What It Is About
Over 3,000 shoes, which belonged to children murdered at the Auschwitz concentration camp, have been restored and returned to public display at the Auschwitz Museum. This significant preservation project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Auschwitz Memorial, Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, and International March of the Living.
Why It Matters
The preservation of these children’s shoes not only helps to safeguard a crucial piece of Holocaust history but also serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by Jews. With the rise of antisemitism globally, initiatives like this bolster efforts to ensure that the legacy and memories of the Holocaust’s victims are always remembered and respected.
Background
The Auschwitz Museum Conservation Laboratories spent more than a year preserving these shoes, addressing issues such as leather corrosion, fragility, and metal parts causing discoloration. Such conservation efforts were essential for ensuring that these poignant artifacts can endure for future generations.
Preservation Efforts
In September 2023, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation launched a campaign to raise half a million dollars for this project. The International March of the Living played a significant role in mobilizing international support to raise the necessary funds within a few months.
Significant Contributions
Eitan Neishlos, founder and president of the Neishlos Foundation and a third-generation Holocaust survivor, made a notable initial donation to kickstart the preservation efforts.
Importance of Remembrance
Dr. Shmuel Rosenman, Chairman of March of the Living, emphasized the historical and educational importance of the project. Holocaust survivors like Naftali Furst and Aryeh Pinsker expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, underscoring the project’s significance in preserving the memories of the murdered children and acknowledging their testimonies.
Moving Forward
Wojciech Soczewica, Director General of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, looked forward to more collaborative projects, especially focusing on Holocaust education for the younger generations.
This story was first published on jpost.com.