JEAA Program for Monday, March 24, 2003

Visitors from the United States

A dedicated bus will pick up long-stay (as opposed to those on a 1-day trip from Western Europe) English-speaking visitors at the hotel in Krakow at about 0900.

The bus will meet the other participants arriving from Belgium and France at Krakow's airport at about 0930 - 0945.

All buses will then leave for Auschwitz. The ride will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The visitors will be escorted by experienced and language dedicated guides throughout the Auschwitz camp, barracks and exhibition halls. The guides are fully aware of the emotional implications of the tour.

Each visitor is expected to eat his or her light lunch either aboard the bus or on one of the tables set at the entrance.

The different groups will then travel to Birkenau and visit the camp.

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The inauguration ceremony will start at 1600 hrs.

Many Polish officials, diplomatic representatives from many countries will be present as well as international personalities.

USA have already confirmed the presence of Madam Siria Lopez, Krakow US General Consul;

FRANCE has already confirmed the presence of Mr Michel Raineri, Krakow French General Consul;

SPAIN has already confirmed the presence of senador Juan José LABORDA MARTÍN, spokesperson for the socialist group and former speaker of the Spanish senate.

Other government representatives will be present and will be announced.

The Jewish Community of Thessaloniki - Salonika will send an official representative

Beate and Serge Klarsfeld the formidable anti-nazis militants will both be present.

A short speech will be given by several personalities in attendance.

Rabbi Daniel Farhi, a highly respected community leader of Turkish Sefardi origin who has been active for many years in the commemoration of the martyrdom of the French Jews will give the mourning prayers.

Flory Jagoda will travel especially from Washington D. C. and will sing by the new dalle the traditional song "arvoles yoran por luvias" a capella as a special tribute to those Jews from Salonika or the islands who sang the words: "en terras ajenas no kero morir" or sometimes "en terrras de Polonia no kero morir" (in foreign lands - or in Poland - I do not want to die).

The ceremony will last about an hour. Seats will be reserved for aged people and Survivors.

The groups will then travel back to Krakow to the former Jewish district. Time permitting, the visit of one traditional synagogue will be made, Rabbi Farhi will say a prayer and Flory Jagoda will light candles and sing La Orasion de la Muier (The Woman's Prayer).

The long-stay participants will return to their Krakow hotel by 8 p.m.