In brief
The house of Auschwitz death camp's commandant, featured in "The Zone of Interest," is being converted into a site for education and reflection.
In a poignant transformation, the former residence of Rudolf Höss, the notorious commandant of Auschwitz, is set to open its doors to the public, inviting a reckoning with its horrific past. Garzyna Jurczak, who lived in the home for over four decades, described raising her children just steps away from a former gas chamber and gallows. Despite the horrific history associated with the location, Jurczak fondly recalls it as a secure and beautiful environment for her family, complete with a garden and river access for recreation. However, the recent attention brought by the Oscar-winning film "The Zone of Interest" led to increasing discomfort for Jurczak, especially as film viewers began encroaching on her privacy. After a long deliberation, she chose to sell the property to the New York-based Counter Extremism Project, a move aimed at transforming the house into an educational space. Having vacated the premises by August and finalizing the sale by October, Jurczak has left behind a place of personal significance, but also a chilling reminder of one of history's darkest chapters. As the house prepares to welcome visitors, it aims to serve as both a memorial and an educational opportunity, ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
