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27 January: a large group of survivors for the 75th anniversary of liberation

Next year's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz will probably be the last semi-circular anniversary to be attended by numerous survivors, former prisoners of Auschwitz. We estimate that even over 120 Auschwitz survivors may participate in the official event.

‘Three-quarters of a century has passed since the end of the camp nightmare. Has the world profoundly understood its daily responsibility? By observing various incidents occurring in many places, one may have considerable doubts,’ said Auschwitz Museum Director Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, PhD.

‘The aim of this anniversary is to awaken consciences, to assume responsibilities rooted in memory. That is why the presence of survivors is so important. I know that many heads of states and governments will want to stand alongside the survivors on this day. The support of the media will also be of great importance to reach as many people as possible with the message about the Shoah and the tragedy of Auschwitz,’ added Piotr Cywiński.

On 27 January 2020, former prisoners will sit in a tent to be erected above the historical gate of the Auschwitz II-Birkenau site. Official delegations from dozens of countries around the world, as well as representatives of international institutions, social organisations, clerics, employees of museums and memorial sites devoted to this subject, will listen to their words. The media will broadcast the event live all over the world.

‘We can already see that the upcoming anniversary of the liberation will be an extremely important, emotional and symbolic for survivors. They are anxious to be present at the Memorial and greatly hope that will be able to commemorate all the victims of Auschwitz with people from all over the world, including those who determine its fate, and who should listen attentively to the warning that stems from their tragic personal experiences. Every day, we receive enquires regarding the possibility of participation,’ said Bartosz Bartyzel, spokesman for the Auschwitz Museum.

Survivors will come from all over the world, just as they did during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation. Various organisations around the world are involved in organising the trips, among others the World Jewish Congress and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation, which operates in the United States and supports the activities of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.

‘The former prisoners will be the most important guests of the commemoration. We will take care of everyone who expresses their willingness to participate in the event. Each of them may also attend with one accompanying person. We are continuously waiting for contact,’ added Bartosz Bartyzel.

About 1,500 former prisoners took part in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2005. In 2015, approximately 300 witnesses of the history of Auschwitz arrived at the Memorial.

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, has assumed honorary patronage over the the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz. Further information on this event will be published on the website: 75.auschwitz.org.