President of the Republic of Poland

Warsaw, March 11, 2005

Mr. Moshe Kantor,
Chairman of the Board of Governors
of the European Jewish Congress

Most Highly Honored Sir,

The ceremonies held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of KL Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation was undoubtedly an extraordinary event. Most high-ranking officials representing 45 governments and states together with thousands of participants honored the memory of millions of the Nazi genocide victims and addressed the world community with the appeal: “Prevent all manifestations of intolerance, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism!”

At the time when the attempts of masking the guilt towards the Jews are condemned, in the light of new interpretation of the historic facts, the education of the young generation represents one of the most important tasks to be solved not only by the teachers and educators, but also by the statesmen and politicians who treasure the peace cause and mutual understanding among peoples.

The International Forum “Let My People Live!” organized by the European Jewish Congress and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Poland, held in the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre in Krakow has been a major step for the implementation of this goal. I would like to thank Mr. Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish European Congress and his staff for the initiative manifested and the organization of the Forum that conferred a particular scale to the ceremonies held in commemoration of the liberation of the Nazi KL Auschwitz- Birkenau.

Recalling today the success of the Forum in Krakow, I am marking with great satisfaction the fact that, as it came to my knowledge, the Forum will be convened regularly and its activity will be enriched by international educational programs, wide use of knowledge and experience accumulated in the educational centers of Poland and Israel. “The World Holocaust Forum (WHF)” foundation can serve as an exemplary civil initiative, contributing to the deep understanding of the lessons of history, propagation of the ideas of freedom and tolerance among the youth of Europe and the whole world.

With great satisfaction I assume the mission of patronage over the World Holocaust Forum and declare my intention to contribute to the implementation of this initiative.

Taking the presented opportunity, I am sending you, Mr. Chairman, all the members of your family, all your employees, the best wishes of health, further success in private life and professional activity.

Yours sincerely,

Aleksander Kwasniewski