In 2025, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This is an opportunity not only to celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany, but also to raise the question of what exactly happened in 1945 and why that year did not mark the end of the fighting and the beginning of rebuilding for all of Europe.
Today, as the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine continues into its third year, questions about the causes and long-term consequences of World War II are particularly relevant. The war experiences in Europe have never felt as close to us as they have since February 24, 2022.
With the aim of bringing the history of World War II closer and exploring the various actions taken across Europe to overcome its consequences—and above all, asking what lessons we should draw from those experiences—the Krzyżowa Foundation, in cooperation with the "Memory and Future" Centre, has undertaken the task of implementing the project “Comprehensive execution of the program to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the actions related to overcoming the consequences of the war in Europe, carried out in Krzyżowa” in 2025.
As part of this project, the following activities will take place in Krzyżowa in the current year:
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30 workshops on historical education for Polish-German youth groups (throughout 2025)
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30 educational lectures/guided tours in Krzyżowa as a memorial site for the war, resistance, and Polish-German reconciliation (throughout 2025)
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Seminar on Eastern and Western European Memorial Sites (March 19-22, 2025)
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A three-day historical education training for teachers from Poland and Germany (fall 2025)
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Financed with funds from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage under the project "Comprehensive execution of the program to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the actions related to overcoming the consequences of the war in Europe, carried out in Krzyżowa."
The Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, which has been involved in activities promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and peace in Europe for many years, believes in open and responsible communication. Due to the dynamic development of digital platforms and the search for optimal channels to reach audiences, we are announcing the suspension of the Krzyżowa Foundation's presence on the X platform.
This decision stems from the desire to promote positive, reliable, and dialogue-supporting attitudes. The Krzyżowa Foundation will continue its mission on other platforms that better meet the needs of building spaces for healthy and constructive conversations, remaining faithful to its values, such as dialogue and understanding.
The Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
Dorota Krajdocha, Dr. habil. Robert Żurek
Read more: The Krzyżowa Foundation Suspends Its Presence on X
It has been 1,096 days. Three years. That’s how long it has been since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Days and years full of evil, death, suffering, and destruction. But also full of heroism, solidarity, and loyalty to values.
Krzyżowa did not hesitate to offer help to the victims of the war. Just a few days after the outbreak, we welcomed the first refugees. Between March 2022 and January 2025, a total of 177 people found shelter with us. Some stayed for a few weeks, others for many months. Recently, the last of them left us.
We did not limit ourselves to providing shelter and food. We assisted our guests in handling bureaucratic matters, organized Polish language courses, training, and activities aimed at professional activation, as well as medical and psychological care. We helped them search for jobs and housing. For children, we created a special group in our kindergarten, took them on trips, and invited them to participate in our projects.
All of this was made possible by the immense dedication of our team, as well as the incredible support we received from our partners and friends in Poland, Germany, and other countries. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us help others. Without you, we would not have been able to do anything! We are so grateful you are here!
We received many expressions of gratitude from our guests. One of them was a Ukrainian flag with thanks and signatures from several dozen Ukrainian soldiers. Some of them may no longer be alive today...
Read more: Statement of the Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe on the Third...
This week, Dr. Robert Żurek and Dr. Anna Poznańska were in Berlin to meet with partner organizations and plan for the coming year. There, they spoke with the managing directors of the Freya von Moltke Foundation and the Kreisau-Initiative e.V. – Dr. Anna Quirin and Dr. Richard Roewer.
During the meeting, Robert Żurek presented the managing director of the Freya von Moltke Foundation with a gift on the occasion of the foundation's 20th anniversary – a photographic calendar from Krzyżowa and pralines.
They were then received by the Polish Ambassador, Jan Tombiński, in the new embassy building on Unter den Linden, where they discussed Krzyżowa, Polish-German reconciliation, and the goals of Polish diplomacy in Berlin.
Read more: Meetings in Berlin: Krzyżowa strengthens partnerships
