Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historical artifacts and authenticity of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, while promoting education about its significance among American students. The foundation was established in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, initially known as the Friends of Auschwitz Birkenau Foundation. In 2019, it was renamed to its current title and expanded its programs to include survivors' outreach and education.

Mission

The foundation's primary mission is to preserve the original artifacts and grounds of the former Nazi concentration camp, ensuring that its historical significance is remembered and taught to future generations. It aims to bring awareness of Auschwitz-Birkenau's history to every American student, highlighting the importance of tolerance and preventing the resurgence of hatred and xenophobia that led to the Holocaust.

Activities and Programs

• Preservation: The foundation supports programs and projects that focus on maintaining the physical remains of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This includes contributing to the endowment established by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation in Warsaw, Poland, to ensure the long-term preservation of the camp's artifacts and grounds.

• Education: The foundation launched the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship in 2022, an educational initiative that brings high school teachers from across the United States to Auschwitz. The fellows then share their experiences and lessons with their students back home, fostering a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's impact.

• Survivors’ Outreach: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation initiated a Survivors Outreach program, which includes online reunions, personal interactions with survivors, and cultural projects such as publishing a cookbook featuring recipes and stories from survivors.

Financial and Legal Status

The organization is listed under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 461411164. It operates as a nonprofit entity, relying on donations to support its mission and activities.

[1] http://fundacja-pamieci-auschwitz.com [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz-Birkenau_Memorial_Foundation [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz-Birkenau_Foundation [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz-Birkenau_State_Museum [5] https://preserveauschwitz.org/about/