Poland in Tanzania

The film tells the story of Stanisław Zalewski, who, in September 1943, at the age of 17, was arrested in Warsaw for his involvement in the Polish resistance movement and deported to the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau for forced labor. He was later transferred to the Mauthausen and Gusen I and II camps, where prisoners were subjected to inhumane conditions and forced into slave labor for the German arms industry.

The audience had the opportunity to hear the powerful testimony of Mr. Zalewski, who – like many other victims of Nazi terror – remained silent about his tragic experiences for decades. It was only after forty years that he began to share his story. Today, at the age of 99, he continues to bear witness, serving as an extraordinary Ambassador of Remembrance. This film by Magdalena Żelasko offers him, for the first time, the opportunity to reach a broader audience with his message.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and the Polish community. In her opening remarks, Chargé d’affaires a.i. Katarzyna Sobiecka emphasized that the images of Auschwitz – symbolizing unimaginable suffering and cruelty – compel us to reflect on the consequences of indifference and silence in the face of injustice and serve as a stark reminder of the need to stand against all forms of discrimination, hatred, and oppression. She underscored that in remembering Auschwitz, we embrace a shared responsibility to build peace, protect the most vulnerable, and strive for a world where “never again” is not just a promise, but a commitment upheld by all.

During the event, two exhibitions were also presented: Polish Outstanding Women, which features Antonina Żabińska – who, along with her husband, helped rescue escapees from the Warsaw Ghetto – and The Europe We Share, showcasing the values that Poland shares with the broader European community.