The Commission funded this memorial to the Jews killed when they returned to the city following the Holocaust.
On July 4, 2006, the 60th anniversary of the Kielce Pogrom, Chairman Miller delivered remarks at dedication ceremonies attended by Poland’s foreign minister and deputy minister for a Commission-sponsored memorial to its victims.
The Kielce Pogrom had great historical significance. Before the Holocaust, 21,000 Jews lived in Kielce. Those who survived the war returned hoping to find loved ones and rebuild their lives. A false rumor that Jews kidnapped a Christian boy ignited a frenzy of hate. More than 40 Jews taking refuge were murdered. Additional killings occurred at other locations around Kielce. The attacks convinced Holocaust survivors throughout Eastern Europe that it was not safe to return to their homes and they should immigrate to Palestine, the U.S., or other countries.
The memorial was built with funds raised by Chairman Miller and with strong support from the mayor and city council of Kielce.
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