Inclusive commemoration of Holocaust victims in Żelechów

events Programme

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a commemorative event was held in Żelechów to honor the victims of the Holocaust. The event was organized in collaboration with local memory activist Magdalena Czajka, with the support of the local cultural center (Miejsko-Gminny Ośrodek Kultury w Żelechowie).

The gathering took place in the local Memorial Hall (Izba pamięci) and brought together representatives of the local community — including local authorities and institutions, educators, community leaders, and activists from Żelechów and neighboring villages.

The program included a commemorative part, honoring the victims of the Holocaust murdered in Żelechów, as well as a lecture by Aleksandra Janus from the Zapomniane Foundation. Dr. Janus spoke about various approaches to preserving Jewish heritage and Holocaust sites in Poland, discussing innovative methods, best practices, and the challenges of working with so-called "difficult heritage." She presented inspiring examples of commemorative initiatives and emphasized the importance of commemorative activism — grassroots efforts to preserve heritage — in sustaining the memory of Jewish life in Poland and the Holocaust experience.

The event also created space for participants to share their local knowledge about sites connected to Jewish history and the Holocaust in their town, ask questions, and exchange perspectives on effective commemorative strategies. It contributed to raising awareness about the importance of preserving Jewish heritage and supporting local initiatives dedicated to commemoration.

Importantly, the event was also aimed at empowering local memory activists — such as Magdalena Czajka and others from neighboring villages — and it sparked further collaborations.