Feb 18 • 04:01 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

The Monument to the Polish Victims of the Nazis in Berlin Opens Old Wounds in Poland

A new memorial in Berlin to commemorate Polish victims of World War II has been approved, sparking renewed discussions about historical grievances between Poland and Germany.

In late 2025, a new chapter in Polish-German relations is set to unfold with the establishment of a memorial dedicated to Polish victims of World War II in Berlin. Following years of discussions, the German parliament has approved the construction of this site which aims to honor the suffering inflicted on Poland during the war years of 1939 to 1945. The decision emphasizes the tragic loss of over five million Polish citizens, including approximately three million Jews, during the Nazi occupation.

The upcoming memorial, referred to as the 'Polish-German House', will serve not only as a tribute to the deceased but also as a focal point for historical reflection and dialogue. A competition for the design of the monument is scheduled to be announced later this year, with its completion expected by 2027. This development highlights Poland's enduring legacy of loss and the ongoing sensitivities surrounding its historical narrative, particularly in relation to Germany.

As the memorial plans progress, the discussions surrounding it have the potential to evoke strong feelings, given the historical context of World War II and the atrocities committed during that period. The relationship between Poland and Germany has been complex, often marked by unresolved issues related to war reparations, historical memory, and the interpretation of events. This new memorial could either offer a pathway to healing or rekindle old tensions concerning the shared past.

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