Wreath-laying in Berlin by Auschwitz survivors and young people on 9 November at 10 noon, Wittenbergplatz/commemorative plaque

From 8 to 10 November, Auschwitz survivors, descendants of Auschwitz survivors, and representatives of Auschwitz foundations are gathering in Berlin for the inaugural meeting of the new IAC presidium. The new presidium of the International Auschwitz Committee was elected during the IAC’s 15th General Meeting in August in Auschwitz.

Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the IAC stressed in Berlin:

“The survivors considered it very important to gather for this meeting specifically on 9 November in Berlin. The 9 November 1938 marked the beginning of the organised terror and violence against Jewish citizens in Berlin and Germany which eventually led to Auschwitz. From this day on, exclusion, strategically directed hatred, and mortal fear constantly accompanied each and every Jewish person in Germany. Based on these memories and experiences, the members of the IAC Presidium will be discussing their growing apprehension and concern in face of the increasing numbers of anti-Semitic incidents and the aggressive right-wing populist bluster, not only in Europe. Consequently, they are very pleased that President Steinmeier will be receiving them specifically on 9 November for a meeting and conversation in Bellevue Castle.”

At 12 noon, following the meeting with President Steinmeier, the delegates and young people from Germany and Poland will together lay a wreath at the Auschwitz memorial plaque on Wittenbergplatz in remembrance of 9 November. The young people, Volkswagen trainees and Polish vocational college students, worked together for two weeks last August conserving the Auschwitz Memorial. During their stay they were also able to meet with Auschwitz survivors and delegates from the IAC.

We warmly invite you to report on the meetings and the wreath-laying ceremony.