. Here, visited the places connected History Archive. This was from Pruszków to Ausch- bered vividly as her mother the goal was to work to- with the history of the up- also preparation for a meet- witz and the behavior of the bought a beautiful dress and gether and come up with risings of Warsaw as well ing with a witness to his- Polish people, who tried to fur coat for her First Com- an idea that would be trans- as the Warsaw Ghetto. The tory, Janina Rekłajtis (nee help the deportees by giv- munion, which she took formed into a project for the German and Polish partici- Papiernik), who as a nine- ing them water and food, with her to the camp. The Polish-German groups. This moment when her civlian way of working was well re- clothes were taken from her ceived by all as because of it, at the sauna in Birkenau, she the Polish-German groups cried alone and in grief. At could integrate themselves the time, she became aware well and the small work that her situation is dras- groups allowed for intense tically different from her historical discussion. earlier childhood when she On the last day of the semi- proudly paraded in her new nar, a volunteer from the dress and little coat around Action Reconciliation Ser- Warsaw’s old town. After vice for Peace Daria Vary- two intense days in War- vod of the Ukraine, guided saw, the participants came the group around Oświęcim to Oświęcim, bringing with and showed its history from them Janina’s appeal to the the German, Polish, and young generation that they Ukrainian perspective. The work to prevent any wars. last day also saw the pres- At the International Youth entation of the fi ve com- Meeting Center, as part of ics from the project. The the project, the young peo- successful Polish-German ple followed the fate of War- workshop ended at a good- saw Jews and Mrs. Janina bye get—together, during Rekłajtis’, among them, by which everyone looked for- visiting the Auschwitz Me- ward for future meetings morial together. Refl ections, during the next project. feelings, and hopes of the participants were put down Anna Meier

Photo: IYMC on paper after the visit to (Translated from German by Ela Pasternak) A comic strip made during the workshop the Museum—each person

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

IN THE MIRROR OF THE HOUSE

n the other side of the mirror, incredible things happen, magical… On the other side of the mirror we uncover a different view of the world… OOn the other side of the mirror we see ourselves as we really are. omiej Senkowski ł Photo: Bart

And it was in this enchant- that sums up its work. In The interior of the house even curved ones. In the put into inhumane situa- ed place, on the other side the enchanted land of mir- glistened with mirrors. past, mirrors were used to tions, and the choice is to of the mirror that the Good rors, on the other side of Crossing its threshold, the tell the future, to watch dis- ask ourselves important Spirits met—Friends and the House, a mime from the House Dwellers entered the tant events and faces, pre- questions about their iden- Donors of the International theater “Teatr Gry i Ludzie” land of mirrors. Venetian dict the future. Refl ections, tity, attitude, and behav- Youth Meeting Center dur- led visitors along a torch and Phoenician mirrors, whether faithful of real- ior.” These are important ing the annual celebration lined gravel path. silvery water mirrors and ity, or not, and desire were and true words. sought in them. That even- The International Meeting ing at the IYMC, among the Center has been this kind of mirrored decorations, we mirror for years. It is a road could see ourselves though that winds through distant a magical gift. Thanks to and contemporary history. the free pocket mirrors, for In it, key aspects of society men and women, so that and politics are refl ected. we could see our alter ego, Here ideas are refl ected, and thanks to (very unfair- here prejudice and stereo- ytalishly) Alicja (Bartuś)— types are smashed into tiny to look in the mirror of the pieces. Young people from House to see all that it has all over the world, searching been able to accomplish in for truth and themselves, the past year. These events come to the Center. They were important and not want to see. And in this banal, just like the visit of special place—looking into the Chairman of the Eu- the mirror of history, they ropean Parliament, Jerzy can see everything that, for Buzek, during the project them, is true, real, and that “1939/1989: A Time of Guilt which enriches them. That, and a Time of Hope.” which can be seen, turns The director of the IYMC into the “mirror” of that Leszek Szuster said that, which is unseen. Here they “visits of young people to can experience and under- the IYMC in Oświęcim are stand that. What helps them a chance and opportunity to is the extraordinary staff of refl ect in this special place. the Center, who work with Through the prism of its 160 groups annually, taking history, you can see your study tours as well as real- own sensitivity, empathy, ize over twenty educational omiej Senkowski

ł and tolerance. By meeting programs for young peo- with witness of history you ple. In the past year, over can experience ‘a refl ection’ fi ve thousand young peo- of their extraordinary fate ple have taken part in these Photo: Bart of the people who had been programs. From the left: Beata Paluch, Anna Radwan-Gancarczyk, and Ewa Kaim

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However, the International for the project “1939/1989: Youth Meeting Center is A Time of Guilt and a Time also a mirror of reality. It of Hope”; as well as the ex- is the organizer of impor- ceptional ability to create tant events: cultural, artis- new realities—not only in tic, and educational. At all the exhibition halls. times, we strive for what In the category “Business” is important, close to each the Good Sprit statue was one of us, current, and accepted by Jerzy Brniak needed… Keeping in mind (Director of BP Poland) the saying: think glob- for the years of fi nancial ally, act locally—the IYMC support of the most im- takes us to the other side of portant cultural events at the mirror every day, to a the IYMC, for the deep un- different world—a world derstanding of the concept of deeper refl ection, study behind the Center, and for tours, and the admiration the exceptional ability to of art. combine the position of We have witnessed this manager with the sensitiv- admiration once more… ity of a civilian. When, in front of the guests Distinguished in the cat- omiej Senkowski that evening, the mime egory of “Artist,” was Ewa ł “broke” the curtain that is Kaim, an actress of the the mirror and we found National Old Theatre in ourselves in the Krakow Krakow, lecturer at PWST. Cellar Under the Rams, on She was honored for her the other side of the mirror. local patriotism as well as In this land of the cellar loyalty to old friends, for waiting for the guests were talent, artistry and graceful the great actres’s of the acting. National Old Theatre in At the evening’s end, Krakow: Ewa Kaim, Anna the guests could visit the Radwan-Gancarczyk, and “Room of Sudden Change” Beata Paluch as well as ac- and leave the IYMC with a companying them, Janusz magical photograph, which Butrym, who enchanted was the joyful effect of the the audience with a daring “change,” and simultane- cabaret and music show. ously a wonderful cure for The culminating moment all fears, worries, and sad- of the evening was the ness. This magical change awarding of the IYMC was dedicated with best Good Spirits Statues. In the wishes, to our son, Igorek, category of “Creator of Re- who is battling cancer, so ality,” Maria Anna Potoc- that he wins as soon as pos- ka, director of the Museum sible… of Contemporary Art in For this and many other omiej Senkowski Photo: Bart

Krakow, was honored for magical evenings, we give ł inspiration and fruitful co- our sincere thanks! operation with the Center by organizing the exhibi- tion by Edward Dwurnik Photo: Bart Monika Bartosz Maria Anna Potocka—Director of the Contemporary Art Museum in Krakow receiving “The Artist and History” the IYMC Good Spirit Award in the “Creator of reality” category omiej Senkowski omiej Senkowski ł ł Photo: Bart Jerzy Brniak (Director of BP Poland), Photo: Bart IYMC Good Spirit Award in the “Business category” Ewa Kaim receives the IYMC Good Spirit Award from August Kowalczyk

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Jewish Center Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

POLAND MULTICULTURALISM UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS OF THE PIONEERS OF TOLERANCE

t is commonly thought that since the end of the Second World War, Poland is an ethnically and culturally homogeneous country, lacking in the pre-War national and religious mosaic. Is this notion 100% correct? IAre all the citizens of our country truly the same? If not, then what does that mean? Looking for an answer to this and other similar questions are a chosen group of nearly 30 students of high schools in Oświęcim and the surroundings, who attended workshops at the Jewish Center.

which has the goal to shape openness to others and in- WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE spire to question their own and other people’s stereo- NEED TOLERANCE FOR… types. One day, I received a phone call from the director of the In April, the fi rst such Jewish Center in Oświęcim, who proposed that I do a meeting took place. The workshop for local youth in the framework of the project Pioneers of Tolerance in- “What Do We Need Tolerance For?”. vited Azat Poghosyan, an Without a second thought, I agreed, but before my trip I Armenian student living in talked about this with my acquaintances to get some tips Warsaw. After a short pres- and I was surprised that many people, upon hearing entation by one of the par- “workshops with young people from Oświęcim” said that ticipants on the history and it would be a diffi cult challenge. To this day, I do not under- culture of Armenians, an in- stand the diffi cult question of the Town of Oświęcim. Visu- teresting conversation took ally, this town has been deprived of any type of joy, youth, place. Azat talked about his urban art, cultural events, and so on. I am amazed that the arrival to Poland, and how fact that the historical events has had such an impact on the as a teenager found himself stereotypical view of the town. in a new environment, not When I was in Oświęcim, I did not have the impression knowing the language or the citizens were different, and talks with young people local culture. The pioneers from Oświęcim did not differ from dialogues I had in other asked the guest about dif- towns. This theory is mainly aimed at those people who fi cult and easy experiences, upon hearing the words “Oświęcim,” are reminded of the cultural similarities and historical facts, about which we read in school textbooks. differences between Arme- Thanks to my talks with the young participants of the pro- nians and Poles, as well as gram “What Do We Need Tolerance For?” I was struck that his feelings towards both Photo: JC respecting other cultures is something as important as our countries and future plans. Azat Poghosyan during a meeting with Pioneers of Tolerance everyday activities. I also understood that we do not talk The meeting took place in about topics dealing with tolerance often enough. I came During the “Pioneers of aversion or indifference. It a warm and open atmos- away with the feeling that the participants of the program Tolerance” fi rst three meet- is diffi cult to overestimate phere. Azat also brought have much knowledge about the topics of tolerance and ings, the young workshop the importance of discus- the Pioneers thoughtful multiculturalism. I was really impressed by the questions participants looked at their sions on this issue and the gifts, bookmarks created directed to me. They concerned the culture of the country own perception of other conclusions in context of by children who attend the where I was brought up. I was surprised by a question con- people, talking about stere- the history of the nearby Armenian school in War- cerning the role of women in Armenian culture. The girl otypes and prejudices com- former Nazi Conentration saw. asking this question made me feel as if I was on a machine mon in their universe and Camp Auschwitz. We look forward to the taking me on a sociological journey. I answered, with dif- their impact on those affect- After this preparation, the next meeting in May, when fi culty using the words of a Polish artist, who in the 1960s ed by them. Film screen- participants taking part in a young Jewish woman during an interview for French television on a similar ques- ings, interactive exercises the program put people, named Nitzan Reisner tion concerning the role of women in Poland sarcastically: as well as discussions gave who are a minority living will visit us. We invite “A woman in Poland is like a princess, they do not have our pioneers a moment to among Poles, under the you to follow the program to work.” I think that meeting with young people was a experience feelings of be- microscope. Meetings with at www.poconamtoleran- unique adventure, which I had never before experienced. ing in the minority, and such people are the second cja.pl. struggle with the human element of our program, Maciek Zabierowski Azat Poghosyan Photo: JC Pioneers of Tolerance with Azat Poghosyan

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 Jewish Centerter

ATTEMPTING TO EXPERIENCE WHAT CANNOT BE EXPERIENCED

n April 25 in Oświęcim, next to the Soła River, we were able to par- Oticipate in a unique artistic event. “A Light in the Darkness”—was the title of the performance installation by Agnes Janich, a young Polish artist. The organiz- ers of the project were the Auschwitz Jew- ish Center and the Museum of Contempo- rary Art in Krakow MOCAK.

9:30 p.m. At the intersec- write the name of living tion of Legionów and persons that we love and Leszczyńskiej Streets a are dear to us. Next, with group of people started our thoughts we burn the to gather. Each came here piece of paper in the little for a different reason. boat with the candle and Some out of sheer curios- let it go to flow in the river ity, while others came be- current. As long as we can, cause they wanted to take we watch the point of light part in the event. After a float farther away from us. certain time, a person who Quoting the words of the stood out—undoubtedly artist, the performance of due to the way she was “A Light in the Darkness” dressed and, at the same is an “ephemeral living time, her mood, joined monument, which aims to the participants. She was remind of what used to be, dressed in white and gave but also a reminder of the off an aura of good nature loved ones we love today.” and warmth. This was This experience enriches us Photo: Adam Pelc the creator of the installa- internally, giving the feel- Agnes Janich tion, Agnes Janich. After ing of spiritual oneness. a few words of introduc- tion, she invited us for the show, which gave us the INTERVIEW WITH ANGES JANICH exceptional opportunity to take the role of actors and Why have you chosen this path in life and this profes- Poland more often—always between trips to installa- audience members at the sion? tions, exhibits in New York and Warsaw. Wintethur same time. As she said at and Barcelona have allowed me to experience a dif- the beginning: “I am only There is no other way, this is a calling. ferent audience. In Winterthur everyone cried, in Bar- the cause, and you are the celona—they smiled and held hands. Those were also creators.” Performance art is a diffi cult form of self-expression the reviews. For private reasons, Auschwitz means Each person took with of what you want to say and to what you want to draw something special to me. I don’t want to talk about them five items: a candle, attention. Do you, as such a young person, feel that that because I want to respect someone’s privacy. For little boat, lighter, a piece your art is accepted by all age groups? all of humankind, this place is a symbol of mass, in- of paper, and pen. The dustrial murder. whole time an atmosphere Everyone is as old as they feel. I think that I reach of secrecy accompanied us, those who want someone to reach them, they came Where do you get your inspirations from for further which was created by the here, follow my exhibits, or watch from a distance. I projects and are you, by nature, a pessimist, optimist, dark forest, the calming hope that I have also reached some by God’s will, a or perhaps you are grounded fi rmly on Earth as a re- moonlight. Surrounded by passer-by, a child… I was asked at a meeting with the alist—does this then fi nd its way into your work? the burning torches, we public in Krakow if I had a target audience. My re- form a half-circle, to listen sponse was—Humankind. This has changed. For fi ve years I had depression, my to further instructions of head shaved like a woman going to the gas, a black the artist. Agnes asks us In relation to your performance installation “A Light turban, black clothes, and I obsessively visited con- to go back in time about in the Darkness”, I wanted to ask about bringing out centration camps—I was in 19—in snow, wind, rain, 70 years to a street in Kra- emotions from your audience, and which are the most walking. I tried to experience something that cannot kow. It is a calm Sunday important to you and why? be experienced. I ruined every relationship that was evening and we are taking offered to me, I only had my obsessive love for those a stroll, but suddenly the In one of the essays about my art, Dr. Thyrzy Nichols people who were touched by Genocide, who you usu- peace is broken with a yell Goodeve from Artforum speaks about the obsessive ally love at a distance. Slowly, consciously, I started and overwhelming fear. attempt to experience the Genocide on your own skin to look for life in these projects, permission—God or Łapanka!!! [Street round- —and not that of grandparents. Lyle Rexer, from Aper- my calling—to be a woman and mother, friend and up] Some people manage ture—about a call to remember. Other subjects are also lover. And this is how I started to do projects about to escape or hide, but the breeched. I leave this for individual interpretation. love, relationships, but also about violence, but in majority are caught and fi- Pain, anxiety, joy, hope—each of us are different and other contexts and on a different scale. I always some- nally end up as ash on the we all have that right. I learn quite a bit from reactions how analyze pain, but a different kind. As Professor Soła riverbed. of my audience and meetings with the public. Joanna Tokarska-Bakir wrote about me, “for compar- These events still carry ing love to Genocide, I am punished like Sarah Kane.” with them emotions, pain, You have done similar projects in many parts of But hearing from the audience “thank you for coming but they involve our grand- the world. Please tell us why in Poland you chose to Oświęcim, now we will live better here,” or “thank parents’ generation, who Oświęcim and did the immediate neighbor, the for- you for sharing positive energy with the world” I am should be remembered mer Auschwitz camp, play any kind of role? convinced, again and again, that its worth it. and honored—we have the immense luck to live here I always wanted to see this project done near the for- and now. Each of us lights mer Auschwitz camp. Only since last year, I am in Interview by: Monika Bernacka a candle. On the card we

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCUSS, BUT IT IS BETTER TO REMAIN SILENT HERE

pril 9 a pilgrimage of 27 German seminarians took place from the diocese of Passau. The group toured Oświęcim and took part in the Stations of the Cross at the former Nazi German Concentration and Death ACamp Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The group was lead by the Bishop of Passau, Wilhelm Schramm, who was interviewed by Wiktor Boberek.

How do you, Bishop, ity: Rome, Fatima, San- one another in this place. cannot forget that what sing the Psalm “My God, feel at Auschwitz today tiago de Compostela, We must profess what happened at Auschwitz why have you aban- as a German and mem- Lourdes, and Poland: has happened here; we is history for the new doned me?” This is also ber of clergy? Częstochowa, Krakow, cannot forget and must generation. We must the reality in our own Oświęcim. For me these learn lessons here, so show this history to life, but here in Ausch- This is not my fi rst visit are very important plac- that this can never hap- young people, teach it, witz in an unimaginable to Auschwitz. I was es that one must get to pen again. However, and have them compre- way. In spite of this, in here several years ago, know, where you have we must focus our eyes hend how the crime was this horrifying gloom, also as part of a delega- to be to understand eve- to the future. Father carried out during the in this darkness, there tion during a conference rything. It is important Maximilian Kolbe, in Nazi era. I grew up dur- were points of light, of German bishops in for me to come here with 1939, said to his breth- ing the time of National witnesses to faith. I am Częstochowa August 15, young people, so that ren as he took leave of Socialism. As an altar thinking of Edith Stein 1987. At the time, Cardi- they can personally ex- his monastery: “do not boy I saw, one Sunday, and Father Maximil- nal Höffner, Chairman perience this place. That forget about love.” To- a priest from my parish ian Kolbe, who I have of the Conference of is why we are here. The day, these words deeply say during the sermon: always revered. This German Bishops, led the second reason is the fact move me, here in this “the War is lost, do not was a support to many, delegation and we also that in my diocese there place where he lost his believe in Hitler,” and who could not say it, visited this emotionally are many Polish priests. life. Do not forget about upon leaving the pulpit, but thanks to them they moving site. When you They are in monasteries love. Love has to have he was arrested by the could look to the future. ask how I feel, I can only as well as priests in the the strength for recon- SS. He was deported to These were small, hum- say: there are many op- diocese. They come to ciliation. the Flossenbürg Concen- ble lights that shined in portunities to discuss, Germany and, of course, tration Camp, located in the gloom. But we also but it is better to remain speak about their home- What is Auschwitz? my homeland. We must have the right to the silent here. Stay silent, land. Spending time in tell young people about accusative psalm, “My above all, because of the Częstochowa, or here Auschwitz is a crime this, these histories, and God, why have you great hatred that people in Oświęcim, they see that cannot be compre- make this enormous abandoned me?” I was are capable of. When a great opportunity in hended. If Christ’s mes- crime something they asked this while I was people are brimming forming deeper personal sage is not actively wit- can comprehend. This in Auschwitz, stand- with such deep hatred, bonds. With our own nessed to, then people is what happens when ing by the Death Wall. contempt for man, and eyes we can see their put themselves in place people move away from God, why did you al- if something such as this homeland. of God. Then the person God. low this to happen? Of could happen then we is abused, humiliated, course you are omnipo- can only remain speech- Among all the places and that is when they The question about tent. The answer can be less and ask for forgive- you have mentioned, are deprived of honor, God is heard here very found here thanks only ness. We can reach out Bishop, there is also they are nothing, only often. We often hear: to Jesus’ suffering on to one another, but never Oświęcim with the for- annihilated. “Where was God? Was the Cross. If I did not forget. mer Auschwitz Con- God with the prison- believe in the Crucifi ed, centration Camp. It is How does the German ers of Auschwitz? If He I would doubt in such a Bishop, why have you a place of enormous Church handle the was, then how did He place. This is my answer. decided to come here suffering for the Jew- question of Auschwitz? let this happen?” It is therefore justifi ed; with a group of theol- ish people as well as in that place where I ogy students, future the Poles. Bishop, do In dialogue we must I would be careful to sing the Easter Alleluia, priests? you believe that in this speak about everything, quickly answer the and by that I give testi- place reconciliation is everything that is asso- question “where was mony: salvation is in the Every year, I travel with possible? ciated with Auschwitz. God?”. As Christians Cross and in the Risen students of my semi- This must be discussed, we also do not have to Lord. It is the message nary to sites that are There is no other alterna- above all, with the be ashamed, while with to us from the Cross: important to Christian- tive than to reach out to young generation. We Jesus on the Cross we “Do not forget about me.” Photo: CDP Stations of the Cross in Birkenau

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation Photo: CDP Seminarians meeting with Father Manfred Deselaers

A month ago we had ond Reich [sic], I was in riences, it makes them That is why people come “you are our savior, you a retreat at our Center. primary school (at the stronger in their fi ght to you. We must not are our Messiah.” It is The topic of this was Je- time a Volksschule). We for the truth. It is not ask them “what do you a crime to deceive such sus’ cry “ My God, why could not have a cross in disgraceful to make mis- want?”, but “what do young children. That is have you forsaken me?” the classroom. We could takes. People make them, you need?” What does why the downfall was This was a call out to not talk about the sub- but they must lift them- a young person need so so great. This is a lesson God full of doubt… ject of religion. We were selves out of them. that their life turns out, from history. We will do purposely isolated from has meaning, overcome everything so that this I would not talk now God. It is diffi cult for me How should this be un- every crisis, and they does not happen again. about doubt, but I would to answer the question derstood in the context fi nd the right answer to John Paul II, the great- say that God hid his face if God wanted to test us of the German nation, their questions. What do est son of Polish history, as a Christian, but He is here in Auschwitz. Ear- a nation brought up in they need? It is our task, showed us the way. We there. Even if you do not lier something different Christianity? no matter where we are. do good when we follow feel Him, I always do in happened here. We live Just as bishop for me, as his example. His succes- discussions with people in times when a man is When a person distances for you, the workers at sor, Pope Benedict, is here in the camp, regard- also very consistently himself from God, when this Center. Our task is following his path. He less of their nationality moving away from God, they distance them- in helping answer these clearly showed this here or faith, I bear witness His will and His com- selves from their calling, questions. It does not in Auschwitz and Birk- to my beliefs, however, I mandments. We have it makes it more diffi cult matter if they accept our enau. On television, I would not dare impose before us proof, and we for them to understand help, or not, it is up to watched him speak at my beliefs on others. I know what He wants their sin. They create them. Auschwitz poses Birkenau, and suddenly, would try to explain to and what for us is bless- their own measure of enormous questions. as if by some miracle, a them that in spite of this, ed. He is testing us. We good and evil. This also great rainbow appeared I believe in God, even if can accept it or not. If we concerns us, also in Ger- People come here with above the Pope. I was He is not present and I accept it, then this will many. In Germany, the these questions and truly proud then that would show respect for be our blessing, if we process of secularization seek answers. the Pope had come here. the beliefs of others. do not—then we create is taking place suddenly. It was an important tes- Auschwitz in a different Faith in certain situa- In this sense, you have tament that he came as a Can Auschwitz be de- form. tions does not play a role a challenge before German and found the scribed as a test that He (killing of human life in you. People are liter- appropriate words. I has set out for people? So can we say that God the womb, euthanasia). ally destroyed, fi nished, was overjoyed then that tests us from time to All barriers are broken. when they take note of the Vicar of Christ here I would not call this a time? And it is then that how cruel people can on earth is doing some- test. Something took we show who we truly Since this is all still tak- be. When I was 8 years thing in the intention of place earlier. Hitler and are. ing place, then can it be old Adolf Hitler passed the One he represents his henchmen distanced said, that people are not through my town of here on earth. He did themselves from God. If you want, than we learning from their own 2,000 people. He was not act as if it had not You see, Goebbels had can accept that He put mistakes, that they are on his way to Bayreuth happened. He called for said, “We are going to this question to us every not taking any lessons for the Wagner festi- reconciliation. He did war as we go to mass” day; and every day we from Auschwitz? val. We all had to come this and I was very hap- and people screamed in answer this question in out and stand in a row, py because of it. I know ecstasy. This happened some way. I hope that Yes, in some respects, I with fl ags that had the that many, even among before the war. I would we do not have to do this would say that is the swastika in our hands. us understood it this not talk about a test set ourselves, but we can do case. In each window there way. I found out from out for us by God here. this together with others. were lamps burning. It the Polish clergy in my It was most certainly This seems quite impor- What do we need? Is was sheer craziness! diocese that it had been like that, but fi rst there tant to me. Most likely, there hope? This was self-elevation, understood in such a was the person. And the a person would not do the elevation of one- way here. person fi rst distanced this alone, but when Yes. That is why we are self to the role of God. himself from God. Dur- they get the support of here. That is the reason We had to yell, “Heil ing the time of the Sec- others, share their expe- for such a large Center. Hitler!” That meant, Interview by: Wiktor Boberek

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Historia Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010

group was correspondence niew (born 1921) for involve- and professor from Warsaw between the prisoners and ment in the relief effort. Her University, the former Polish PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL their families. They took brother was a member of the ambassador in The Hague, secret messages from the Home Army (AK), under the Stanisław Kętrzyński. camp and mailed them to pseudonym “Feliks.” After In 1945, she married the IRENA PTASZYŃSKA the indicated addresses, their arrest, they were both economist and banker (1919-1992, MARRIED NAMES: smuggling the replies back sent to camps. Her mother Adam Drost. After the into the camp. At the end of survived Ravensbrück Con- opening of the State Mu- DROST, NOWORYTA) 1941, Irena was employed centration Camp, but her seum in Oświęcim, she was by the German Kluge con- brother perished in Gross- employed in the Museum Born on June 18, 1919 in tion Camp, she organized a struction company, which Rosen. Workshop. In 1953, she sepa- Oświęcim, the daughter of group of scouts who were did contracting work inside Immediately after libera- rated from her husband and Władysław and Kazimi- prepared to help the pris- the camp. Irena worked in tion, Irena Ptaszyńska cared moved to Rabka, where she era, nee Sermak. Her father oners. The group acquired an offi ce located directly for prisoners who required married the retired judge (born 1885) was a pharma- food and clothing, and cov- adjacent to the camp. This treatment. She took sev- Noworyta, with whom she cist, and owned a pharmacy ertly supplied it to prisoners gave her the opportunity for eral of them home from the had a daughter, Maria. She in the town. She attended laboring outside the camp, direct contact with prisoners Auschwitz site by sled, and worked for many years as public school and gimnazjum sometimes with the tacit including the noted sculptor nursed them for a month in a teacher and warden in the in her hometown, earning approval of bribed SS men. Xawery Dunikowski. She her apartment. Among them children’s hospital. She died her matura (fi nal school ex- Irena Ptaszyńska’s specialty also stayed in touch with the was a prominent historian in Rabka on June 14, 1992. amination, conferring the was acquiring medicine, camp resistance movement, right to enroll in university). to which she had access who passed documents, She began her studies in the through her father’s phar- maps, and sketches of camp Pharmacy Faculty at the macy, for the prisoners. The buildings to her; she carried FROM GANOBIS’S CABINET Jagiellonian University. The Germans eventually con- them away and gave them start of the Second World fi scated her father’s phar- to the underground. She War prevented her from fi n- macy, but he went to work worked for Kluge until 1943, PICTURE FROM AUSCHWITZ ishing her studies. at a pharmacy in Mysłowice, before being employed in She had been involved in where he continued to be the Agrochemia factory, also scouting since childhood, able to acquire medicine in Oświęcim. She continued he picture depicts a landscape, a nice scene and showed great commit- for Irena. She, in turn, took working to help the prison- painted by Durer. There would not be an- ment to the movement in her advantage of her and her fa- ers. ything strange about it, if not for the fact school years; her scouting ther’s own contacts to obtain In 1943, she suddenly lost T experience proved useful drugs from other pharma- all those closest to her. Her that it was found in Oświęcim in the house of during the German occupa- cies in Oświęcim. Another father died. The Gestapo a high-ranking doctor who brutally murdered tion. After the establishment important area of activ- arrested her mother (born prisoners of Auschwitz and Monowitz camps. of Auschwitz Concentra- ity by Irena and the scout 1897) and her brother Zbig- A friend who lives in a house in the Zasole area of Oświęcim gave me the picture. The house VESTIGES OF HISTORY was inhabited by the above mentioned Ger- FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE AUSCHWITZ MUSEUM man doctor during the Second World War. A document that has been found bears his name hat can a modest toy made of ribbon and wire hide? Who —Dr. Horst Fischer. It looks as if the doctor left would have thought that the little devil with a pitchfork a few more things of his things in Oświęcim. could hide information of the importance of life and death? I have heard stories of, among other things, a W small table with the Waffen-SS emblem as well But fact is that the little devil we see here was not in fact intended for fun or for Christmas pageants, but it served as a hiding place for as a sold BMW motorcycle. prisoners’prisoners secret corrcorrespondences.

The devil in this extraordi- PPS created an organization nary situation took on the role that helped to prisoners in of an angel, thanks to which the camp. Kazimierz’s entire prisoners had contact with family took part, his father the outside world. The toy, Piotr, mother Marianna, broth- made in Auschwitz, found er Edward, and sister Maria. itself after the war in posses- The Hałońs provided food sion of Kazimierz Hałoń who and medicine for prisoners was a member in the Ausch- as well as worked as carriers witz prisoner underground of illegal correspondence and as well as a person who reports about Auschwitz. The brought help to prisoners. secret messages were smug- Working in the Krakow un- gled out in small packages as derground, Kazimierz was well as various other things:

Photo: Collections Depatment, A-BSM arrested and put into the in rolling pins, keys, and lip-

Toy—Little Devil, donated in 1960 camp in September 1941. stick—which were specially Photo: M. Ganobis’s archive by former prisoner from 1941-1944, Thanks to civilian workers, hollowed out for this purpose. Painting Kazimierz Hałoń, to the Auschwitz he quickly got in contact with The devil shaped toy was Museum Collection. his family living in Brzeszcze. most probably created with Horst Fischer was born 31 to work sent during them to He became involved in the the thought about such func- December 1912 in Dresden. their deaths. The devil is made from a underground, mainly dealing tions. With its help, mail was In 1937, he fi nished medical After the end of the War, he metal piece, wrapped in a rib- in passing of secret messages carried out of the camp main- school at the University of worked using his real name bon, gray inside and red on describing the camp cond- ly during the holiday season. Humbold in Berlin. He joined as a doctor in Spreenhagen, the outside (which has faded tions, later was involved in It’s possible that the shape the SS soon after Hitler came in the German Democratic over time, making it orange). organizing food for prisoners, of the toy had something to to power and enrolled in the Republic. Fisher was arrested Under the neck—an open- and escapes from the camp. do with the alias of Edward NSDAP in 1937. In Novem- on 11 June 1965 on suspicion ing in the material, decorated Taking advantage of help of Hałoń—“Badger,” who led ber 1942, Fisher was sent to of crimes against human- with glitter. The head—made the PPS organization (to which the resistance movement near the Auschwitz Concentra- ity. His trial before the High of a piece of fur with a mask he, his brother, and father be- the camp in Brzeszcze. Any- tion Camp system, where he Court of the GDR started on created of paper. The tongue longed) with his brother—Ka- way, it is diffi cult to overes- took the position of assistant 10 March 1966. The former is made of red felt and it has zimierz escaped from Ausch- timate the role played by the camp doctor at Auschwitz III- SS doctor was given a death a metal pitchfork as well as a witz in February 1943, in a wig devil in the campaign to help -Monowitz. Dr. Fisher also sentence after a 15-day trial. chain in its hand. The wire tail and civilan worker’s clothing. prisoners. performed the selections— is covered in paper, fi nished The sentence was carried out Not long after, the brothers both on the ramp in Birkenau by guillotine on 8 June 1966 in with fragments of real fur. At Kazimierz and Edward to- Agnieszka Sieradzka as well as of the sick prisoners the back, it has a hood made Leipzig. gether with other members of Collections Department in the camp who were unable Mirosław Ganobis from black piece of tulle. A-BSM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 17, May 2010 Photographer

On April 25, 2010, an artistic performance of an installation created by Agnes Janich, entitled PHOTO JOURNAL “Light in Darkness” took place. Similar events were also done in Winterthur and Barcelona, where the artist described the happenings as an unforgettable atmosphere of true contact be- tween people. Below is a photo journal by Adam Pelc of the event.

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