CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center’s Response to Antisemitic Graffiti in Auschwitz II-Birkenau
CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center strongly condemns the antisemitic graffiti which desecrated nine of the barracks in Auschwitz II-Birkenau on October 5, 2021. CANDLES stands with our partners at the Auschwitz State Museum, throughout Poland, and across the globe. We also join these partners in calling on the Polish authorities to conduct a proper and thorough investigation to find the perpetrator(s) and hold them adequately and publicly responsible for their crimes.
“This attack is incredibly offensive and disheartening as it desecrates an authentic site where at least 1.1 million people lost their lives. It is not only an attack on the victims of Auschwitz, but also the larger Jewish community” Troy Fears, executive director of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center explained. This attack is upsetting but should not come as a surprise with recent increases in antisemitism and Holocaust denial over the past few years. “The fact that the graffiti was written in English and German reveals that is was intended as a message to Europe, the US, and beyond. It’s a message that we should all heed” stated Sara J. Bloomfield, director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “We hope through the museum and our programs, that CANDLES can provide the education to prevent future attacks like this one and ensure that “never again” can one day be a reality” Troy Fears concluded.
CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center contributes to the empowerment of the world through hope, healing, respect, and responsibility by shining a light on the story of the Holocaust, Eva Kor, the Mengele twins, and other survivors. The vison of CANDLES is to be a premier institution seeking progress in the creation of a world free from prejudice, hatred, and genocide.
