BREAKING: The planned auction of over 600 Holocaust artifacts in Germany has been abruptly canceled following widespread backlash from Holocaust survivors and activists. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced the cancellation today, confirming that he and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul agreed the sale was “offensive” and should not take place.
Earlier today, a Holocaust survivors group publicly condemned the auction, which was set to occur tomorrow, July 24, 2023, at the Felzmann auction house in Neuss, near Düsseldorf. The auction included letters from concentration camp prisoners, Gestapo documents, and items that identify numerous individuals by name.
In a statement, Sikorski expressed gratitude towards Wadephul for taking swift action in response to the outcry. He stated, “Such a scandal must be prevented,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The auction, titled “The System of Terror,” was met with outrage from various activist groups.
“For victims of Nazi persecution and Holocaust survivors, this auction is a cynical and shameless undertaking that leaves them outraged and speechless,”
said Christoph Heubner, executive vice president of the International Auschwitz Committee. He emphasized that the artifacts represent the suffering of those persecuted and should not be commodified for profit.
The controversy escalated as the auction listing was removed from the Felzmann website earlier today, indicating the auction house’s decision to halt the sale. As of now, Felzmann has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the cancellation.
Survivors and their advocates have voiced that artifacts from this dark chapter in history should be preserved for educational purposes and memorial exhibitions, not sold to the highest bidder. Heubner stated, “These documents belong to the families of the victims. They should be displayed in museums, not degraded to mere commodities.”
This urgent update signals a significant victory for those advocating for the respectful treatment of Holocaust history. As discussions continue, the impact of this decision reverberates throughout communities focused on preserving the memory of victims and educating future generations.
For now, the focus remains on how this cancellation will shape future discussions about the handling of sensitive historical artifacts. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
