entire systems of rules and values are collapsing before our eyes. Today, the importance of experience and Memory becomes increasingly evident, as we more frequently encounter situations that are unexpected, unpredictable, and incomprehensible. Therefore, we must rely on experience and its twin: Memory,” Piotr Cywiński said.
“Your experience, Dear Ones, so profoundly painful and difficult, so cruel and nearly unfathomable, has become the foundation of our Memory. And thus today, amidst the storms of present challenges and threats, it is our treasure, our signpost, our suggestions, our warning. It is our power, both individually and collectively. Therefore, each day should begin with a feeling of gratitude, ours toward you – the Survivors,” he added.
“For if we were to reject Memory and experience, we would soon again, like Załmen Gradowski, accuse even the moon of indifference, begging it to ‘Come, moon; cast a glance from your shining eyes on this cursed dark earth!’” he concluded.
Following the speeches, prayers were recited by: rabbi Tomer Rehovi, bishop Roman Pindel, bishop Adrian Korczago and hegumen Aleksander.
Symbolic candles—lit with a flame passed on by the Survivors—were placed:
• at the monument commemorating the victims of the camp by the President of Poland Karol Nawrocki;
• at the remains of the so-called Bunker II by Wojciech Soczewica, Director General of the Auschwitz-Birkenau together with Yossi Matias and Rowan Burnett from Google on behalf of the donors of the Foundation;
• at the ruins of Gas Chamber and Crematorium IV by Minister of Culture and National Heritage Marta Cienkowska, together with Piotr Cywiński and Marek Zając.
The commemoration event included compositions by two Auschwitz survivors Artur Krzetuski, Józef Kropiński, as well as Victor Ullmann and Gideon Klein who were murdered in the camp. The pieces were performed by Aleksandra Marchewka.
Earlier that day, the Survivors, along with the management and staff of the Auschwitz Memorial, laid wreaths in the courtyard of Block 11 at the former Auschwitz I camp.