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Belgium supports the mission to preserve the former concentration camp Auschwitz
Belgium has joined other countries taking part in the mission of preserving the authentic site and buildings of the former Nazi German Concentration Camp Auschwitz for future generations. This has been made possible by the creation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation at the beginning of this year.
Prime Minister of Belgium Herman Van Rompuy has stated in a letter the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk that he guarantees financial support from his country for the Foundation’s functioning during 2010 and 2011. “Belgium is aware of the importance in preserving this Memorial Site, not only for Belgium's Jewish community, but for Europe and all of humankind,” wrote Prime Minister Van Rompuy.
As calculated by the conservators from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the annual cost of essential conservation works, depending on the projects done, is between 3.6 and 5.5 million Euros.
As first, at the beginning of 2009, to declare financial support was the Federal Republic of Germany. Still this year, a million Euro will be paid into the Foundation’s account. After the coming German parliamentary elections much more financial help will be available for selected projects. At the same time, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Jürgen Rüttgers, who is also a member of the Foundation’s Council, stated that together with Minister-Presidents of the other Federal-States would contribute – regardless of the Federal government’s donation – substantial financial support for the project.
Currently, in addition to Germany and Belgium, support has been promised by: the Czech Republic, France, Spain, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and Great Britain. Talks are being conducted with other countries and the number of positive responses – even though it is the summer holiday season – keeps growing. In some countries, former prisoners organizations have raised their voice supporting the initiative. It is worth noting that support, in the form a headquarters for the Foundation, was offered immediately by the Union of Jewish Communities in Poland.
Dr Piotr M.A. Cywiński, Museum director and Foundation president, speaking about the uniqueness and meaning of the Memorial Site Auschwitz stated: - In the moment as commemorations of 70th anniversary of the Second World War’s outbreak, we must clearly answer the question, what made this war completely different than all other European military conflicts. The situation of the civilian population during this war – families, the elderly, children, who beyond the military level, were put in the path of the destructive politics of the Third Reich was something entirely new. Mass murder was a dimension previously unknown before this war. The essence of this new, tragic aspect is clearly visible through the prism of Auschwitz. That is why this place has to remain understandable for future generations. Here we reach the very heart of knowledge about people. About ourselves - stressed Cywinski.
Individuals and organizations can support preserving the authenticity of the Memorial Site Auschwitz by contributing to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation:
Bank PKO BP
Deposits in Polish Zloty: 14 1020 1042 0000 8102 0210 8868
Deposits in Euros: 21 1020 1042 0000 8802 0210 8884
Deposits in American Dollars: 26 1020 1042 0000 8602 0210 8892
