Restoring a Unique Polish-Jewish Legionnaire’s Tombstone in Oświęcim (Auschwitz)

To mark the 25th anniversary of its founding, the Jewish Museum in Oświęcim has launched a fundraising campaign to restore a unique historical monument: the damaged tombstone of Icchak Izydor Hirsch, a Jewish resident of Oświęcim and veteran of the Polish Legions in World War I.

Hirsch’s gravestone is a rare surviving example that bears both the Polish eagle and the Star of David, visually expressing the dual identity of Polish Jews who saw themselves as both loyal citizens of their country and proud members of the Jewish community. His legacy highlights the complex and often overlooked contributions of Jewish soldiers to Polish independence.

Historical Context
The Jewish cemetery in Oświęcim was desecrated during the Nazi occupation, with many gravestones stolen or destroyed to make way for the expanding Auschwitz camp complex and nearby industrial facilities. The tombstone of Icchak Izydor Hirsch survived this destruction, albeit damaged, and stands as a testament to both Jewish resilience and patriotism.

Project Objectives
The restoration project will involve:
● Professional conservation and reconstruction of the tombstone
● Installation of a new base for stability and prominence
● Placement of an educational plaque to share Hirsch’s story with visitors
The project aims to honor an overlooked historical figure and raise awareness of the broader context of Jewish military service in Poland.

Fundraising & Donor Recognition
The estimated project cost is 45,000 PLN (€10,500). Donations of any amount are welcome. Supporters contributing €1,000 or more will be acknowledged by name on a permanent plaque at the cemetery (unless anonymity is requested).

Additional thank-you gifts include:
● A voucher for coffee and cake at Café Bergson
● A limited-edition COEXIST T-shirt designed by Piotr Młodożeniec
● A publication set from the museum
● A private guided tour of the synagogue and museum
Support the Campaign

To contribute visit the Polish site: https://zrzutka.pl/c3vkt6