No matter how much you prepare, it can still catch you off guard. As the great-granddaughter of a woman who perished in Auschwitz, I am face-to-face with the granddaughter of a man who drove Jews to their demise. At loss for words.
My interaction in Germany with Cornelia Stieler reflects deeply on my family's past. Cornelia unveils her grandfather’s trajectory from coal miner to train driver shuttling between death camps. The revelation stuns me, reminding me of the unfortunate fate my relatives endured at Auschwitz.
The narrative progresses with Cornelia delving into her grandfather's involvement, grappling with questions of culpability and complicity. Emotions rise as we both confront the overwhelming burden of the past, culminating in a shared acknowledgment of the lineage of guilt and the necessity of historical reckoning.
The journey leads us to Schönwald, entwined with dark episodes of Nazi history. Through a firsthand account of the village's transformation, the horrors of the Gleiwitz incident and the subsequent death marches are brought to light. As we stand on the remnants of the death march route, the weight of history is palpable, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and understanding.
Despite initial resistance from some locals, a transformative shift is underway in Bojków. A collaborative effort between diverse communities culminates in a significant memorial unveiling, symbolizing a shared commitment to honoring the lives lost during the town's tragic past.
Reflecting on Schönwald's descent into darkness, Cornelia's poignant analysis underscores the complexity of human nature and the urgency of acknowledging past atrocities. The dedication shown by individuals like Cornelia and Krzysztof in preserving this history gives hope amidst the troubling resurgence of antisemitism, echoing a crucial message: discussion and remembrance are essential in averting the repetition of such horrors.