A special exhibition titled “Mōj Ōpa tyż boł deportuwany” opened in the Polish Senate on January 8, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Upper Silesian Tragedy. Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska highlighted its importance, underscoring the necessity of understanding this painful chapter in history.
Historical Silence and Rediscovery
The exhibition sheds light on the Soviet deportation of Upper Silesian residents to forced labor camps in 1945. Marshal Kidawa-Błońska emphasized the decades of silence and historical distortion surrounding these events. “It is essential to recognize these wounds to understand our past,” she said.
Exhibition Details and Objectives
Developed by the Upper Silesian Deportation Documentation Center, the exhibit features photographs, personal testimonies, and interactive QR codes accessible to all visitors. It aims to honor those affected by Soviet repression while educating the public.
Following its Senate debut, the exhibit will travel to the Silesian Parliament in Katowice and the European Parliament in Brussels, ensuring the memory of these tragic events reaches international audiences.
“Despite its gravity, this chapter remains underrepresented in public discourse,” remarked Center Director Justyna Konik. The exhibition seeks to rectify that, sharing untold stories of suffering and survival.