‘In previous years, the main commemoration event consisted of three elements: a Holy Mass at Saint Maximilian’s Center in Harmęże – sacral space particularly connected with the prisoners from the first transport, official commemoration within the historical space by the Witold Pilecki State School of Higher Education in Oświęcim where the first transport had arrived, as well as symbolical homage paid to the Victims of Auschwitz by the Death Wall at the former Auschwitz I camp,’ said Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński, the director of the Museum.
Due to the unprecedented situation of the epidemic threat caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the commemoration of the anniversary of the deportation of the first transport of Poles to Auschwitz camp will be different from what was originally planned.
‘Unfortunately, it will not be public, mass commemoration. Many of the planned events, especially the exhibitions, will be moved into the Internet space. We are also preparing a special online lesson on the history of Poles in the German Auschwitz camp. A lot of information will also appear in the social media in order to reach the widest possible audience in the world with the history of the first transport and the beginnings of Auschwitz. The main, however, will be adapted to the limitations resulting from the threat of a pandemic. Together with all the co-organizers, we will be discussing in the coming days how best to commemorate the June anniversary in these extraordinary circumstances," added director Cywiński.
Prisoners of the first transport of Poles at the train station in Tarnów