Matej: Up close and personal

The beautiful city centre of Krakow, surrounded by greenery and dominated by the majestic Wawel Castle, covers a lot of history. Countless monuments and museums offer residents and visitors the opportunity to keep historical rises and falls alive in memory - specifically regarding the tragedy of World War II and the Holocaust, emphasized by the concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau placed nearby. We visited both places at the beginning of May, bringing home many rich and unforgettable experiences. Our visit began in the heart of Krakow, where we explored the old town and the historical buildings it contains, such as the Sukiennice market, St. Mary´s Basilica, and the Jagiellonian University. These sites have an important historical context related to the experience of Krakow and Poland in general. Our knowledge was deepened throughout the next day, seeing three museums. Pomorska Street Museum uncovered the faith of Krakow and its citizens under nacism and communism; the second one told the true story of a pharmacist who helped persecuted Poles and Jews during WWII; and the last one, Rynek Underground Museum, disclosed the very old geologic and societal history of the town. On day three, we explored the Wawel Royal Castle, once a home for the Polish kings. Then, we moved to the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz. Previously a vibrant centre of the Jewish population, now it is a cultural remnant and a solemn reminder of what was lost. Today it is also fulfilled by many markets, restaurants, cafés and public places. Walking through its narrow streets, past synagogues and memorials, we gained a lot of input about the community that once lived here before it was shattered by Nazi occupation. On the last day, we travelled to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. This visit had a strong emotional weight. The rows of barracks, the exhibits filled with personal belongings, and the silence of the gas chambers made the feeling of the Holocaust horrifyingly real. Standing on the grounds where over a million lives were extinguished was a deeply impacting experience that left many of us in silence and reflection. Everyone should go there to feel it personally and keep this historical tragedy as a warning. This journey was far more than a usual school trip. It was an experience that motivated us to think about historical legacy and to remember even terrifying events. Exploring Krakow and Auschwitz reminded us that history is not only dates and numbers - it is the stories of real people like me and you, their suffering, and courage. As the writer and diplomat Samantha Power notes in her book "A Problem from Hell", the greatest threat to preventing atrocities is not hatred, but indifference. Our trip reminded us that staying informed, engaged, respectful, and empathetic is a commitment towards a better future.

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