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Bunker of Memory Project continues

Autumn 2024

The Jewish Museum Oshpitzin in Oświęcim continues its work to commemorate the town’s former Jewish community at the historic cemetery, which today remains one of the few traces of their presence in our town.

Fragments of headstones (matzevot), destroyed by the Germans during the Holocaust in connection with the construction of a road leading to the Buna Werke factory of the IG Farbenindustrie conglomerate, were found in the necropolis. An innovative aspect of the project is the placement of the restored tombstones on the walls of a concrete bunker, built by the Nazis on the cemetery grounds, which has now become the foundation for commemorating the murdered Jews of Oświęcim.

Since 2000, the Jewish Museum in Oświęcim has been caring for the historic cemetery, which belongs to the Jewish Religious Community in Bielsko-Biała. Today, the cemetery serves as a place of education about the multicultural heritage of the town. In addition to around 1,000 preserved historic tombstones or their fragments, the cemetery also holds remnants from the tragic period of World War II, including bunkers built by the Germans. One of these bunkers has been given a new purpose as part of the “Bunker of Memory” project, which began in 2023 with the support of the Town of Oświęcim, the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland, and numerous private donors.

In 2024, we are continuing our work by placing 20 tombstones or their fragments, which until now had no designated place, in specially prepared concrete pedestals. The project is supported by descendants of Jewish residents of Oświęcim from around the world: Sam Rosenberg (Australia), Shalom Lahat & Rivka Yogev (Israel), Barbara Posner (Sweden), Adam Ringer (Poland/Sweden), David Singer (USA), and Harry & Yvonne Turner (Sweden). Additional donors include David Goldman, the Matzevah Foundation, and the local company Susuł and Strama.

Volunteers from Austria, Germany, Ukraine, and the USA are also involved in the initiative, helping to bring this important project to life. The “Bunker of Memory” project not only commemorates the Jewish residents of Oświęcim but also educates about the history and culture of the local Jewish community. The support of donors and the involvement of volunteers make the Bunker a symbol of remembrance and education about the tragic fate of the town.

Be a part of this unique remembrance and educational initiative by donating here.

Thank you!