In a letter addressed to the participants of the ceremony, Polish President Andrzej Duda paid tribute to the Jewish victims, acknowledging their courage and determination to resist their oppressors during the uprising. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the truth about the Holocaust for future generations.
The revolt, which took place exactly 80 years ago on August 2, 1943, saw approximately 700 Jews stage an armed resistance in the Treblinka camp. Around 200 fighters managed to escape, but tragically, half of them were later killed during the pursuit. Only 70 individuals survived World War II.
"The truth has endured, and memorials like Treblinka will always bear witness to it," President Duda stated. He further highlighted Poland's commitment to commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and the construction of a new educational facility at the local museum aimed at preserving the memory of the tragic events that occurred at Treblinka.
Israeli Ambassador Yaakov Livne expressed the significance of passing down this history from generation to generation, while also emphasizing the need to prevent the resurgence of hatred. The Treblinka Holocaust Education Center, currently under construction, is set to play a crucial role in fulfilling this purpose.
Deputy German Ambassador Robert Rhode expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness on behalf of Germany for the "monstrous crimes" committed by their ancestors at Treblinka.
During its operation from July 1942 to October 1943, the Treblinka death camp witnessed the murder of between 700,000 and 900,000 Jews and 2,000 Roma people, making it the second-largest extermination camp in Nazi-occupied Poland after Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the foundation act for the new exhibition and education building of the Treblinka Museum, with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage providing co-financing. The project aims to restore the memory and dignity of the prisoners and victims who suffered at Treblinka.
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Source: PAP