The Czech Republic opened a new memorial on the site of a former Nazi concentration camp for Roma, marking the end of a decades-long process that saw the removal of a communist-era pig farm. The farm had been the subject of long-standing demands from Roma and human rights activists, who wanted to honor the memory of the 1,300 Czech Roma who were sent to the camp during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in World War II. The new memorial, located in Lety, includes records of survivor memories and details of the effort to remove the pig farm, which was finally achieved after the government acquired the site in 2018.
The opening ceremony of the memorial was attended by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President Petr Pavel, who both emphasized the importance of remembering the past to prevent such atrocities from happening again. The site of the former concentration camp, where at least 335 people died and many others were sent to Auschwitz, serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past and a way to honor the victims. The process of removing the pig farm and establishing the memorial began in 1995 when then-President Vaclav Havel unveiled a monument nearby, leading to a decades-long effort to secure the site for future generations.
The government’s acquisition of the farm in 2018, after previous administrations had failed to do so due to lack of funding, paved the way for the demolition of the pig farm in 2022 and the construction of the memorial. The site now stands as a symbol of remembrance and a tribute to the Roma who suffered during the Holocaust, with the hope that it will help combat prejudice and discrimination faced by the current Roma minority in the country. The new memorial not only honors the victims of the past but also serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and respectful future for all people in the Czech Republic.
The Museum of Romani Culture, which is in charge of the memorial, expressed relief and gratitude that the project was finally completed, allowing for the memory of the Roma victims to be properly honored. The long-awaited opening of the memorial marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reckon with its past and ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten. Through the preservation of survivor memories and the establishment of a permanent site for remembrance, the Czech Republic is taking a crucial step towards healing the wounds of the past and promoting a more inclusive society for future generations.
As Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated at the opening ceremony, the establishment of the memorial is a crucial step in preventing the repetition of past atrocities and promoting a culture of remembrance and tolerance. By acknowledging and honoring the victims of the Lety concentration camp, the Czech Republic is actively working towards confronting the dark chapters of its history and promoting a more just and equitable society for all. The new memorial stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the Roma community, who continue to face prejudice and discrimination in the country, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the past in order to build a brighter future.
