From the former Schindler's factory, a Holocaust memorial should be established

Brněnec (Svitavsko) - The Šoa and Oskar Schindler Foundation wants to transform the former factory and concentration camp in Brněnec into a memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. During World War II, the German Schindler employed Jewish workers transported from Poland, saving more than 1,000 people from death. The foundation has a promise of acquiring part of the site from the current owner, and the local government is also open to cooperation. The revitalization of the dilapidated building has not only cultural-historical significance but also great economic potential, said Jaroslav Novák, chairman of the foundation's board, to ČTK.

"The aim is to build a faithful replica on the original foundations of the concentration camp, including guard towers and the factory, hospital, and camp areas with prisoners," Novák stated. An exhibition dedicated to the life of Oskar Schindler and the specific fates of selected prisoners should be part of it. According to the foundation's vision, the memorial would not only be a place for excursions but also a space for exhibitions and conferences, with plans for publishing books, filming documentaries, and movies about the Holocaust. A nature trail in the surrounding area should also map the life of Oskar Schindler. According to Novák, it is anticipated that Schindler's camp and museum will be a destination for German schools and visitors associated with Germany and Judaism from around the world.

"It is necessary to remind ourselves of things that should never be repeated. I hope that the plan will soon come to fruition," said Blahoslav Kašpar, the mayor of Brněnec, to ČTK. The municipality tried to build the memorial as early as 2004, but did not have enough money.

Svitavy native Oskar Schindler is regarded by many as a controversial figure, not just a hero and savior of Jews. He was also a member of the Nazi party and German military intelligence.

The textile manufacturing plant in Brněnec was operated by the Vitka company after 1989. After going bankrupt in 2004, it was purchased by Bustrex and renamed Vitka Textiles. That company went into bankruptcy in 2011, and production was halted. The site was acquired at auction in February this year for 3.4 million crowns by Česká pozemková from Liberec.

The Šoa and Oskar Schindler Foundation was registered in the commercial register on July 8 of this year. In addition to Novák, the board includes former mayor of Vysoké Mýto entrepreneur Miloslav Soušek and former director of Vitka Brněnec František Olbert.