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This place is impossible to ignore. Auschwitz Memorial Report for 2013.
A report on the year 2013 in the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum was published. In the introduction, director Dr. Piotr M.A. Cywiński underlined an incredible symbolic significance of the history of this Nazi German concentration and extermination camp.
He wrote: “This place is impossible to ignore. It is a turning point in human history. Nothing that preceded it will ever return. Ethics, morality, law, faith, science, enlightenment, positivism, all died here... A Man lost his sense of innocence that he cherished and found so comforting.”
Dr. Cywiński underlined the value of visiting the Auschwitz Memorial, having direct contact with authentic remains of the concentration camp, saying: “If there is a necessary rite de passage that every man and woman should complete, this rite is walking through the remnants of Auschwitz. Everyone should experience their personal comprehension here. There is even more to that experience, for they should also feel the burden of their own present responsibility.”
On the 64 pages of this Polish-English report there is information on the most important events of the passing year, as well as, i.a. a detailed analysis of attendance at the Auschwitz Memorial. In 2013 the premises of the former concentration camp were visited by 1,33 million people. 87 of which were given guided tours in 19 languages by nearly 300 educators, mentored by the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust. In the report we can read about various actions and projects of the Center conducted in the Museum as well as through the Internet.
The report also covers the topic of conservation work performed at the Auschwitz Memorial, including, i.a., extensive research aimed to evaluate the current condition of brick barracks located on the premises of the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp. This work will allow a preparation of detailed conservation programmes for those buildings, which are in the worst condition.
Actions taken by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, gathering funds to finance the conservation works are also mentioned in the report. Director Cywiński expressed his hope that one year from now, during the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Foundation will be able to tell the last living witnesses, that the mission of gathering the Perpetual Capital has been successfully finished. “We will also reassure them that the relics of their hell—Human traces and testimonies—are safer now than they have ever been before. This is possible thanks to the support of governments and people to whom the future is not indifferent”- writes Piotr Cywiński.
Other issues covered by the report are new publications, directions for research work, new and currently prepared exhibitions, volunteer work, as well as new additions to the Archives and Collections of the Museum. An important element of the document is also a financial report and a list of donators who supported the Museum. The text is enriched with photographs presenting the most important events at the Auschwitz Memorial, as well as reproductions of museum objects and historical documents.
The report was published three days before the 69th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
