24 countries have contributed thus far. Germany has contributed $80 million, followed by the U.S. with $15 million. Poland, where the camp is located, has promised about $13 million, according to Polskie Radio.
Russia will contribute up to $1 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation for the conservation and maintenance of the site of the former Nazi concentration camp.
Auschwitz beds for 6-8 people – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP
Russia’s pledge was reported Tuesday by the Polskie Radio website, which cited a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in Warsaw. Support for the project, the statement said, is “a common moral duty as it serves the mission of preserving the memory of the huge number of victims of the Nazi camp and of other crimes against humanity.”
The 4-year-old foundation is working to raise nearly $160 million for a perpetuity fund to continue to maintain the site. Twenty-four countries have contributed thus far. Germany has contributed $80 million, followed by the United States with $15 million. Poland, where the camp is located, has promised about $13 million, according to Polskie Radio.
Some 155 buildings on the site are in need of repair. The money is needed as well for conservation projects such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau archives, documents and objects in the museum collection.
View original JTA publication at: http://www.jta.org/2013/08/14/news-opinion/world/russia-to-give-1-million-to-auschwitz-conservation-fund
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