The new National Remembrance Park in the north-central city of Toruń aims to “restore the truth about Poles who saved Jews during World War II,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told those at the ceremony on Saturday.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks at the launch of the new memorial project in Toruń, north-central Poland, on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Photo: PAP/Tytus Żmijewski
Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of Poland’s ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, said the project would help "defend the country’s dignity" and "fend off accusations" over its role in the Holocaust.
Poland's conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński addresses the gathering. Photo: PAP/Tytus Żmijewski
President Andrzej Duda said in a letter to those attending that “6 million Polish citizens, including 3 million Polish Jews” lost their lives during the war when Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany.
Commemorative plaques at the newly opened National Remembrance Park, holding the names of Poles who rescued Jews during World War II. Photo: PAP/Tytus Żmijewski
A host of events were held in Poland earlier this year to pay tribute to those who helped Jews during the dark days of German occupation.
Mateusz Szpytma, deputy head of Poland's Institute of National Remembrance (IPN), said at the time that "Poles who saved Jews were, are and should serve as a role model and an inspiration."
The Polish president told world leaders in January that “the truth about the Holocaust must not die.”
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Source: IAR, PAP