Former Auschwitz Commandant's House to Open to Public

The former home of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss at 88 Legionow Street is set to open to the public for the first time after its purchase by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP). The house, which has gained attention following the Oscar-winning film 'The Zone of Interest,' was previously occupied by Garzyna Jurczak, who raised her children there but decided to sell due to increased visitor interest. The CEP plans to restore the house to its 1940s state and has already uncovered chilling relics from its past, including Nazi newspapers and striped prisoner trousers. The opening coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Army’s liberation of Auschwitz, and the organization aims to honor Holocaust victims and educate visitors about the atrocities committed there. A mezuzah has been added to the front door to reflect Jewish traditions, symbolizing a rejection of the house's dark history. Preparations are underway to ensure the site serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.