Ratującym-Ocaleni (The Rescuers – The Rescued) – a Competition Remembering Poles Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust

, 16 November 2016
An international competition in remembrance of Poles who saved Jews during the German occupation, The Rescuers – The Rescued, was announced on 8th September 2014 by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.

The idea for the competition came from Sigmund Rolat’s Pamięć i Przyszłość (Memory and Futrure) Foundation and has been supported by the Polish President, Bronisław Komorowski.

In its first phase, the competition is to be open, artistic debate on the theme of how and in what worthy form are the Rescuers to be remembered in this exceptional place. Both young and experienced authors are able to participate. Those who, not only wish to take part in the discussion, but who also bring their remembrance projects to fruition, should file a formal application by 8th October 2014. A judging panel, chaired by Milada Ślizińska, will select the five most interesting artistic visions. In the contest’s second phase (in the first quarter of 2015), their authors will prepare realistic project concepts. The panel will announce the winner in April 2015. It is expected that the winning project will then be completed by autumn 2015.

As Sigmund Rolat said, ”The idea grew out of the deep conviction that, during the German occupation of Poland, Jews experienced extreme evils – unfortunately, also often at the hands of their fellow non-Jewish countrymen. For this reason it is important to pay tribute to those who did not yield to this evil and, at the risk to their own lives and the lives of their families, selflessly offered their help”. Konstanty Gebert, a member of the Pamięć i Przyszłość Foundation Board, added, ”Our initiative is an attempt at repaying the debt of gratitude and remembrance that we owe these heroes – both those known and unknown. Remembrance of them is a part of Jewish memory – it’s about time that it took some visible form”.

The competition’s published conditions state that the Jury will look for projects which present the best way of commemorating these distinguished Poles and which, at the same time, integrate into and revive the public space around the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, taking into full account the expectations of its users.

A press conference took place on 8th September at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews which featured Sigmund Rolat, Konstanty Gebert, Zbigniew Hołdys and Milada Ślizińska.

Competition Website: raff.org.pl