here - Chełmno

Foundation of the Museum of Chełmno District
Ratusz Rynek 28
86-200 Chełmno
tel./fax. +48 56 686 16 41
LETTER OF INTENT
Of all the many ancient towns situated in the north of Poland, Chelmno and Swiecie are
undoubtedly the oldest. They are situated side by side, separated by the queen of Polish
rivers — the Vistula. Chełmno, knowns as the “pearl of north” or “little Cracow” is picturesquely perched on nine hills, whereas Świecie is attractively located at the estuary of the
Vistula into which the Wda River flows. The history of both towns begins over one
thousand years ago. Over this time their historical backgrounds have been carefully preserved by their communities, an effort which continues today. A variety of nationalities
through co-existence and integration over the years have become caught up in the rich
history of both towns.
It is out of this regard for the past of our towns and in remembrance of the dead, that
the idea of commemorating the Jewish community originates.
The celebrations of this event, titled “Memory and Tolerance” will take place
on May 2-3, 2007 both in Chełmno and in Świecie. The most important event
of this celebration will be unveiling of a commemorative plate and communal prayer
at the site of the old Jewish cemetery in Chełmno. This will be followed by a e concert
of the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Amos Talmon, Isreal. The first
half of the programme will comprise a few works on Jewish and Israeli themes whereas
the second half will be dedicated to Beethoven’s symphony no. 7.
The rock concert of HYIM, American Jewish rapper and multi instrumentalist, will take
place next to the old castle in Swiecie to encourage young people to take part in the whole
event. We’ll also have a chance to listen to Justyna Steczkowska, one of the most popular Polish music stars. Moreover, Dorel Golan, an Israeli pianist, will give a performance
in Music School in Chelmno.
In between, it is our intention to have dignitaries such as Prof. W. Bartoszweski
and Prof. Sz. Weiss hold lectures on the history of Jews in Poland, Jewish heritage as part
of the Polish saga and the pat forward for a better future. Other activities planned include en exhibition of photographs of polish Jews collected from all over Poland titled
“I can still see their faces” as well as cinematographic events.
Our aim is to turn “Memory and Tolerance” into a festival which will take place every two years.
Due to significant costs, the high importance and wide span of events , your participation and financial support will add splendour and honour to this festival.
Contributions can be remitted to the bank account of the Foundation of the Museum of Chełmno Disctrict, BS Chełmno 62 9486 0005 0000 0967 2000 0003 with
a note “Memory and Tolerance”.
The event will be jointly organized by:
Chełmno Town Council, Świecie Town Council,
Mayor of Chełmno, Mayor of Świecie,
Roman-Catholic Parish under the invocation of the Saint Mary in Chełmno,
Jewish Community in Gdańsk,
Foundation of the Museum of Chełmno District in Chełmno,
Mondi Packaging Paper Świecie S.A.,
The Musical Association Chorus Culmensis from Chełmno,
Music Angels Foundation, Herzliya, Israel.