Last weekend, the activist Anna Brzyska together with the “Memory and Dialogue. Shared History” Association organized a three-day event on the 81st anniversary of the deportations of Brzesko Jews to Majdanek, Bełżec, and Auschwitz. Over 40 descendants of Brzesko Jews joined the activists, authorities, and students of local schools for commemorative events and the common celebration of restored memory of Brzesko Jewish community. Due to Anna’s work a unique plaque dedicated to Mala Zimetbaum, Brzesko-born prisoner of Auschwitz, was unveiled in the town to commemorate her heroism. Moreover, joint effort of Anna and Brzesko high school board resulted in the updating of the commemorative plaque on the school building. 62 names of Jewish students have been added to the plaque that before had included only Christian Poles who perished during the Second World War. “Brzesko: United in Memory” events included a Shabbat dinner, an exhibition dedicated to Poles from Brzesko who saved Jews during the Holocaust, and a concert of klezmer music as well. We are glad to be able to support this incredible work of Anna!

Photos by Krzysztof Wasyłek

“Recovering Memory: Comemorative Plaque Honoring the Memory of Murdered Jewish Students” project by Anna Brzyska and the “Memory and Dialogue. Shared History” Association was co-financed by Forum for Dialogue as a part of 2023 Grant Competition.

In 2023, the program for activists belonging to Forum for Dialogue Network, including grants and scholarships, is financed thanks to the generosity of Friends of the Forum, LEDOR WADOR Foundation, United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, and individual donors and institutions from Poland and abroad supporting Forum for Dialogue. Scholarships for personal development are possible thanks to The David and Anna Dlugie Kliger Scholarship Fund.