The KL Plaszow Museum opening ceremony and its outdoor exhibition called KL Plaszow. Miejsce po, miejsce bez took place today, 15th March 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
The following representatives took part in the ceremony: Yacov Livne, Ambassador of Israel in Poland, prof. dr hab. Jacek Majchrowski, Mayor of Krakow, Mateusz Szpytma Phd, Deputy President of The Institute of National Remembrance, Michał Niezabitowski PhD, Director of the Historical Museum of Krakow, Lili Haber, Chairwoman of the Association of the People of Krakow in Israel, Roman Kwiatkowski, President of the Board of the Roma Association in Poland as well as many other guests.
The Jewish Religious Community in Krakow was represented by Helena Jakubowicz, Chairwoman of the Board. During the speech she said:
”It is a great honour to be able to participate in today’s event. Opening of the KL Plaszow Museum is incredibly important for our local Jewish community but also for all Jews around the world who visit this place, previously used as a concentration camp.
As you certainly remember, for many years, my father, Chairman of the Jewish Religious Community, could not stress enough how important it is to remember this place. He would constantly talk about the significance of this place and how much he would love to live to see this moment when this place gains importance not just for the people of Krakow but also for those who survived the Holocaust and witnessed all these harrowing events in KL Plaszow. Due to health reasons my father is unable to be with us today. But he is proud that the memory of this place will live on. It is our common responsibility to bring back memories of such places and of all those people who were buried at this huge cemetery. This is a notable spot on the city map, which I hope will be a place of remembrance. I would like all further stages of the camp revitalisation to be carried out gradually. I am aware that we still have a lot of work ahead in order to finalise the whole project which includes further stages of work. I believe that together we can carry through the museum project.
On behalf of the Jewish Religious Community in Krakow and the whole Jewish community, I would like to thank all the people who contributed to the opening of the KL Plaszow Museum. Thank you for your dedication, involvement, long hours of consultations and meetings. What at times seemed impossible to achieve, came true today and we are now able to see the result of your work.
Last but not least, I would like to add one more statement. We must not forget that the area of the now Museum is one massive cemetery. Therefore, it is our responsibility to teach and practice sensitivity and treat this place with utmost respect.”
