Sources: Izabela Sobańska-Klekowska, Alon Goldman

The Częstochowa branch of the TSKŻ commemorated the 84th anniversary
of the beginning of the liquidation of the Częstochowa Ghetto
on Samuel Willenberg Square in front of the Częstochowa Jewish Memorial.

Ms. Izabela Sobańska-Klekowska, Chair of the Częstochowa branch of TSKŻ (the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland), conducted the ceremony honouring the memory of the approximately 40,000 Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Częstochowa.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of national, provincial and local government bodies, staff and students of local Częstochowa schools, representatives of churches and clergy, the media and friends, supporters, and people who cherish the memory of the Holocaust victims.

Those attending listened to the song “Anatevka,” performed by a student of the Juliusz Słowacki Secondary School No. 1 in Częstochowa.

Częstochowa Deputy Mayor Ryszard Stefaniak addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of studying the history of the city, preserving its memory, and recognising the influence of the Jewish community on the character of present-day Częstochowa, as well as the universal importance of peace. He called upon the younger generation to create a world free of hatred.

Ms. Izabela Sobańska-Kałkowska also addressed the gathering and explained the meaning of the Jewish concept of “Yizkor” – remembrance. She said that memory is a living obligation that gives meaning to the present and shapes the future. To remember is to restore the presence of those who are no longer with us. As long as we remember, those who came before us remain part of our world.

Those present honored the memory of the victims of the Częstochowa Ghetto with a minute of silence.

Afterwards, the delegations laid wreaths at the foot of the memorial.