Angela Merkel on Friday visited the Auschwitz concentration camp for the first time as chancellor.
Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, during her first official visit in the Auschwitz concentration camp on Friday expressed “deep shame” over the atrocities, which took place at the site during the Second world War.
It happens in a speech at the mindepladsen for the German concentration camp.
Merkel’s visit was her first in 14 years, she has been chancellor. It is only the third time ever that a German chancellor visiting the site.
She says during the visit, it is important to remember the terrible time.
– To commemorate the crimes is a responsibility that never ends. It is inseparable from our country. To be aware of the responsibilities are a part of our national identity, says Merkel, according to news agency Reuters.
Merkel has announced a new donation of 60 million euros – about 450 million dollars – to the Auschwitz-Birkenau foundation. It was Thursday approved by the German länder.
the Money will among other things go to rehabilitate and preserve 30 barracks in the concentration camp.
in Addition, they must go to that hair, glasses, and shoes from the victims, there is a part of the museum in Auschwitz, not in decay.
– Auschwitz is a museum, but it is also the world’s largest cemetery. Remember it is key to build the present and the future, ” says museum director Piotr Cywinski to Reuters.
About a million jews were killed in concentration camp during the Second world War.
the Camp was controlled by the German nazis with Adolf Hitler in the lead.
Total was around six million jews killed during the war – approximately half were poles.
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