23rd International Convention of the Children of the Holocaust
“It is a convention of Children of the Holocaust from all around the world, a kind of closed family reunion, including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. We believe that about 350 people will participate in it, from countries such as Poland, Germany, Spain, the US and Australia. It is the 23rd convention of this kind – but the first one held in Poland. It was initiated by the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Our Association of “Children of the Holocaust” in Poland is a member of this organization. Previous conventions were mostly organized in the US, once in Israel and once in former Czechoslovakia” – explains Aleksandra Leliwa Kopystyńska, vice-chairman of the Association of “Children of the Holocaust” in Poland.
The convention is a reunion of the “Children of the Holocaust” – people who were children during the Second World War and were born before 1945. In many cases they are accompanied by their whole families, children and grandchildren.
The motto of this year’s meeting is: “Remember about the past, be happy today”. “Many among the children of the Holocaust have bad memories connected with Poland, where they lived during the dramatic times of the war. However, it is important to remain happy in the present, after so many years” – emphasizes Kopystyńska.
The convention will begin with a Sabbath prayer conducted by the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich. Later, a Sabbath dinner will be held. Afterwards, rabbi Schudrich will give the lecture “Revival of Jewish life in Poland”. The participants of the 23rd International Convention of the Children of the Holocaust will be divided into groups according to their origin and will participate in plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops. The event will end with the awarding of the titles “Righteous Among the Nations”.
