O ś w i ę c i m ISSN 1899-4407 o e P p e l
C u l t u r e y r o t s i H
Fairy Tales from Auschwitz
no. 15 March 2010 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010
EDITORIAL BOARD: Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine EDITORIAL
The main focus of this edition of Oś experience with these tales. the liberation of Auschwitz. We also is a book of fairy tales. The book is You can also find an article Dr. Adam continue the cycle of articles on the extraordinary not for its content, but Cyra has written about the complicated Jewish Center’s project “What do we due to the fact that the stories of the fate of children liberated from need tolerence for?”. “Adventures of the Black Chick,” Auschwitz. One of those individuals Finally, we sincerely ask for support in “The Fairy Tale about the Hare, Fox, was a girl who was liberated 27 the Igorek Bartosz’s battle with cancer. Editor: and Rooster,” “The Giant-Egoist,” and January 1945, living today in Moldova Money for this will be collected dur- Paweł Sawicki the “Wedding in Osy Wielkie” were and in January this year she came to ing the 32 Krakow Poetry Salon at the Editorial secretary: created behind the barbed wire of commemorate the 65th anniversary of International Youth Meeting Center. Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka Auschwitz. Risking their lives, fathers the liberation. Next to the article about this event on Editorial board: —prisoners of the camp—created them In addition, this edition of Oś contains the pages of the IYMC you will find all Bartosz Bartyzel for their children. The Museum has an interview with theologist Norbert the information needed to financially Wiktor Boberek issued a reprint of all the fairy tales. Reck, who was a guest during the support the medical treatment of this Jarek Mensfelt Jadwiga Kulasza writes about their New Year’s retreat at the Center for young boy. Olga Onyszkiewicz history in Oś—while Andrzej Czulda, Dialogue and Prayer. On the pages Paweł Sawicki Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech one of those the stories were created for of the Center you can also find An Editor-in-chief Artur Szyndler and director of a film dedicated to the Appeal to European Youth, created for [email protected] Columnist: fairy tales, speaks about his personal the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Mirosław Ganobis Design and layout: Agnieszka Matuła, Grafikon Translations: David R. Kennedy A GALLERY OF THE 20TH CENTURY Proofreading: Beata Kłos This photograph illustrates dosłownie jego rozwianej and satirical, academic and appear, for example the Cover: my recollection of an sutanny.) for the stage. His specialty silhouette of a prisoner Paweł Sawicki Oswiecim teacher from past Expressive preacher, multi- was creating drawings of against the backdrop of a Photographer: years, Maria Spicmiller, talented artist: a poet, Jesus’ head with the crown smoking chimney of the Paweł Sawicki and next to her is a priest musician, and painter. of thorns, done in pencil crematorium. – Father Stanislaw Domino, Co-author of theatrical or pastel – with dramatic Father Domino was my distinguished and popular productions on the Salesian precision and skilled catechist and… the first Oswiecim school catachist stage of Jasełek and The workmanship. Certainly, person to review my poem PUBLISHER: from the early post-War Passion in their golden age, to this day there are people at school, but that’s another years. He was a favorite when all of Silesia came to who have Father Domino’s story. Auschwitz-Birkenau of childen and the young, see them. Coorganizer of signature in their journal, He died in 1967. He is an State Museum always playful with a Salesian summer camps illustrated with an original important individual in the tattered wreath warmed for young people from drawing, which could have gallery of influential and, to www.auschwitz.org.pl literally by his flowing Oswiecim. The author of also been a self-portrait. In this day, unforgotten Osw- frock. (rozszczebiotanym poems for anniversaries and some of his work, images iecim residents. wianuszku uczepionym special occasions, religious of the concentration camps Andrzej Winogrodzki 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 School in Oświęcim www.pwsz-oswiecim.pl
Editorial address: „Oś – Oświęcim, Ludzie, Historia, Kultura” Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau ul. Więźniów Oświęcimia 20 32-603 Oświęcim e-mail: [email protected] Photo: Private archive of A. Majkut Head of Christ (1951), pencil drawing by Father Stanisław Domino
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010 Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
€6 million for the Auschwitz- -Birkenau Foundation from Austria
ustria has joined the countries declaring financial support for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, with a contribution of A€6 million. The purpose of the Foundation, called into being last year by Professor Władysław Bartoszewski, is to set up a Perpet- ual Fund to generate income that will be assigned to the long-term conservation program at the Auschwitz Memorial.
“Six million euro is the sum Museum Director Dr. Piotr announced that they were that Austria has pledged,” M.A. Cywiński, who is also jointly allocating €60 mil- said Josef Proell, the deputy the president of the manage- lion to the Auschwitz-Birk- prime minister and finance ment board of the Ausch- enau Foundation. That is minister, after a cabinet meet- witz-Birkenau Foundation. half the amount needed to ing. He pointed out that this “We cannot deprive our preserve, maintain, and con- Photo: Paweł Sawicki will be exactly one-tenth of children and grandchildren serve the authentic remains Former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp site the support committed to the of the memory of this worst of the Nazi German Ausch- Foundation by Germany, a experience of the 20th cen- witz concentration camp Austria has joined in the ef- the same token, and for the country with a population ten tury,” he added. “They, too, and extermination center. fort,” said Director Cywiński. first time in its history, the times that of Austria. “The de- will build the world of their “Soon it will be a year since The purpose of the Founda- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memo- tails of the financing remain to times, and they will therefore the establishment of the tion is to raise €120 million rial will have a real chance to be worked out,” Proell said. need a full awareness and Foundation, which has suc- for a Perpetual Fund yielding carry out a stable, long-term “Working together is the only understanding of the great- ceeded in acquiring concrete annual interest on the order conservation program allow- way we can create a system est dangers to civilization.” financial declarations that of €4 to €5 million. This will ing it to preserve the remains to ensure the long-term con- Last December, the German make up over half of the make it possible to plan and of the camp for future genera- servation of the remains of federal government and planned and much-needed systematically undertake es- tions. the Auschwitz camp,” said the federal states (Länder) Fund. I am pleased that sential conservation tasks. By Paweł Sawicki
The Auschwitz Museum is important for the District
he possibilities of cooperation and opportunities associated with the existence of the Auschwitz Memorial Site, a museum known worldwide, were discussed at a meeting at the Museum by members of the Committee for TEconomic Development and Promotion of the Oświęcim District. in the Oświęcim District. “Ra- perspectives of the Museum, the possibility of develop- tional planning of develop- such as, the development of ment of our county through ment by the local government a modern visitor center at the tourism and all the related fa- cannot disreguard the Memo- current PKSiS site and adap- cilities associated with this. rial Site, not only because of tation of the, so-called, Old “I learned many interesting the number of visitors, but Theater, which will be the things here. Personally, I am also for economic reasons,” headquarters of the Interna- very impressed by the activi- emphasized Museum Direc- tional Center for Education ties and development of the tor Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński. about Auschwitz and the State Museum Auschwitz- Photo: Bartosz Bartyzel “There is a great chance to in- Holocaust. Birkenau in Oświęcim. The Development Committee meeting tegrate many efforts, and for “I believe that such meetings possibilities are great and this to take place there must are very much needed and I am surprised that coop- “The work of the State Mu- agement made it clear to all of be the feeling of cooperation. I this is not only my opinion, eration between the city and seum is one of the important us what an important institu- am pleased that at the district but of all members of this Museum is not taking place and strategic activities linked tion it is in the context of the level this is very positive,” committee. We are, however, as it should. I am certain that to the district” noted Coun- district’s development,” he said Director Cywiński. impressed with what we have chances for development are cilman Leszek Szuster. “The added. During the discussion with learned,” said Stanisław Zając, enormous Waldemar Klisiak ability to learn about the Last year the budget of the the Museum management, Chairman of the Economic said summing up the meeting work, along with the plans Museum was over 30 million the members of the Develop- Development and County of the committee. of the Museum seems to be PLN. This is money that al- ment Committee were most Promotion.” The Auschwitz Bartosz Bartyzel invaluable. Meeting the man- most in its entirety was spent interested in the investment Museum is a springboard and a FOUR-YEAR-OLD Girl from Auschwtiz-birkenau
mong the prisoners liberated from Auschwitz on 27 January 1945, there were around 500 children of various nationalities Awho were under 15 years of age. One of them was a four-year- old girl, who only remembered that her first name is Shura.
The liberation of Auschwitz a sugar cube from a metal many as a “child of the regi- Along with other camp pris- box and gave it to her to lick. ment”. A nurse from the field oners, she walked out of a He carried her out of the hospital cared her for. She camp barrack when Soviet camp on his arms and put remembers how the soldiers soldiers arrived at Ausch- her into the army field hos- from the regiment celebrated witz II-Birkenau. When one pital. Together with the unit, the victory in May of 1945. Photo: A BSM of them saw her, he took out she moved deep into Ger- That’s when they gave Szura Aleksandra Garbuzova, Eva Mozes Kor with Polish President Lech Kaczyński and Aleksandra’s grandson Andrzej
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. 15, March 2010
the name Pabieda (victory), her as their own child and biological mother is alive oners were transported from oner of this camp that lives because she didn’t know encouraged her to study at and lives in Belarus. Soon Majdanek to Auschwitz in Moldova. This country her real name. the Commercial Institute in she also received informa- II-Birkenau. Among them only achieved independ- Chisinau. The entire time it tion that her older sister were Aleksandra together ence in 1991. Foster Parents never occurred to her that Lyudmila, who had been with her mother. They re- It is worth mentioning that The regiment was sta- she was a former prisoner of imprisoned in the children’s ceived camp numbers 77324 around 20 thousand Poles tioned in the town of Bielce Auschwitz II-Birkenau and camp in Łódź, had also and 77325. are spread around the entire in Moldova after the war, she was unaware as to why survived the war. The two From their first meeting in territory of Moldova. Many and then they were moved she had the number 77325 lived in Vitebsk. It was 1968 1968, Aleksandra has kept of them live in Aleksandra to Romania. Shura, who tattooed on her left arm. and Aleksandra was twen- contact with her biologi- Garbuzova’s hometown of had been cared for by the ty-seven years old. cal mother and sister, but Bielce, and this is why her soldiers of this regiment Rediscovering her mother Aleksandra and her biologi- she still remained in Bielce grandson Andrzej’s knowl- could not travel to Roma- and sister cal mother and sister had an in Moldova with her foster edge of Polish is so good, his nia. It was decided that she While studying in Chisinau, emotional meeting. From her family. Her mother Anas- father is a Pole. would be given up to a local her roommate brought her mother, Anastasia Ivanovna tasia Ivanovna Koroliyova During the anniversary orphanage under the name the newspaper “Literatur- Koroliyova, she found out died in Vitebsk in 1995. Ear- commemorations at the Aleksandra Mihaylovna naya Rassiya” in which there that her father Makar was lier, in the late 1980s her fos- former Birkenau camp in Pabieda. Her first name was an advertisement that killed in 1943 as a partisan ter parents also died. Brzezinka, where the first she took from her ‘father’, a mother, former prisoner in Belarus. The Germans part of the ceremony took the leader of the regiment, of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, had previously burned the Twice visited the Museum place in a specially pre- who she always accompa- tattooed with the camp Barkov village near Vitebsk, Auschwitz-Birkenau pared tent, he met President nied. His name was Mihail number 77324, is search- and her mother together Aleksandra Garbuzova Lech Kaczyński and told Chozin. ing for her daughter whose with three daughters were visited the Auschwitz-Birk- him about Moldova’s Polish She was put into the previ- name is Shura. Together, taken to a prison in Vitebsk, enau Museum for the first Diaspora as well as had pic- ously mentioned orphan- but in reality separately, from which they were trans- time in 1990. Her second vis- tures taken with him and age at some point between they were in the same camp ferred to Majdanek. it was this year for the 65th his grandmother, which he 1945 / 1946. She was there from which her mother was Her oldest sister Lyudmila anniversary of the liberation plans on giving to the Polish for half a year. Soon she evacuated to Ravensbrück was held in the previously of Auschwitz-Birkenau and House in Bielce when he re- was taken to be raised by from where she was liber- mentioned children’s camp she brought her grandson, turns to Moldova. Tatiana and Siemion Jaro- ated in the spring of 1945. in Łódź and her middle sis- Andrzej Dmitrenco, who slavski, who became her This is how Aleksandra ter Rima died in Majdanek. speaks very good Polish. foster parents. They raised (Shura) found out that her On 14 April 1944, 1,239 pris- She is the only former pris- Dr. Adam Cyra as not to forget…
uschwitz-Birkenau State Museum faces challenges. The most important is to cultivate the remembrance of the victims, which Ais helped by, among others, exhibitions, but also the memoirs and testimonies that are in the archives. The Museum also has archival documents, very moving personal effects of those murdered, as well as works of art. This also includes (perhaps above all) the preservation of authentic buildings, which are shocking evidence of the existence of this Photo: Preservation Department, A BSM Barrack B-80 death camp. Their conservation is among the most difficult tasks. So that the, over one million Auschwitz II-Birkenau. That Inside, various types of corrosion and moisture were one of its parts were the la- annual, visitors have the long- is, three wooden barracks in paintings have survived to repaired. Also taken apart trines and in the other wash- est possible chance to experi- sector BIIa (men’s quaran- this day and this is the only were the tarpaper from the rooms, which have not re- ence the original site of the tine), one in sector BIIb (the such structure on the site of roof, roof panels, exterior mained intact. Latrines in the former camp, various work Theresien-Stadt Jewish fam- the former Birkenau camp. wall panels, interior parti- form of concrete troughs cov- is being done. The European ily camp), and one of the hos- On its walls are unique deco- tion walls and windows, ered with reinforced concrete Operational Program “Infra- pital barracks in sector BIa rations made with templates doors and barracks wooden slab with holes were placed structure and Environment” (women’s camp). The first to in the form of bottles and structure. All these elements in each of the aisles. In this is financing two projects. be put through conservation glasses as well as triangles were taken to the preserva- part of the barrack, the floor One of these has started— are the hospital barrack and a forming rhomboids. In some tion workshop. The main was concrete. the building and conserva- barrack from the quarantine, places there are horizontal problem those doing the Here, too, preservation meas- tion work of five wooden which housed the prisoners’ stripes. Most of the decora- conservation work faced was ures have been taken similar barracks on the site of the latrines. In the museum in- tions have survived in a bad choosing the proper paint to those used in barrack B-80. former concentration camp ventory they are listed as B- condition; the paint is flaking for fire protection, disinfec- The structure was dissem- 80 and B-171. and crumbling. Some of the tion, and strengthening the bled and taken to the pres- Barrack B-80 was brought to damage is due to vandalism. wood’s structure. ervation workshop, where Birkenau from Auschwitz Experts believe that the state The next barrack put through work has begun on the walls in October 1942 because of of this barrack was bad be- conservation work has been and roof sections. The wood- an epidemic that broke out fore conservation work was barrack B-171, which during en elements of the barrack’s in the women’s sector. It re- started. The main reason for the time of the camp’s opera- construction were damaged ceived the number 28 and the damage to the wooden tion was used as a sanitary and had to be reinforced or was part of the camp hospi- elements was due to atmos- barrack. It was marked with replaced. It was also neces- tal compound (with barracks pheric and biological condi- the number 16b and was sary to do conservation work numbered 22, 23, 24, 29, and tions. A great deal depended found in the area around on the layers of paint. Work 30). In its interior there was a on the aging process of the camp sector BIIa – the men’s has also started on the roof reception room—a large hall wood, as well as the last con- quarantine camp in Birkenau. skylights. and two or three small rooms. servation when the building It was built in the summer of The preservation work on In the large room there was a was not properly reassem- 1943. It is a horse stable-style the next two barracks in sec- table, in the corner a cabinet bled. Photogrammetric docu- barrack. The German Army tor BIIa should begin in June with medication and doc- mentation of the polychrome used the same barracks. They 2010, and the barrack in sec- tors implements as well as a has been already completed, were built of ready made, tor BIIb in July of 2011. couch. On the left side there and in September 2009 the prefabricated elements, spe- was an SS man’s desk and preservation works began on cifically marked for easy Iga Bunalska the floor was made of packed the polychrome as well as on assembly. The barrack was clay. The windows probably wooden and metal elements placed on wooden beams. In had shutters, as evidenced of the barrack. The roof pal- by the preserved remains of let was taken apart and the Photo: Preservation Department, A BSM hinges on external walls of elements destroyed due to Barrack B-171 the barrack.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010 International Youth Meeting Center
Salon For IgorEk
he 32nd Krakow Poetry Salon at the IYMC, which took place 7 February, had a special meaning. That evening, lovers of spo- Tken poetry waited impatiently, because it was to be read by a special voice, in the opinion of many—the most beautiful—of the great actor Krzysztof Kolberger. There was another reason. During the meeting, there was also the public donation drive for Igorek Bartosz’s therapy. These two occasions meant there was a record audience at the IYMC.
From the beginning, it For all those who would like to take part in work to help, turned out that the 32nd Sa- we provide a link to the blog that is run by Igorek’s par- lon would be missing one great individual. Due to ents: www.igorbartosz.blogspot.com. health reasons, Krzysztof By offering 1% of one’s taxes, Igorek can also be helped. To do this, one must fill in the blanks on the Polish tax Kolberger could not make it Photo: Bartłomiej Senkowski to Oświęcim and organizers document PIT in the following manner: were only made aware of Nazwa organizacji: “Maciej Krzysztof Dąbrow- orable intentions that those this fact the previous day. Fundacja Dzieciom „Zdążyć z Pomocą” ski, or—as is often his sig- that direct the artist!” During this difficult situa- Numer KRS: 0000037904 nature—«m k d», creates art The honor of «m k d» does tion, a true friend and great It is essential to write “Igor Bartosz” primarily for those who need not only depend on what he actor—Mr. August Kow- Information for giving offical donations: an everyday contact with art. offers his audience, what his alczyk—89-year-old for- Fundacja Dzieciom „Zdążyć z Pomocą” Art, we add, which contra- fans can buy, just the oppo- mer prisoner of Auschwitz ul. Łomiańska 5 dicts, is a gift, offers casual site. Often in his poems and came from Warsaw with- 01-685 Warszawa passers-by its creator’s en- journalistic work he is able out hesitation to perform Account Number:41124010371111001013219362 joyment, does not actually to show his sharp claws, expect anything in return. to painfully hit with satiri- in Oświęcim. The Salon’s It is essential to write: Darowizna na rzecz Igora Bartosza audience greeted him with It doesn’t even expect those cal baton, and firmly shake who are presented it to re- more than one presumptu- warm applause. member the artist’s name. It ous person. Paradoxical- August Kowalczyk moved is difficult to have more hon- ly—for this it is impossible the audience not only be- cause of his noble behav- ior. His powerful—and yet unrehearsed interpretation A few emotional words about Igorek had a special resonance (and perhaps about ourselves…) instead when the actor read a piece about a child, as if it was an of a postscript. undeclared dedication to Igorek Bartosz. We support Igor’s parents, now more than ever, as his The author of the poem, PARENTS. Igor, himself, is already ours—little one from which many of the Salon Oświęcim whose smiling face is in the minds of all who live audience had the opportu- in town (and not only!). Igor’s victory will be our victory, nity to experience for the because Igor isn’t only a suffering child, little boy who cou- first time, is by a contempo- rageously deals with complicated and painful therapy. He rary Warsaw poet, Maciej has become a symbol of that which is beautiful and honor- Krzysztof Dąbrowski. He able in us. He is the symbol of a kind of incredible solidar- also showed himself to the ity, giving, and faith. But that is not all—it has been this audience in Oświęcim as a boy who has, more than any idea, promise, or threat that
Photo: Bartłomiej Senkowski talented pianist. has awakened us to mass action. We no longer only feel compassion, but we have personally learned that we can do a great deal: socially, creatively, and most importantly —succeed! We provide financial help, but we are also emo- tionally strong, and importantly—a giant support group for Igor as well as his parents. Monika and Albert write in the blog dedicated to their son’s illness, that for them our—from Oświęcim (and, I repeat, not only)—help is so wonderful, that it is unbelievable. But also for us? We support the parents of Igor, now as Igor’s PARENTS. But they have been with us from the beginning. Monika and Albert, known to many personally, have always been helpful and open people. For many others, Monika and Al- bert, previously active and honest journalists for the press, radio and television, are today people who through their everyday work, care for the city and its inhabitants. But that is not all: Monika and Albert, who have been with us and for us, worked in their time away from work on various charitable actions, the most spectacular—a concert for the benefit of little Patryk which took place last year. The drama that has befallen their own child, motivated us further than many other, similar tragedies, because it has touched someone close. We help and believe that Igor will win. That together we will win this war. And in good will: we believe and help. Because when Igor finally wins, there will still be many other fights for little ones’ lives—and we, the citizens of Oświęcim—will know that we are ready for them, in faith and help—TO WIN! Photo: Bartłomiej Senkowski
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. 15, March 2010
We are very excited that, as it happened, he is perform- ing at the Salon for the first time and, we hope, not the last,” say Jadwiga and Ja- nusz Toczek. During the evening, the Ro- tary Club of Oświęcim also held a public donation drive for treating Igorek Bartosz. Thanks to the good will of the IYMC guests, over four thousand zloty was collect- ed. The coordinated action of the Rotary Club and the Center is one of the many activities that carry the logo of the “Small Orchestra of Great Charity.” Under this name, is a group of people
Photo: Bartłomiej Senkowski Photo: Bartłomiej Senkowski who spontaneously started a wide range of activities, not to like him,” wrote the cin Domarzewski, a known music teacher, but his stu- with his true passion. He is mainly artistic in nature, hosts of the Salon, Jadwiga Oświęcim vocalist. dents claim that he is some- a fantastic singer and exper- which collects money to and Janusz Toczek in the “This is one of those one who is more than just a iments with various forms help the boy with his ill- meeting’s program. The Oświęcim residents that teacher… He does music- of music. He is also an origi- ness. third artist that performed we want to share with the therapy, but those under nal composer of music and Joanna Klęczar during the Salon was Mar- world. His day job is as a his care become infected lyrics…
ABOUT THE BANALITY OF GOOD
CIVILIAN RESISTANCE AND CIVILIAN COURAGE. OCTOBER 1943. RESCUING DANISH JEWS FROM MASS MURDER—A WORKSHOP
he actions of saving people, as a form of civilian resistance, were almost completely ignored until the beginning of the 1990s. TStories of those who hid the persecuted, provided them with care or assisted in their escape, were often dismissed and what was emphasized was the failure to act by the majority. Since the release of Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” the forgotten heroes, those who either were late or were never honored for their actions, are in- creasingly present in the historiography and public debate. The sto- ries of the “quiet heroes who saved lives” draws our attention to life and the will to survive of other people, which shows us that during the time of National Socialism there was a chance to be in solidarity with those excluded from society, and that sometimes that solidarity evolved into real action (from Verena Haug, “Rettergeschichten aus pädagogischer Perspektive – ein Diskussionsbeitrag”) In the framework of work- After an interactive tour of and financed by the Ministry shops presenting the Jewish the exhibition made by the of Foreign Affairs of the Fed- social history in Denmark, various sub-groups a discus- eral Republic of German. Ela Pasternak
and the principles of Na- sion is held about the histor- Photo: IYMC tional Socialism, German ical events and the present, occupation policies and and the following issues are strategies of Danish policy, raised: What factors are pre- Rememberance about Auschwitz the Danish resistance move- requisites for action? What ment and actions, designed values give people courage —Human rights in today’s world to rescue Danish Jews from to decide to save others? the Holocaust in October What incentives motivate n 2010, the Educational Department of the International Youth 1943. The introduction deals them to respond with cour- Meeting Center in Oświęcim will hold workshops for study with the German system of age when threatened with groups in the framework of the project “Rememberance about occupation in the northern, the loss of life? Are they he- I Auschwitz – Human Rights in Today’s World”. western, and southern part roes or ordinary men and of Europe based on the stud- women? What is the proper Human rights and National Socialist Genocide in the past and currently: Ausch- ies of Raul Hilberg. In addi- moral courage and civilian propoganda violating human rights then witz, Rwanda. Examples of resistance tion, in smaller groups, text resistance? Optionally, the and now. movements and civilian courage. and photographs are being documentary film is also Workshops for young people on study Workshops for young people on study prepared from the exhibition proposed “Die Schindlers— visits to the IYMC in Oświęcim. visits to the IYMC in Oświęcim. “Oktober 1943. Die dänisch- Retter mit Diplomatenpass” Ewa Guziak Teresa Miłoń-Czepiec Example of civilian courage: Irena Sendler About the banality of good. Civilian en Juden – Rettung vor der by Dietmar Schulz (ZDF– rescuing Jewish children from the Warsaw resistance and civilian courage. October Vernichtung“ (Published by: History, 2007). Ghetto. 1943. Rescuing Danish Jews. Königlich Dänisches Min- The workshops are part of Workshops for young people on study Workshops for young people on study isterium des Äußeren und the project “Remembrance visits to the IYMC in Oświęcim. visits to the IYMC in Oświęcim. das Museum des Dänischen about Auschwitz—Human Anna Meier Elżbieta Pasternak Widerstands 1940-1945). Rights in Today’s World”
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010
Fairy Tales from Auschwitz
new publication has been released by the Auschwitz-Birk- enau Museum entitled “Bajki z Auschwitz” [Fairy Tales Afrom Auschwitz]—a collection that consists of six reprints of fairy tales created during World War II within the Nazi German Concentration Camp Auschwitz.
“This is an extraordinary readers, the preface is son of one of the former publication. Previously, for written in such a way that prisoners who participated obvious reasons, we have is easily understandable for in the creation of fairy tales. released publications aimed children, she emphasized. This book is available on the at adult readers—historical For this occasion, the online Museum bookshop research, memoirs, source International Center for and at the Auschwitz material, and so on,” says Education about Auschwitz Memorial Site and all Jadwiga Pinderska-Lech, and the Holocaust has proceeds are destined for head of the Museum organized educational the conservation of the Publication Department. sessions for teachers and objects connected with the “For the first time we have students from schools in extermination of children in published a book that can Oświęcim, whose main guest Auschwitz and the so-called also find a place on the was Andrzej Czulda director children’s barrack at the bookshelf in a child’s room. of the film “Fairy Tales from Birkenau site.
Photo: A BSM Keeping in mind younger the Land of Ovens” and the AJ
It happened in the Auschwitz Concentration camp
uschwitz prisoners struggled in various ways with the reality of the camp and fought not only for their lives, but also to preserve human dignity. Art, its creation as well as taking part in various cultural activities, was Aone of the more important methods that saved prisoners from falling to the level of the mindless and enslaved number. Thanks to this, they could break away from the nightmarish reality and forget about their imprisonment. The Krakow graphic art- different Zentralbauleitung of- steady hand, which during my son, that my pictures themselves behind was so ist and painter Franciszek fices. The reason for this was the constant threat of an SS are so clumsy, because they strong that nothing could Jaźwiecki, assessing the that, above all, they had the man suddenly entering the were created in haste, ner- stand in the way of finish- work he created in the camp, technical conditions for do- office was not at all easy. This vously and under constant ing the project. The author said that doing drawings ing such work. That is, they is confirmed by H. Czulda: fear that somebody would and translator of most of took him away to another had relatively easy access “…your dad had to paint see this, often put away the texts is Stanisław Bęć, world, his own world of art to writing materials, paint, these pictures stealthily, hid- while working on them and whom colleagues from the and he paid no attention to tracing paper, paper (light- ing, like a thief because if the again taken out once danger Zentralbauleitung called “our danger because “so attrac- sensitive and photographic), Germans would have caught has passed…” man of letters”. In translat- tive and absorbing it was and machines for making daddy, he would have been However, the longing ing one of the fairy tales to be and create in his own copies. In a secret message severely punished. That’s for their children and de- from Czech he was helped world.” smuggled out of the camp why you have to forgive me sire to leave something of by Wilhelm Kapal (Kappel), It was with this heartfelt Henryk Czulda wrote on need that the publication of 7 July 1944: “ Tell him (son fairy tales at Auschwitz was Zbyszek – J.K.), that daddy possible. would paint many pictures It all began from the fact that for him, but sending them one day one of the prisoners would be difficult.” working in the Zentralbaulei- Important to the work in cre- tung (Central Construction ating the fairy tales was the Department), found color- personal talent of the pris- ful children’s books, most oners, as well as the lack of probably near the “Canada” rigorous supervision by the warehouses where belong- SS. Being careful while using ings of those murdered in office supplies in ways that the camp were stored. He they were not intended for, brought them to the Baubüro which could be considered (Construction Office) to sabotage and could lead to show his colleagues. Aware- severe consequences, it was ness of the fact that they possible to do work that was belonged to children who not connected to the prison- were murdered in the gas ers’ everyday work. chambers deeply moved the men. They brought about Despite these favorable cir- memories of children that cumstances, it is very diffi- they had to leave behind cult to comprehend how in at home, ones that prison- the camp, in conditions of ers often never even got to hunger, humiliation, limit- know, about the games they less suffering, in a place with played and the walks they nothing in common with took with them. They decid- beauty and esthetics any ed then to write a fairy tale sort of art could have come for their own children. to be, especially the system- A large group of prisoners atic writing and publishing was focused around this the fairy tales. This work, of idea, those mainly employed course, required quiet and —almost exclusively—in the calm, the right mood and Photo: Collections Department, A BSM
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 h cmoe msc for music composed who Krzetuski, (about Artur by third bees) the for Bęć and Stanisław by written were wheel) mill huge a as well as waves, and (about daisies lyrics the them, of two For songs. three or two contains tale fairy the copy, the on Depending lo area. cal the around trip a to take Monk Little convinced world, wider the about ous curi own Boy, Black courtyard. their just than more see to decided who Monk, Little and Boy Black chicks two the of eyes the through them described He Pilica River. the of banks the on Andrzej son his with took he walks about writes Bęć, Stanisław texts, the of thor main au The characters—chicks. two its the from taking name and Monk,” Boy Little “Black title has the one which Black of theChick,” of “The Adventures was published title first the that assumed is It group. publishing the in worked Siwek and Leon Sawka also Władysław Moszyński, old Nosal, Eugeniusz Stefan Świszczowski, Leop to ing Accord unknown). (first Borkowski name and ski Kwiatkow– Zygmunt czyk, Fryderyk Kowal– Zbigniew Junger, Zbigniew Goszczyński, Drożdż, Józef Czarnecki, Eugeniusz Andrzej Nosal, by: done work was This tales. fairy the publishing of side technical the did machines copy and materials necessary the to access had who Prisoners name unknown). (first Borkowski and Baran, Zbigniew Brand Jerzy Kozak, Leszek huber, Jerzy Kowalczyk, Albert Stępkowski, Kopczyński, Jacek Przybylski, Alfred Czulda, Henryk Kopańczuk, Kościelniak, Piotr done Mieczysław Moniczewski, were Marian copies by: all pictures in the coloring and the in worked who man Czech a Photo: Collections Department, ABSM Baubüro. Drawing ------It willnotbeeasy to joy Maria give would it that So This fairytalehasgoneastray ests, rivers… for mountains, the “Through Józef Drożdż’swords: of because meaning deeper a had Sitko Maria to cation dedi The Tadeusz. son her and Sitko Maria as well as Lewińska Małgorzata ad and Kotulek Alojza were to dressed They cations. dedi au rhyming the the of thor is Bęć Stanisław fairy tale containdedications. this of copies Three drawing. this created ally person Przybylski Alfred tale. fairy the of characters the cover showing the main originals, except for the one found on Czech the copied from were pictures the that said has Bęć Stanisław their tormentors. for punishment and deserved freedom of form a as this someone.” interpreted Prisoners swindle they when scoundrels, to pens hap usually what sentence: “That’s blunt and short of the fox are described in one behavior of unethical the consequences the and away. hare the run of adventures The to has fox the himself, save to that, meant the rooster the bull—but of cunningness and the bear, him—dogs, of afraid were All house. his taken dishonestly has which fox, devious a with hare the of problems the the about is story of plot The prisoners. Czech of help the Stanisław with Bęć by Czech from translated was which er,” Roost and Fox, Hare, the published about Tale Fairy “The title was next The in poetry form. this have given. them of was Two tale fairy the that person the to nection con personal and intimate the emphasizes which tion, dedica a Black “The contains theChick” the of of Adventures copy Each each ofthesongs. 1 2 3 ------4 Photo: Collections Department, ABSM Photo: Collections Department, ABSM ih hs wrs e in he Grodziec. words these Józek. With left. Kłapouszek, has hare, our How Tadeusz willlearn wildcat our it, from However, entirely- tale fairy the understand To s hg-col student high-school a as Felicjan written who Bernard, father his by was to Świerczyna Dedication Józef Łyszczarz. worker civilian a of helped Taul, Roman with together fled Drożdż 1944. Józef September 30 took place fact in which the camp, from escape a planned about sister his formed 5 6 7 8 ” - Oś—Oświęcim, People,History,Culturemagazine,no.15,March2010 loved ones have reminisced his or that something memory simply personal a is this if certain not is he but Mysłowice, in 1944 in place took that meeting a experi is ence powerful more A ac mother. his took by he companied trips the remem ber not does Felicjan Bielsko. in facility laundry camp undergarments to the distance as he traveled with a from son his see to tunity oppor the had people ful wonder many of help the to due Bernard, born. was he when Auschwitz in and arrested already was father his because met, never he father the by left memento personal very a is tale fairy The upbringing. his in role important an played words those that 1944. said has Felicjan December 30 camp the in hanged was he cause be son, his for written will last a as of thought be can It War. World Second the before Silesia in periodicals published for lot a quite published and written had ihn h “ar Tale and Fox, Hare, “Fairy the about the Within man washisfather. The lovingly. him held and out, took him into his arms, got man A stopped. and up pulled when vehicle a family, suddenly the of side aunt, from his his grandfather’s with was He memory. his in entrenched has become it that about much so 9 10 11 12 ------13 the end of the text there is At there text the of end celebrated. the they how farmland—and and forests, their fields, from guests—insects about bee, worker a and wasp a of celebration Osy wedding and marriage the of story in the tells Wielkie” Wedding “The father’s longing. the and son, father and between emotions strong the showing drzej, An son Bęć’s Stanisław for my Son” and “Prayer” were July 7 1944 and the poem “To dated Father” birthday. short 5th Boba’s “For dedication: A background. the in Son” my “To poem the includes that Piotr Kopańczuk, by sea the of orama pan the is composition nal this from Czech book. The only photos origi the all almost copied Kowalczyk Piotr Zbigniew time, and Kopańczuk same the At poems. own Stanisław his wrote Bęć this using and warehouses, a in “Canada” the found was tale this fairy Czech of basis people. The with coexistence and behavior, habits, their the near home. The poems are well about yard in as those as be outdoors can found that animals birds, and insects, about ems that po of collection a is Lives” Everything “About small sheetsofpaper. on written hand are others the book, a as published be to is first the Only Flower.” Fern “The and ant-Egoist,” Gi “The Wielkie,” Osy in Wedding “The Lives,” that Everything “About ample, are a few more texts, for ex there that know we mony testi Bęć’s Stanisław From project inhisprayers. the all on worked remember who those to son puthis who asks he and together, for,them meant are they who and be, to tales came fairy the publishing of idea the how describes It Jasiek. son his for but Bęć, Stanisław of help the with written Czarnecki, Andrzej by text a is there Rooster” 14 15 ------Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010
Interview with Andrzej B. Czulda, director and screen writer of the film “Fairy tales from the land of ovens”
Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau These fairy tales have another made it clear that it would fully meaning: these are stories for support the production in kind. children, but they can be read as And that is how the film’s pro- if they are describing life in the duction finally moved forward. camp. And in the film, the camp life has to be described. I knew What was the most difficult the drawings by Kościelniak thing during the production? and I decided that these would I had one problem as director: be the most appropriate and I knew that the main aspect of credible images of camp life the film has to be based on emo- painted by a prisoner himself. tions, which will be its greatest However, I decided to mainly strength, but at the same time I use the pictures by Władysław was very much afraid that later Siwek. I will be accused of making a tribute to my father. I asked I have seen the film several my crew, who I had worked times and every time I watch with for 25 years, to tell me it I have the same feeling when I was crossing the line of that this is a film, above all, objectivity. I was, for better or about the great love of a fa- worse, tied to the topic emo- ther for his child, and the fairy tionally and they looked after tales are only the back drop… me. They helped me quite a bit. We got away from the fairy I think that I was successful be- tales in the film. We told their cause I saw people walking out history, but the main topic was after screenings very moved, in fact the love of a father for often to the point of tears. This his child. It had to be explained film had a great effect on the how they were created in se- emotional sphere of the viewers. cret. The director has to pull With this film, we called the out of the film a bit more: that “fairy tales out of the saddest above all, this is a film about place on earth” from oblivion. the great love for children, In 1998, when I was at the Mu- who prisoners often did not Photo: Film A rchive seum for the first time, I met know, because they were born Stanisław Bęć and Andrzej B. Czulda Jadwiga Kulasza from the Mu- after they had been arrested. Do you remember the fairy because we wondered if our fa- seum Archive, who had been Often I have wondered if I tales from your childhood? ther had walked here, if he had working with the fairy tales would have risked my life, or My father brought the book fallen, if he was beaten here… published in the camp for some if I would have worried, on the for my older brother person- Later I started to look for spon- time. She wrote a wonderful ar- other hand, more about bread. ally when he returned from sors. For ten years we could ticle about them in the “Zeszyty Jadwiga Kulasza told me that as the camps, which he survived not convince Polish Television Oświęcimskie”, for which I am they drew these books they “ex- six. From time to time they to make the film. Half of the very thankful. Those two things ited the camp” in their thoughts. would sit together and read. needed budget was given to coincided in time and more was Nobody could have taken this I remember only bits and pieces, us by the Polish Film Institute, getting out about the topic. away from them. Working in because when my father died, I which looked upon the screen the Bauleitung, they had to be was seven years old. When I look play very positively. And just In the film there are two fragments clean, in the rooms it had to be back, I remember the fairy tale as we thought the project would when parts of the fairy tales are warm and the work was lighter. was always on shelf at home— fall through, Discovery Historia read, while in the background This helped my father survive. treated like a relic. It was not lent TVN took interest in the film at there are scenes of the prisoners’ to anyone, because if it would the very last moment. The State life created by fomer prisoners. Interview by have gone missing, you would Where did you get this idea? Agnieszka Juskowiak-Sawicka not have been able to open it. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to speak to my fa- ther on the subject since I was so young.
You are a documentary film director, but this is your first film dealing with Ausch- witz. When did you get the idea to make the film? As a filmmaker, I never had the idea to make a film about the fairy tales from Auschwitz; however, the topic was always at arms length on my book- shelf. It was only by accident that I took up the subject. In 1998, I was talking about the fairy tales my father brought with my friend at work, an editor at the studio. When I brought them, they moved her deeply. She first suggested that I take up the subject in a film. I started to consider making a film and then for the first time I came to the Museum with
my brother. It was a traumatic Photo: Film A rchive experience for the two of us, Andrzej B. Czulda recipient of the tales Zbigniew Czulda
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 a poem. It tells the story of story the tells It poem. a of form the in is it original the unlike but Giant,” ish Self “The Wild’s Oscar on entitled “The Giant-Egoist” is story, based next Bęć’s Boba, May44O”. for “Written annotation an -
Photo: Collections Department, ABSM one, made it to the children the to it made one, of exception the with tales, All known copies of the fairy address. to send them to a particular asked civilian were who trusted workers, were to they given and sites ing build different the to fices of the from secretly copies tales. finished the took Prisoners fairy the including prisoners, by created art of works various and ments save many important docu to themselves upon their it took risking lives, there were many who were they side the wires. Even though out from needed was help children, but to get to his them, for memento special be a to were tales fairy The Zentralbauleitung October 1944 and left it in one of the in it wrote Bęć S. that is known is that thing was not preserved, the only mentioned, Flower” Fern “The text entitled last The it withtheirracket. fill again once children the when returns but dies, den gar the in life the chil all dren, the out throwing By away. to is he while Giant the belonging garden tiful beau a in playing children 1 2 barracks. 3 ------4 Photo: Collections Department, ABSM Photo: Collections Department, ABSM ru Kztsi worked along with the leader of the Krzetuski Artur Sitko’s hometothecamp. Maria in prepared parcels food bring this to opportunity used and repairman telephone of a as Auschwitz Łyszczarz at worked who Mysłowice, Józef by Grodziec, in lived who ria, Ma sister his of house the fairy tales were delivered to nephew Tadeusz Sitko. The received were meant for his The copies that Józef Drożdż three yearsdidsuchwork. about for who Kondziołek, Wanda Kra by done to was kow it Getting necki. Czar Andrzej prisoners of son Jasiek, made little to way its Rooster” and Fox, Hare, the about Tale “Fairy ready in August of 1943 the al Nosal, E. to According hare, fox, androoster. the about other the and chick black the about her daughter Małgosia, one for gratitude, tales fairy two received of symbol a as who given unknown), name Lewińska (first by was prisoners to help medicine. Similar as well providing as food and messages receiving secret letters, delivering or by population civilian between the and link prisoners a as was active Kondziołek, and ElżbietaWanda mother with her along who Kotulek, Alojza five-year-old to ed present was Rooster” Fox, and Hare, the about “Fairy Tale The prisoners. ing help in role active an took mothers whose girls two to tales fairy the gave Nosal Eugeniusz War. the during o ae h fiy ae for tale fairy the save able to be will I “if doubted he 1944 October 20-21 from message secret a in though even And son. his for tale erything, to rescue the fairy Czulda decided, despite ev H. impossible proved When this mail. registered the camp as of out officially the Hare, Fox, and Rooster” about Tale to “Fairy the tried send he that out turns it 1944, September 28 wife his sent he message secret a to According route. nary extraordi an took Czulda The story drawn by Henryk of FelicjanŚwierczyna. fox, and rooster to the home livered the story of the hare, de officer SS unknown An last request.” his be could it because only a of demand a meet to just everything, indeed “risked cour they because incredible age, their remember at amazed is not he names, their does he though Even camp. the of out publications the get to contacts civilian of vantage ad took also Bęć Stanisław Fox, and Rooster.” Hare, the about Tale “Fairy daughter his send to Żurek. He used this contact Józef camp, the in mando com well-digging civilian 5 6 7 häftling 8 ------
Oś—Oświęcim, People,History,Culturemagazine,no.15,March2010 Photo: Collections Department, ABSM lection of poems “About “About poems of lection col the from drawings and eighteen— of twelve poems—out contains tale fairy This gift. Year’s New Cze a as 1943 in Czesław uncle his by kajski to given was which Cat,” un Learned “The previously entitled story known a forward about in came 1999, In formation day. of light the seen recently just have which tales, fairy other two by shared is fate similar A the camp 28 January 1942. onerwho was released from 1944attainedwaspris a by September 1 date the with talefairy a howquestion of the leaving war the after ly However, J. Kula died short that he got it out of the knowcamp. we wife his byvided Jan of Kula. From prisoner information son pro the Auschwitz of to hands chicks the two about fairy tale the to of path possible the nottrace is it tion, informa of lack the to Due in Augustofthesameyear. Poland the to returned and 1945 April 30 Army U.S. by liberated was exhaustion, considerable and moments Czulda, difficult many the despite Henryk starvation ration. a already was which bread, of giving piece a up consider even not to did He sent. was he which camps concentration five next the it through how was is this from And home. received he photo graphs with together tale 1944) he smuggled out the fairy October (29 Auschwitz transported of was he when however, Zbyszek!”, road?” distant the from back dad bring to Father, oh forget, you “Won’t Czesław: by from it the remembered and words Ausch- “Prayer” the by poem confirmed to is witz story’s connection the Additionally, of family hares. respectable a of story a emerges which title from pages, the seven first and is collection this Lives.” from it differentiates What that Everything 9 10 11 12 ------
13 food.” and water of bit “a a for race Nikodem, Walentyna prisoner former by stated camp was limited to, as was expressed the in life their that fact the way a such beautiful in while humans, break and degrade to ated cre was that system camp prison surrenderthe nottodid ers many that shows also at Camp Auschwitz tales the fairy Publishing sonalityandindividuality.” per past prisoner’s the remained of something that showed that Resistance work all was allowed. was nothing because anything, said, “Resistance could Devoto have been Andrea gist psycholo and Italianpsychiatrist as and movement, resistance the of form of as by taken prisoners can be interpreted initiatives The those who see them. from all delight they since strippedthem, be cannot aspect this However, ture. litera or art of works than documents more are they and when they were created Currently, because of where desires, prisoners before their arrest. hidden longings and experiences of feelings, personal deeply of full content the but important, not is storyline the because fairy events,literary as at looked of be cannot camp the in tales publishing Bęć, the Stanisław translator and author of view the In camp hospital. the in care medical for ture ges theirwill good a as creation in part took that ers prison the of one by given was book the is that assumed It hospital. camp the in worked and doctor a was a prisoner of Auschwitz. He fromherfather Władysław, Tondos re Barbara by was ceived and mid-1944 in Zakopane to brought likely was most book The er.” the Broth his and of Chick Black Adventures “The was title the time this known, but became tale fairy second a 2002 in However,
14 15 Jadwiga Kulasza ------Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010 Jewish Center
Modern Schooling and Auschwitz
s Auschwitz only a memorial of the tragic history of the Holocaust and genocide? Can we learn more from it than dates, numbers, and names? Does Auschwitz only teach about the history of the victims and perpetrators, or does it Ialso say something about people today? Contemplating these and similar questions are participants of a seminar for teachers from the program “Why do we need tolerance?” that is organized by the Jewish Center in Oświęcim in coopera- tion with the Roma Association in Poland. Photo: JC Photo: JC
The first seminar took place their social situation: preju- their education. Inspiring dei Mishnayot Synagogue. inspiring students to con- on 13 and 14 February, un- dice and discrimination, a heated debate about the After the visit there was sider the meaning of their der the care of Professor whose consequences were reasons for discrimination a presentation dedicated own behavior. Barbara Weigl from the repressions, and then being and its effects was the show- to the history and current We plan to stay in contact School of Social Psychology held in the concentration ing of the film “Blue Eyes,” Roma minority in Poland. with graduates of our semi- in Warsaw. On Saturday, camp. which was a documentary Next, participants took part nar, supporting them in teachers from Oświęcim Later during the semi- of the most famous anti- in learning new practical connecting historical knowl- district schools, together nar participants were in- discrimination experiments activities, which allow for edge about Auschwitz with with a representative of the troduced to the results of conducted for the first time reflection on the topic of awareness of modern con- local district, visited the Professor Barbara Weigl’s in the United States. identity, group relations, sequences of prejudice and Auschwitz Museum, guid- pioneering research on the The second day of the semi- social exclusion and its de- discrimination. We look ed by Katarzyna Nowak. subject of national stereo- nar started with a tour of structive consequences. All forward to meeting the par- This was a study visit and types among children and the Jewish Center, which in- presented activities can be ticipants of the next seminar focused on the history of young people in Polish cluded the exhibits “Jews in used in the classroom as in March. certain groups of prisoners schools and the possibilities Oświęcim” and “New Life,” practical and safe tools to in the camp in the context of of modifying them during as well as the Chevra Lom- show, through experience, Maciek Zabierowski Photo: JC Photo: JC
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. 15, March 2010
free will. To move from victime and become sacri- “All want to be victims” fice free will is necessary.
Yes, absolutely, it is about one’s own, voluntary hu- An interview with Norbert Reck man response to God’s will.
orbert Reck was one of the guests at the New Year days of retreat at the Center for In that case, what were Dialogue and Prayer in Oświęcim, which took place for the sixth time 28 December the victims of Ausch- 2009–1 January 2010. This year’s meeting was entitled “The End of Silence.” witz? N a short prayer, and He of making a sacrifice? When we hear the tes- certainly did not want to timony of people who avoid this situation, did In many langues there are were in Auschwitz, we not want to run from it, two words that describe have contact with the He goes on his way. Je- a sacrifice; in French they testimony of those who sus could have theoreti- are victime and sacrifice. were saved, as well as cally escaped, but he did Up to now, I have been with those who died not do this. For me, this speaking about victime. and, in some way, were means that Jesus does While, perhaps, the situ- able to preserve their not become a victim. He ation of victime is the ex- testimony in jars that is actively continuing perience that destroys were later found. We can along his path, which He the person and their soul, say that in fact there are thinks He should walk but in Jesus’s situation it two types of testimony. along. He does not be- was just the opposite of There is the testimony of come a victim; He makes this situation—I give my those who were objects a decision that He will own life as a sacrifice for to the end, and those go to the cross. He is the all and actively do so for who prayed Our Father Son of God, who is doing everyone. In this way, or Sh’ma Yisrael, and in this on His own free will. which was looked upon this way stayed active I think that is the key for as victime He becomes until the end. Of course, anyone who wants to someone who actively the history of Maximil- find in the Gospel that gives his life for others. lian Kolbe is known; he in every situation there In this way, Jesus gave was active and became sacri- Photo: CDP is the possibility of ac- up his own life as a a sacrifice. There are also tion and not remaining fice, so that no one would testimonies of those who idle and passive. Even if ever have to be a victime. were murdered feeling the road leads to death, God needs a YES from us; utter dispare, those who Norbert Reck we can walk this path in He does not play us like did not understand what such a way that we make marionettes. He wants was happening to them; Norbert Reck, born in 1961, Doctor of theology, editor re- it our own road. our active involvement. children, who did not sponsible for the international German-language theologi- God does not need vic- know why they were be- cal periodical Concilium; member of the Research Council The concept of sacri- time, but needs us, those ing treated in such a way; Theology of History of the periodical . His doctoral thesis con- fice is defined here as who want to give sacrifice. and those who lost their cerned the meaning of witnesses of concentration camps for something negative? In this way I also read minds. theology (1998). Author of radio shows and books, as well the history of Abraham, as reports on religious education. He lectures in philosophy Yes, as an experience that who believed that he Does this also include and theology in a Catholic School in Munich, the University destroys human subjec- had to give up his only those who cursed God of Saarland in Saarbruecken, and at the Free University of tivity and freedom. And, son. God told Abraham because they were Berlin. E-mail: [email protected] of course, these situa- to sacrifice his only son, experiencing such tions exist, but I read the but this may have been horrifying things? Gospel in such a way as Abraham’s interpreta- This year, 70 years after From the theological to search for possibilities tion. It is certain, though I dare not say that. Pro- the outbreak of the Second point of view is there a so that I could work ac- that God said STOP, no testing God is also an World War, we wanted to fo- need for the clear distinc- tively in a positive way. more human victims. active response, which cus on the problem of silence, tion between the victim And one more thing—I commends respect of to consider how difficult it is and perpetrator, or can Is it not true that from believe that we can read those doing so. to name and describe trau- it be said that in some the religious perspective Abraham’s history as a matic experiences as well as sense we are all victims? the victim is looked upon guide for understand- It is interesting that even their consequences. Silence positively? In Judaism ing and better interpret- those who cursed God, is often a way of forgetting, Norbert Reck: Concern- for Jews there are two im- ing the history of Jesus. had not denied Him suppressing the experiences, ing the first point, if we portant mountains, Mo- completely—they still with which we cannot deal. need a sharp distinction riah and Sinai, however, So in understanding vic- assumed His existence. But this path does not lead between the victims and the more important is time and sacrifice, victime to peace. Georg Sterzinsky, An example of this is Elie perpetrators, I cannot Moriah where Abraham has a negative connota- Wiesel, who completely the Metropolitan of Berlin, in answer this question. agreed to sacrifce his son, tion, sacrifice requires an interview for KAI on the rejected God after what Concerning the second in other words, give up 70th anniversary of the out- question, from a theo- what is most important break of the Second World logical point we should War said: “We should also to him in his life. Ac- know that time itself does avoid seeing every one cording to one Orthodox Books by Norbert Reck: not cure the wrongs, but of us as victims. In the Rabbi from Isael, it is im- helps heal wounds, but we Gospel there is fragment, portant what we do for 1. “Mit Blick Auf die Täter. Fragen an die deutsche The- can also pass negative emo- specifically in the Gospel God and not what God ologie nach 1945” tions to future generations. of Mark during the arrest does for us. On Moriah, a 2. “Abenteuer Gott – Den christlichen Glauben neu Truth is tightly intertwined of Jesus, where He states person was ready to give denken“ with forgiveness, which al- bluntly that he gave Him- up everything for God. 3. “Erinnern. Erkundungen zu einer theologischen Ba- ways forms deep, inner bond self up to the Romans on In Christianity, the siskategorie of community, greater than His own free will. In the Eucharist is the com- 4. “Von Gott reden im Land der Täter. Theologische just forgetting.” Taking part garden of Gethsemane, memoration of Jesus’s Stimmen der dritten Generation seit der Shoah” in the days of retreat was a Jesus prayed briefly that sacrifice, the peak of 5. “Im Angesicht der Zeugen. Eine Theologie nach Polish-German-Ukrainian this chalice could be Christian maturity. Can Auschwitz” group. dismissed, but it is only we speak about the fruits
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010 Center for Dialogue and Prayer Foundation
he had lived though in difficult situations it al- Auschwitz. It was people tians? If we ask, where but Hitler was to lead the camp, while at the lows us to take specific that wanted Auschwitz. was God, then we are people down the path same time rejecting God, action. It is not possible As a German theologist, all victims. The ques- to become real people. If said that he would re- for everyone, but this it is important for me tion about humankind it is to be believed that member the first night in does not mean that others to clearly say that those is one that helps us. God’s will controls his- the camp even if he lived have taken the immoral, were Germans, who or- When you said a moment tory and that people can as long as God himself… wrong path. Maybe it is ganized, planned, and ago that there is a general only obey, then all those grace that someone can created Auschwitz and tendency today that we passive participants are In this case, the person pray to the very end. God did not look on neu- all want to be victims, I in fact only victims of is not rejecting God, but trally. God did not want wanted to point out the history. And that’s what staying in dialogue with Did God need the victims that. trend of famous 1930s’ many Germans said after God. I do not want to cre- of Auschwitz so that He German Catholic theolo- the War, we could not do ate the impression that I can teach us something? And is it not so that, gians, who believed and anything, it happened, am differenting between when we speak only of said that God plainly de- we are innocent, we are good and bad prisoners. I do not believe in that. I people at Auschwitz, that fines human history. And victims. That is why it is Those who died scream- do not believe that God we disparage Auschwitz the will of God is within important for me to em- ing, losing their minds wanted victims. I do not a bit? How does Ausch- history and we, as people, phasize that Christianity are not worse, just as think that God wanted witz fit into God’s plan? have the duty to do what wants to support the ac- those who died pray- Auschwitz. If we are to say One Pope asked, where God wants of us. Theo- tive engagement of hu- ing are not the better. that God wanted to show was humankind, another logian Michael Schmaus mankind. This is very important. us something, than in this asked, where was God? took this so far, that he Interview by I just wanted to say that situation it is not compat- said that Adolf Hitler Marta Titaniec the meaning of religion ible with my Christian For me the question was God’s will. Not to Interpreter: Joachim von Wedel lies in the fact that, in faith. God did not want is: where were Chris- teach people something,
65 Years after Auschwitz Appeal of Young Europeans
he 65th anniversary of the liberation We, 30 young adults from eight European countries, invited by Maximilian Kolbe Werk met in Oświęcim of Auschwitz-Birkenau was a mo- from 25 to 29 January 2010 for the occasion of the 65th Tment for 30 young Europeans to meet anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp (coming from countries such as: Poland, Auschwitz-Birkenau with former prisoners of concen- Germany, Lithuania, Bielarus, Ukraine, tration camps and Ghettos. We met to hear their testi- mony about the horrifying events caused by the Nazi Russia, and the Czech Republic) with 12 regime and during personal conversations with them, people who were not only survivors of learn from their experiences. Auschwitz, but also other concentration camps as well as Ghettos scattered across For the witnesses of history it is still a great deal of ef- fort, even after the passing of 65 years, to talk about Europe. their difficult experiences and events in concentration camps and Ghettos, about repression and the terror it The meeting was organized This project took place from involved. Lyudmila Voloshina was able to only recount as part of the project “65 25 to 29 of January. During with difficulty and tears in her eyes that her parents Years After Auschwitz” by the five days, the Missionar- were shot dead by the Germans in the Ukraine. the German organization ies of the Immaculate Virgin Maximilian Kolbe Werk, Mary of Father Maximilian “It is better to attentively listen to testimony once, than which works in helping Kolbe in Harmęże hosted the to read it ten times,” wisely stated Josyf Bursuk, a wit- former prisoners who live young people as well as the ness of Jewish origin from the Ukraine. We are the in Central-Eastern Europe. former prisoners. There, ex- last generation, that still has the opportunity to have Young people from the State isted the possibility for meet- personal contact and speak with witnesses of history. Higher Vocational School in ings in small groups with the However long it is possible, we want to continue and Oświęcim also took part in former prisoners—to hear deepen our contact with witnesses of history. We must Photo: CDP this meeting. the voice of a generation that learn history, so that we can today see where people survived the nightmare of are isolated because of their origins, language, or ap- war. The inter-generational pearance. meetings were the most im- portant part of this project and served as an inspiration We put the question to ourselves: What attitude, as for the young people for fur- young people, do we have to take towards the past? ther conversations as well as How can we prevent the repetition of the tragic events during the workshop meet- caused by the Nazi regime? ings. In addition to conversations The enemy of reason is ideology. We too are responsi- about history, there was ble for making sure that injustice, exclusion, and vio- much time allotted for speak- lence has no place in our society. We speak different ing about the future. The languages, however, this does not stand in our way to, young people, learning from using our own ideas, actively work for peace and recon- their elders, discussed dur- ciliation. We do not only want to discuss, but also reach ing the workshops, among out beyond national borders, work towards the goal others, democratic systems that Auschwitz will never and anywhere be repeated. in their own countries, the problems of minorities, and We, young people from Poland, Germany, Austria, the about exceptions. Czech Republic, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and the The effect of the workshop Ukraine, appeal to work for humankind. “Being differ- Appeal of meetings was the ent” is enrichment and not a reason for exclusion. We Young Europeans, which is assumed to be present, dis- want to work against anti-Semitism, racism, Fascism, cussed and developed at and discrimination. We want to work toward expand- various community forums, ing solidarity among ourselves, the active dialogue not only by the project par- between faiths and religions, and working in building ticipants, but all concerned among ourselves better understanding. In the future we with these issues. will do everything that this meeting will not be consid- ered useless! Wiktor Boberek Photo: CDP
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 History Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010
teusz Grabowski, from the Władysław Nikiel on April surveyors’ detail, and they 10, 1945. Later, she gave birth PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL fell in love. Unfortunately, to twin daughters. Raising Grabowski died in March the children and looking after Wincencja Stolarska 1942 in one of the under- the home prevented her from (1921-1995, married name: Nikiel) ground cells of Block no. 11, attending medical school, as the “Death Block.” This came she had dreamed of doing study medicine, but the out- urements of the landscape as a great blow to Wincencja before the war. Nevertheless, break of the war ruined her around the camp. It was with Stolarska. she continued her education plans. them that she first established In February 1942, she began by attending evening cours- She joined the scouts at a illegal contact; over time, she working for the German es. After earning qualifica- very young age, and the formed similar contacts with AEG-Bauleitung Company, tions as a builder, she took a scouting movement pro- other prisoner labor details. at the site in Dwory, out- position as an inspector with vided her with a growing, She fed them and supplied side Oświęcim, where the the Katowice Województwo well-grounded sense of pa- them with medicine, as well IG-Farbenindustrie chemical People’s Council, supends- triotism and a readiness to as serving as an intermedi- complex was under construc- ing and auditing construc- help those in need. This was ary in the secret correspond- tion. She took the prisoners tion projects throughout the reflected in the first days of ence between the camp and laboring at the IG-Farbenin- province. She balanced her Born March 19, 1921 in the occupation, when she the prisoners’ families. On dustrie site under her protec- professional and domestic Oświęcim, the only daugh- and her fellow girl scouts many occasions, she person- tion, giving them material aid obligations with volunteer ter of Wincenty and Józefa, fed prisoners of war passing ally delivered secret mes- of various forms. Nor did she work, and was very active nee Koszała. Her parents through Oświęcim. Later, sages from prisoners to the stop helping the prisoners in the Union of Fighters for were fairly well off and took she cared for the graves of indicated addresses. In the laboring in the Babice area, Freedom and Democracy pains to provide her with Polish soldiers killed fighting reverse direction, she carried although her new job meant (ZBoWiD). She was frequent- the best possible education. in nearby Rajsko during the various items, photographs, that she could only do so ly invited to address groups She attended public school first days of the war. and articles of clothing to sporadically; she could only of young people and talk to in a four-year gimnazjum in She was deeply committed to prisoners from their fami- go there after work or on her them about her work with her hometown. In June 1939, alleviating the distress of the lies. She was mostly active in days off. Assisted on occa- the “Auschwitz girl scouts.” she passed her matura (final Auschwitz prisoners who the Babice area, not far from sion by her cousin Stanisława She maintained close contacts school examination, confer- began appearing outside Oświęcim. She covered such Kostecka of Oświęcim and with many of the former pris- ring the right to enroll in the camp to perform vari- distances that she often went by her father, she continued oners she had helped during university) at the Natural ous kinds of labor in mid- by bicycle. On one of her to help the prisoners until the their time in the camp. She Sciences Lyceum in Biała 1940. Among them were the clandestine aid missions, she end of 1944. died in Bytom on October 21, Krakowska. She intended to surveyors who took meas- met a prisoner named Tymo- After liberation, she married 1995.
from which Jan Liwacz also originated. “The medallion VESTIGES OF HISTORY … traveled with me a long FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE AUSCHWITZ MUSEUM way to freedom,” Nikodem Pieszczoch said following the War. here were many symbols in Auschwitz that were forbidden. If object did in fact have One of these was the symbol of the white eagle. However, mystical powers to bring good fortune, then this little Teven though the consequences could be harsh, the symbol ap- medallion would definitely peared on signets, gorgets, drawings, and woodcarvings created il- fit this category. Nikodem legally by prisoners. In the camp the Eagle was the representation Pieszczoch was moved from Auschwitz to the camp Neu- of a certain attitude or values. It was a symbol of patriotism, deter- engamme, after its evacua- mination of prisoners, as well as courage—all the more, that just tion, he was one of the few having such an object could lead to punishment. to survive the sinking of the Photo: Collections Depatment, A BSM ship “Cap Arcona.” The medallion shown on in this way. thanks for help provided. In 1980, Nikodem Piesz– Medallion made by Jan Liwacz the photograph was cre- This medalion was created Nikodem’s family sent him czoch donated the medal- ated from a Polish five-zloty in 1942 by Jan Liwacz, a German Marks to the camp, lion and other mementos and the struggle of our gen- coin. It is covered with black master metal worker, one of but since he worked in the to the Museum. He wrote: eration with violence and enamel and its edge is deco- the makers of the gate that camp’s kitchen, he did not “My personal wish is that barbarism of Fascism.” ratively engraved. It was led into Auschwitz “Arbeit need them. So, he handed these items are properly created in the camp’s metal Macht Frei.” It was given them out to more needy conserved and serve the Agnieszka Sieradzka Museum in preserving the Collections Department smith shop, where more to a fellow camp prisoner, friends from his family vil- ABSM such coins were transformed Nikodem Pieszczoch, as lage Bukowsko, near Sanok, memory of the martyrdom FROM GANOBIS’S CABINET
An Extraordinary Book
he History of the Duchies of Oświęcim and Zator is a book published in 1876. Jan Nepomucen Gątkowski, the director of Tthe Main Lwow Exemplary Peasant’s School, was the author. Unforotunately, it is not known how many were published, but most certainly it was a rare book. It contains very interest- ers real estate of the city has been through in the ing drawings and writings owned.” past is unknown. It is also including panorama of the The book was divided into unknown how it survived city of Oświęcim, as well as sections: The first of which so many years. I wondered Photo: M. Ganobis’s archive the Municipal coat of arms. was “The oldest of settlers how many people had read Book written by Jan Nepomucen Gątkowski The language that it was on this land, their manners it, but one thing is clear for written in also draws atten- and disposition, X – 965.“ I a 143-year-old, it is in good historical books written know how many such lost tion. Today, we do not sue found this publication at an shape. on the subject of our town, treasures I will be able to such words. There is a sam- antiques market. Looking My collection contains however, many were writ- find, but I want to get as ple: “In the year 1598, living through the book, I found several interesting books, ten before 1939. During the many as possible. in the city of Oświęcim the illustrations that reminded which froze our town in German occupation, many following burgers and own- me of Oświęcim. What it time. There are not many were destroyed. I do not Mirosław Ganobis
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Oś—Oświęcim, People, History, Culture magazine, no. 15, March 2010 Photographer
„What do we need tolerance for?” poster.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15