'I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the realisation of this investment, especially the custodian of the Memorial - the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim - and its entire team, including the councils and all those who support the activities of the Museum, for consistently implementing the plan to increase its accessibility, eliminate architectural barriers and open it to people with special needs,' - he stressed.
Ronald S. Lauder and Joel and Ulrika Citron also provided financial support for this investment.
'I am honoured to have been able to support such a significant investment at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, together with the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage and the European Union. It is a privilege that I could dedicate a portion of his life to preserving the authenticity of Auschwitz,' said Ronald S. Lauder, the president of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation in New York, at a conference during the opening of the new Visitor Services Center.
'Auschwitz is the most significant symbol of why we should fight antisemitism. Auschwitz is an example of the devastating outcomes of unmitigated hatred and the resulting murder of innocent people. We should never again allow Auschwitz in any other place, to any people, religion or culture,' emphasised Lauder.
Wreaths were also laid on 14 June at the plaque honouring the first transport near the current Auschwitz Museum, on the premises of the former Polish Tobacco Monopoly building. On June 14, 1940, the SS placed prisoners there for the quarantine period, and today it is home to the Witold Pilecki Małopolska State University.
The official commemorations began in the morning at the St. Maximilian Centre in Harmęże. A solemn Mass was celebrated there, presided over by Bishop Roman Pindel, Ordinary of the Bielsko-Żywiec diocese.
'Almost like a roll call, we remember today the prisoners of the first transport. Following their conviction, they were sent from Tarnów prison to the recently established camp, which became internationally known by its German name Auschwitz and is still remembered with great sadness. Those who came to this camp sought to make sense of the situation - their arrival to an entirely new reality. They were searching for meaning behind the motive for the arrest. Thus, the dominant theme is the love of the homeland, the desire to defend it, and the increasing terror. Faith - be it strong, moderate or feeble - can facilitate unearthing the inner motivation that drives and inspires humankind,' said Bishop Pindel.
The clergyman recalled Marian Kołodziej, a prisoner of the first transport and post-war artist who created the monumental work "Memory Clisches. Labyrinths" dedicated to the camp ordeal and the figure of St Maximilian Kolbe. It is located in the basement of the church in Harmęże.