Screening of the Documentary Ambassador of Memory for Students of Dar es Salaam University College of Education
10.02.2025
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 20th International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dar es Salaam, in cooperation with the Dar es Salaam University College of Education, organized a screening of the documentary Ambassador of Memory, directed by Magdalena Żelasko.
The screening was primarily aimed at students and staff of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education. The audience had the opportunity to hear the moving testimony of Mr. Stanisław Zalewski, who—like many other victims of Nazi terror—remained silent about his tragic experiences for many years. It was only after forty years that he decided to reveal them. Today, at the age of 99, he continues to share his story, playing the remarkable role of an "Ambassador of Memory." Magdalena Żelasko's film has, for the first time, enabled him to reach a broad audience with his message—now also in Africa.
As a 17-year-old, in September 1943, Mr. Stanisław Zalewski was arrested in Warsaw for his involvement in the Polish resistance movement. He was then transported to the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he was subjected to forced labor. Later, he was transferred to the Mauthausen and Gusen I and II camps, where prisoners were exploited as a labor force for the German war industry under extremely inhumane conditions.
The screening received a highly positive response from the audience. After the film, participants had the opportunity to ask questions, expressing their interest in the story presented and its significance in the context of contemporary challenges related to historical memory.
As part of the event, we also presented the exhibition The Europe We Share, showcasing the values that connect Poland with the European community.
