Honoring Treblinka’s victims and heroes; remembering the tragedy and courage of the 1943 uprising.
Before the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany, Treblinka was merely the name of a village in the Mazovian region. However, from July 1942, when the Nazis established a death camp nearby, Treblinka became synonymous with terror and death. Over 800,000 Jewish citizens perished here, enduring horrific suffering: inhumane transport, physical and psychological torture, hunger, disease, and the overwhelming despair of no hope for rescue.
We honor the victims of this tragedy and especially the courageous prisoners who, in August 1943, rose against their Nazi oppressors. Understanding their slim chances of success, they still fought for dignity and justice. Hundreds joined the uprising; nearly 400 escaped, but only around 70 survived the war. Among them was Samuel Willenberg, who testified to the hellish reality of Treblinka. His wife, Ada Willenberg, continues to participate in commemorations after his passing.
Annual commemorations of the Treblinka uprising serve the ideals of truth, memory, and warning. While the past cannot be altered and human memory is fleeting, our duty is to preserve and pass on the historical truth about the martyrdom of Jews at the hands of Nazi Germany. As Poles, we do this for justice and a better future for Europe and the world. We will never forget the tragedy that occurred here.
Glory to the heroic rebels of Treblinka!