history 2 - The Latremie Post

Guiding Light: “BROTHER, YOU FIRST!”

Mahatma Gandhi was to visit Sind for an important gathering of the Indian National Congress. There was jubilation and excitement among the people — but a sense of rivalry was building up among some of the Congressmen themselves.

There was to be an important election for a seat in the Congress Working Committee — a powerful body that determined the policy and programmes of the Congress. Two candidates were contesting for the post: Shri Jairamdas Daulatram and Swami Gobindananda. Their supporters had divided the party into two rival groups.

Mahatma Gandhi sent for Shri Jairamdas, who had always been a disciple of Bapuji.

“My dear Jairam,” Gandhiji said to him, “I understand you are contesting for the seat in the Working Committee.”

“That’s right, Bapuji,” replied Shri Jairamdas respectfully.

“I would like you to go to Swami Gobindananda and tell him — ‘My brother! You first! You first!’ Will you please do it?”

Without the least hesitation, in immediate obedience to the command of his leader, Shri Jairamdas Daulatram went to meet his rival and said, “Brother, you first! You first!”

Swami Gobindananda was astonished! What a wonderful place the world would be if we were to say to one another, “You first! You first!”

—

*October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti.*

Dada J P Vaswani was a humanitarian, philosopher, educator, acclaimed writer, powerful orator, messiah of ahimsa, and non-sectarian spiritual leader.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/spirituality/guiding-light-brother-you-first

Monday Morning: (September 28, 2025): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend

**By Native News Online Staff
September 29, 2025**

—

### Walks On at 66: Ernie Stevens, Jr.

Ernie Stevens, Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was 66 years old.

Jason Giles, executive director of the Indian Gaming Association, released a short statement on Friday evening:

> “Our Indian Gaming Association board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens’ passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family, and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”

—

### Tributes for Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

Chairman Stevens was recently reelected to his 13th term at the organization’s annual convention held in San Diego in April 2025. In honor of his remarkable leadership and dedication, we are publishing several tributes shared by community leaders and colleagues.

—

### Deb Haaland Highlights Tribal Cultural Expression and Ancestral Repatriation

Deb Haaland, the first and only California Native American elected to the Legislature since statehood, addressed important issues including tribal cultural expression, ancestral repatriation, and intertribal support in her recent remarks.

—

### NCAI Statement: “Wounded Knee Was Not a Battle”

On Friday, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a powerful statement declaring that the Wounded Knee event was not a battle but the deliberate mass killing of 350 Lakota. The statement reinforces the significance of remembering this tragic chapter in Native history.

—

### Additional Native News Updates

– **D.C. Briefs:** Updates on U.S. Presidents in their own words concerning American Indians.
– **Oral History Project:** Announces its 14th stop in Portland, Oregon, as the Native American Broadcasting Service (NABS) continues to gather crucial stories from across Indian Country.
– **Native News Weekly (September 28, 2025):** More briefs and news from Washington, D.C.

—

For continued coverage of Native American news and perspectives, stay connected with Native News Online.
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/monday-morning-september-28-2025-articles-you-may-have-missed-this-past-weekend

How starter Mal stayed calm before Cathy Freeman’s winning race

Who could forget the moment 25 years ago when Cathy Freeman crossed the line into history, winning Olympic gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics? For many Australians, that memory remains vivid — but for some, it is even sharper.

Canberra man Mal Davies, now 92, had one of the most important jobs on the track that day. He fired the starting gun, effectively pressing “go” on a nation’s hopes.

“I recall standing near the tunnel where we marched on, just near the finish line,” Mr Davies said. “I can remember looking at my watch and saying, ‘Well, I suppose we had better go and do this then,’ and I was not nervous at all.”

### A False Start Before Glory

Mr Davies got the role after applying to the Olympic organisers. “My allocation was all the women’s events from 400m and up, with the exception of the women’s 10,000m. I got the women’s marathon, which of course started outside the stadium,” he explained.

However, the Olympics didn’t start smoothly for Mr Davies. The very first race he was involved in was delayed.

Originally, starters had two guns — one to start the race and another to fire if there was a false start. By 2000, though, technology had advanced. Starter guns were linked to computers for precise timing, but the protocols remained largely the same.

In the first race, things went awry. “As part of the procedure, when the announcers finished, we blew a whistle to warn everybody it was about to happen. On this occasion, I turned to take the starting gun from the technician, and he was all waving,” said Mr Davies.

“What had happened was a whistle blast had disrupted the computers, so everything had to stop.”

### A Career Made in Australia

Mr Davies reflects that Cathy Freeman’s race was the highlight of his long career as a starter and sports official, following years spent as a teacher and then serving in the Air Force.

“I bought my first starter guns in the 1960s,” he said. But it took many years before he achieved a grade one rating, which cleared the way for his place at the Olympics.

That milestone became possible only after he moved to Australia, where he developed his coaching and sporting official career.

In that capacity, he met Cathy Freeman — the woman who would create his career highlight. They were on the track together for many races over the years, but in the end, there was only one race that truly mattered: Freeman’s Olympic 400m final.

“I can remember standing there and watching the girls come down the final bend, thinking, ‘Goodness gracious me, you are not winning, come on!’ And of course, it all happened.”

Despite sharing that incredible moment, the pair have never spoken. “Didn’t get a chance even after the race,” Mr Davies said.

Nevertheless, he still savours the memory. “It’s probably the greatest race ever, as far as I am concerned.”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-29/olympic-starter-cathy-freemans-historic-win/105827956

History’s unanswered questions

The creation of Pakistan, the Two-Nation Theory proposes, shows that Hindus and Muslims are separate nations incapable of coexisting. This claim prompts several important inquiries:

1. What was the significant role of the Muslim-majority provinces in the establishment of Pakistan?
2. What motivated Jogendranath Mandal, a Dalit leader from Bengal, to advocate for the establishment of Pakistan?
3. What were the reasons for Abul Ala Maududi and other prominent Islamic religio-political parties to oppose the Pakistan Movement?
4. What factors contributed to the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan within 24 years?
5. What factors contributed to the nine-year duration required to establish Pakistan’s first constitution, given that the implementation of Islamic laws could have been initiated sooner?
6. What were the reasons behind Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s appointment of Jogendranath Mandal as the inaugural chairman of the Constituent Assembly and subsequently as the first minister for law and labour?

Let us try to address these important questions.

### The Role of Muslim-Majority Provinces in Pakistan’s Formation

The contribution of Muslim-majority provinces, especially Punjab, to the establishment of Pakistan has been extensively studied in academic literature. Historians examining Pakistani nationalism contend that Punjab’s strategic significance during the Pakistan movement played a crucial role in the All-India Muslim League’s (AIML) success in the 1945-46 general elections.

During the 1946 elections in Punjab, the AIML won 73 of the 175 seats — all 73 were Muslim seats. These seats were secured primarily by notable landlords who allied themselves with the AIML. It has been suggested that this partnership was more a landlord-protection strategy against potential land reforms proposed by the Indian National Congress rather than purely religious nationalism.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province, stood out as India’s sole Muslim-majority province without a Muslim League cabinet. Its government strongly resisted the formation of Pakistan, highlighting the complex regional dynamics involved.

### Jogendranath Mandal and Dalit Participation in the Pakistan Movement

Bengali Hindus, notably Dalits under the leadership of Jogendranath Mandal, joined the Pakistan Movement expecting a new political framework addressing systemic inequalities. The caste system curtailed individual freedom, while Islamic equality offered an alternative vision of social justice.

Their participation illustrates a Marxist perspective on class struggle — where the downtrodden seek emancipation through structural and social change, rather than religion or nationalism alone. This suggests that social status challenges, rather than merely religious identification, drove some demand for a new state.

Religion did help gain support in some areas, but the movement’s core struggle was social. Many participants linked the idea of Pakistan simultaneously to religious identity and resistance against colonial and feudal oppression.

### Opposition from Jamaat-i-Islami and Abul Ala Maududi

The Jamaat-i-Islami, led by Abul Ala Maududi, opposed the partition of India because they viewed it as contradictory to the concept of the ummah — the worldwide community of Muslims. Maududi argued that dividing the subcontinent along arbitrary physical borders could weaken the spiritual and cultural ties between Muslims.

For Jamaat-i-Islami, partition was not just a political division but a split of a group’s religious and cultural identity, thereby challenging the very idea of the ummah’s unity.

### Factors Leading to the Separation of East Pakistan in 1971

Many scholars argue that the establishment of Bangladesh, or the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan within 24 years, resulted from multiple factors.

Long-term causes include the mistreatment of the Bengali language and provincial autonomy issues. Short-term factors involved the results of the 1970 general elections. Immediate triggers such as the Searchlight Operation and the involvement of foreign powers like India and the USSR also played significant roles.

This multi-causal interpretation contrasts with the often mono-causal narratives about the 1947 partition. A comparative analysis of both partitions, using a consistent theoretical and methodological framework, could provide a more thorough understanding of these complex historical events.

### Delayed Constitution and Debates Over Pakistan’s Political Structure

From its inception rooted in the Two-Nation Theory, Pakistan faced questions regarding the implementation of Islamic laws and the nation’s governance structure.

The nine-year delay in establishing Pakistan’s first constitution sparked debates on crucial issues such as:

– Whether the state should be theocratic or secular
– Parliamentary versus presidential democracy
– Federal versus unitary system
– The division of power between a strong federation and autonomous provinces
– Whether the legislature should be bicameral or unicameral

These discussions reflect the complexities involved in shaping Pakistan’s identity and political institutions in its early years.

### Quaid-i-Azam’s Appointment of Jogendranath Mandal

Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah appointed Jogendranath Mandal, a Hindu Dalit leader, as the inaugural chairman of the Constituent Assembly and later as the first minister for law and labour.

This appointment prompts critical examination, especially considering the Two-Nation Theory underpinning Pakistan’s creation. Choosing a Hindu for such prominent roles in a newly formed Muslim state raises questions about the practical understanding and application of the theory.

### Conclusion

Analyzing these questions reveals that Pakistan’s creation in 1947, much like the formation of Bangladesh in 1971, was shaped by a complex array of interconnected factors rather than a singular cause.

Both partitions merit examination through a unified analytical framework to better comprehend the intricate social, political, and cultural dynamics at play.

Moreover, the foundation of Pakistan can also be linked to class struggle, especially in Bengal, rather than being driven solely by religious nationalism. Marginalized and disenfranchised groups sought better living conditions within a vision of an Islamic socialist state, reflecting broader aspirations that mobilized various segments of society during the Pakistan Movement.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346769-historys-unanswered-questions

Is it a bird? No, it’s Dickie Bird

Watching most of these men up close and personal must have been special for you, allowing you to pick an eleven of the finest.

I’m thinking, in the years when you went out to umpire, there was a relative simplicity to the game—no DRS, no third umpires, no reviews, and no replays. When you gave a batsman out, that was it. He was out, no one questioned it, and he just walked. I imagine you would have been appalled to have a third person take the final decision for you.

It’s funny—you were most famous for diffusing tense situations with self-deprecating humour and jest. So, I have a question: with all the sledging and non-shaking of hands that’s been going on between us and the Pakistanis, do you feel it was in the spirit of the game? Once two teams have agreed to play, would you have insisted that they conduct themselves amicably, or would you have had something to say?

Last Tuesday’s match was like a gun battle shrouded in a game of cricket. The umpires watched benignly as players let go of their cricket gear for imaginary guns; skilled players became soldiers. How would you have handled it?

More importantly, we meet the Pakistanis tonight in the final of the Asia Cup. Things have gone from bad to worse. In the first encounter, hands weren’t shaken. In the second, planes fell out of the sky—it was nasty stuff. What would you have done then, and what would you do tonight if you were one of the two umpires?

I’m guessing you’d gather all 22 players on the 22 yards and have a wee chat.

“How do, lads? How’s the scene tonight?” you’d joke, about wanting good, clean, competitive cricket—nothing more—in your endearing Yorkshire accent.

Back in the day, you looked over some really colourful characters. Sunny and Imran were both in your greatest Test eleven. Gavaskar, one of your top openers, and Imran, your skipper. Our relations as two cricketing nations were tense, but somehow politics stayed out of the equation. Imran even convinced Sunny to delay his retirement.

One could argue that everything has become more complex and complicated. Umpires now head out to the middle armed to the teeth, yet the modern on-field umpire has the safety net of an air-conditioned third opinion, aided by technology and tracking systems. The stress on his correct or incorrect decision-making is much less.

You, Harold Dennis Bird, just had your two eyes, an instinct and feel for the game, balancing the rule book versus the conditions. An understanding of human beings, the geniality of a gentleman coupled with solid firmness.

Six hours a day of complete focus—picking out no-balls, hearing nicks to the keeper, allowing no nonsense between players, getting those LBW decisions correct in a nanosecond. The massive repercussions between an appeal and your finger going up—and you controlled some of the most volatile folks in the game: Ambrose, Warne, Lillee.

Nudges onto the pads when LBW decisions were demanded, and the sheer knowledge of the game—you had no second chances. There were no instant replays. Just you, having to take an instant decision.

You always knew a batsman was out when the great Dickie Bird raised his finger and said so—like Brian Lara.

Rest well, dear Dickie. The giant cricket stadium in the heavens awaits you.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/is-it-a-bird-no-its-dickie-bird-23596149

Trump’s Latest ‘Epstein Distraction’?: Prez Orders Release of Amelia Earhart Files… as He Ignores Public’s Pleas to Reveal Info on Sex Offender

**President Donald Trump Orders Declassification of All Government Records Related to Amelia Earhart**

*Published: September 27, 2025, 12:45 p.m. ET*

President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will declassify and release all government records connected to Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviation pioneer who vanished during her world flight attempt in 1937, RadarOnline.com reports.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote,
*”I am ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”*

**Background on Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance**

Amelia Earhart disappeared along with her navigator, Fred Noonan, on July 2, 1937, while flying her Lockheed 10-E Electra across the South Pacific. It is widely believed that their aircraft ran out of fuel near Howland Island; however, the exact circumstances of her disappearance have remained a mystery and the subject of speculation for decades.

Trump added,
*”I have been asked by many people about the life and times of Amelia Earhart, such an interesting story, and would I consider declassifying and releasing everything about her, in particular, her last, fatal flight!”*

**Honoring an Aviation Pioneer**

Trump praised Earhart as *“an Aviation Pioneer, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and achieved many other Aviation ‘firsts.’”* At the time of her disappearance, Earhart was 39 years old and was attempting to become the first woman to fly around the world.

He continued,
*”Amelia made it almost three-quarters around the World before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again. Her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions.”*

**The Search and Theories Surrounding Her Fate**

Earhart’s disappearance triggered an unprecedented search effort by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, costing the equivalent of $88 million in today’s dollars. Despite the massive operation, no trace of Earhart or her plane was found. She was declared legally dead in 1939, 18 months after her last flight.

Over the years, many theories have emerged about her fate:
– Some suggest Earhart landed safely but was captured by Japanese forces.
– Others believe she and Noonan survived a crash but later died stranded on a remote island.
– Another theory posits that she was on a secret spy mission, with her plane equipped with cameras to monitor Japanese military buildup in the South Pacific.

**Legacy and Continued Interest**

Decades later, Amelia Earhart’s story continues to inspire and fascinate. In 2024, deep-sea explorers revealed sonar images of what appeared to be an aircraft near her last known location. However, the object was ultimately identified as a rock.

The Trump administration has a precedent for declassifying significant historical documents, having previously released large sets of files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

With this new announcement, many hope that the mystery surrounding Amelia Earhart’s final flight may finally come closer to being solved.
https://radaronline.com/p/donald-trump-epstein-distraction-amelia-earhart-files-publics-pleas/

1984 riots case: Sajjan Kumar’s appeal listed for hearing in SC after Diwali

Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi, while hearing the matter, asked the counsel for the parties to specify the allegations, testimony of witnesses, and findings by the trial court and the high court in the case. “When the reversal was made, what persuaded the high court to make a reversal,” the bench inquired.

The high court had set aside the trial court’s 2010 verdict, which acquitted Kumar in the case. Senior advocate R S Cheema appeared for the CBI, while senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan represented Kumar in the top court.

Besides Kumar’s appeal, the pleas of co-convicts Balwan Khokhar and Girdhari Lal were also listed for hearing in the apex court.

The case relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment’s Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984, and the burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. The anti-Sikh riots broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.

Kumar surrendered before a trial court in the capital on December 31, 2018, to serve the sentence following the high court’s December 17, 2018 judgment awarding him life imprisonment for the “remainder of his natural life.” After his conviction, Kumar resigned from the Congress party.

The high court convicted and sentenced Kumar to spend the remainder of his life in jail for the offences of criminal conspiracy and abetment in the commission of crimes including murder, promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, acts prejudicial to the maintenance of communal harmony, and defiling and destruction of a Gurdwara.

It also upheld the conviction and varying sentences awarded by the trial court to five others, including Khokhar and Lal.

The high court’s verdict noted that over 2,700 Sikhs were killed in the national capital during the 1984 riots, describing the event as a “carnage of unbelievable proportions.” The court labeled the riots a “crime against humanity” perpetrated by those who enjoyed “political patronage” and were aided by an “indifferent” law enforcement agency.

*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/1984-anti-sikh-riots-sc-to-hear-sajjan-kumars-plea-against-conviction-post-diwali-break-23595748

Petra’s hidden gems: Lesser-known sites to explore

**Petra’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sites to Explore**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025, 02:13 PM*

Petra, the ancient city in Jordan, is world-renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. While most tourists flock to the iconic Treasury and Monastery, there are several lesser-known sites in Petra that are equally fascinating. These hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse past and architectural marvels. Exploring these sites provides deeper insight into Petra’s cultural heritage beyond the usual hotspots.

—

### 1. The Royal Tombs: A Majestic Burial Site

The Royal Tombs are a group of elaborate tombs intricately carved into the rock face. Built for Petra’s elite citizens, these tombs are renowned for their grand scale and detailed facades. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings while learning about the burial customs of the ancient Nabataeans. Compared to more popular attractions, the Royal Tombs offer a quieter, more reflective experience, allowing visitors to appreciate their historical significance without the crowds.

—

### 2. The Great Temple: A Monumental Complex

The Great Temple is one of Petra’s largest architectural complexes but often goes unnoticed in favor of more famous landmarks. This massive structure consists of interconnected rooms and courtyards, hinting at its important role in religious and social activities. Excavations here have revealed numerous artifacts that suggest it functioned as a pivotal center for worship and administration in ancient Petra.

—

### 3. The Byzantine Church: A Glimpse into Early Christianity

Nestled within Petra’s expansive landscape, the Byzantine Church stands as a testament to early Christian influence in the region. This site is famous for its stunning mosaics depicting scenes from daily life and nature, offering a window into the artistic styles of the time. The church’s architecture differs notably from other Petra structures, highlighting the diverse religious practices that once thrived here.

—

### 4. Al-Beidha: The Little Petra Experience

Located just a few kilometers from Petra’s main site, Al-Beidha—also known as Little Petra—is a smaller settlement featuring similar rock-cut architecture on a more intimate scale. The site is characterized by narrow canyons lined with carved facades, allowing visitors to closely observe Nabataean craftsmanship without the crowds that gather at Petra’s larger counterpart.

—

### 5. The High Place of Sacrifice: A Spiritual Summit

Perched atop Jebel al-Madhbah, the High Place of Sacrifice offers breathtaking panoramic views over Petra’s landscape below. This sacred site was historically used for rituals involving offerings made by priests on behalf of community members seeking divine favor or guidance from their gods. Visiting this spiritual summit provides not only stunning vistas but also a deeper understanding of the religious practices of ancient Petra.

—

Exploring these hidden gems enriches your Petra experience, unveiling the city’s rich cultural layers beyond its famed landmarks. For travelers seeking history, architecture, and tranquility off the beaten path, these sites are a must-visit.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/petra-s-hidden-gems-lesser-known-sites-to-explore/story

Petra’s hidden gems: Lesser-known sites to explore

**Petra’s Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sites to Explore**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025, 02:13 PM*

Petra, the ancient city in Jordan, is world-renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. While most tourists flock to the iconic Treasury and Monastery, there are several lesser-known sites within Petra that are equally fascinating. These hidden gems offer a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse past and architectural marvels, providing visitors with deeper insights into Petra’s cultural heritage.

### 1. The Royal Tombs: A Majestic Burial Site

The Royal Tombs are an impressive group of elaborate tombs carved directly into the rock face of Petra. Built for the city’s elite, these tombs stand out for their intricate facades and grand scale. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings and learn about the burial practices of the ancient Nabataeans. Compared to the more frequented sites, the Royal Tombs provide a quieter experience, allowing for a more contemplative appreciation of their historical significance.

### 2. The Great Temple: A Monumental Complex

The Great Temple is one of Petra’s largest architectural complexes but often remains overshadowed by other landmarks. This massive structure consists of a series of interconnected rooms and courtyards, reflecting its importance in religious and social activities. Excavations at the site have uncovered various artifacts that suggest it served as a center for worship and administration, offering a fascinating look into the everyday life and governance of Petra.

### 3. The Byzantine Church: A Glimpse into Early Christianity

Nestled within Petra’s expansive landscape, the Byzantine Church stands as a remarkable testament to early Christian influence in the region. The site is famous for its stunning mosaics that depict scenes from daily life and nature, showcasing the artistic style of the era. Architecturally, the church differs from other Petra structures, highlighting the diverse religious practices that once thrived here.

### 4. Al-Beidha: The Little Petra Experience

Located just a few kilometers from Petra’s main site, Al-Beidha—or Little Petra—is a smaller settlement featuring similar rock-cut architecture on a more intimate scale. Visitors can explore narrow canyons lined with carved facades, offering an up-close look at Nabataean craftsmanship without the crowds typical of the larger Petra site. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a quieter, more personal experience.

### 5. The High Place of Sacrifice: A Spiritual Summit

Perched atop Jebel al-Madhbah, the High Place of Sacrifice provides breathtaking panoramic views over Petra’s stunning landscape below. This sacred site was historically used for ritual offerings conducted by priests on behalf of the community, seeking divine favor or guidance from the gods. Its elevated position and spiritual significance make it a powerful place to reflect on the ancient religious practices of Petra.

—

Exploring these lesser-known sites adds depth and richness to any visit to Petra, unveiling fascinating stories beyond the well-trodden paths. Whether you’re intrigued by ancient burial customs, religious heritage, or art and architecture, Petra’s hidden gems promise unforgettable discoveries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/petra-s-hidden-gems-lesser-known-sites-to-explore/story

The Problem with Auschwitz-Birkenau’s New Digital Camp Replica

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum announced the launch of a new digital replica of the concentration camp designed specifically for filmmakers. Titled *Picture from Auschwitz*, this virtual film location aims to facilitate a range of productions set on the grounds, where current preservation regulations restrict filming to documentaries only.

—

**Background: Auschwitz and Its Historical Significance**

Established in the town of Oświęcim in German-occupied Poland, Auschwitz consisted of three main camps where over 1.1 million European Jews were murdered: the Auschwitz I concentration camp, the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) killing centre, and the Auschwitz III (Monowitz) labour camp. The museum hopes that this new technology will support telling the true story of the camp without compromising the memorial’s historical integrity.

—

**Digital Preservation and Ethical Oversight**

The museum plans to digitally preserve the Holocaust site, which receives over two million visitors annually, and will submit scripts for all new feature film projects involving the replica to a team of historians for review. A glimpse of the digitized location reveals a virtual model of Auschwitz I, providing a clear snapshot of the camp’s barracks, grounds, and infamous wrought iron gates.

The two-minute trailer for *Picture from Auschwitz* claims the certified 1:1 digital representation is the biggest and most detailed documentation of the camp to date. Eventually, the project will include the interior as well as the exterior environments of both Auschwitz I and II.

—

**Holocaust Memory in the Digital Age**

The project’s use of digital technology to safeguard Holocaust memories reflects a global shift toward digitizing the Holocaust as the survivor generation passes on and heritage sites deteriorate, a process accelerated by extreme weathering linked to the climate crisis. As the Holocaust recedes from living memory, cultural institutions increasingly rely on digital tools to remember the past.

While some have used virtual reality (VR) to digitally reconstruct and maintain key Holocaust sites, others have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to generate interactive survivor holograms. These technologies have become popular educational tools for use in classrooms, museums, and memorial sites worldwide.

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**Ethical Implications of Digital Memory Projects**

Digital memory projects make Holocaust sites globally accessible and help protect their legacy. However, these same technologies risk distorting the historical record. In the UK, public debates on the ethics of digital Holocaust technologies — including AI and VR — have involved high-profile politicians and scholars alike.

International bodies such as UNESCO and the World Jewish Congress have reported concerns that generative AI, in particular, may fuel Holocaust distortion. *Picture from Auschwitz* aims to address these issues by enabling ethical storytelling.

Wojciech Soczewica, director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, described the project on the Memorial’s website as a “powerful example of how culture and technology can unite to protect our shared human history from distortion and denial.” He added that the replica will preserve the relevance of Auschwitz’s history, ensuring it “won’t fade with time.”

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**Challenges and Limitations**

While the virtual site encourages historically rooted depictions of the camp, it cannot guarantee ethical engagement with the Holocaust. In fact, the project raises further questions regarding how the digitization of such a profound event aligns with ethical modes of remembrance and representation.

A wholly authentic depiction of any Holocaust site or experience is something that digital and filmic interventions can only approximate. Even if perfect authenticity were possible, ethical portrayals of the Holocaust depend not only on accurate representation of sites but also on the kinds of stories being told and formal stylistic choices.

Film researcher Archie Wolfman highlights that filmmakers’ decisions about camera movements, angles, lighting, and editing carry ethical weight as much as the subject matter itself.

—

**Broader Reflections on Holocaust Representation**

The implication that Auschwitz must be digitized to protect its legacy suggests that existing materials — including the camp’s extant remains, personal belongings of victims, and survivor testimonies — are no longer sufficient. It also problematically implies that Holocaust history must continually adapt to digital culture to remain relevant.

Moreover, the digitization of Auschwitz emphasizes certain Holocaust sites and stories over others, such as the rural landscapes across Central and Eastern Europe where no human structures or visible traces remain. Even within the Auschwitz complex, *Picture from Auschwitz* offers only a selective representation, excluding Auschwitz III, its network of sub-camps, and the surrounding environment.

The planned script review process further shows the Memorial’s role in overseeing cultural narratives of the event. This implies that only artistic representations favoring realism hold value, sidelining stylized Holocaust films like *Jojo Rabbit* (2019), *The Cremator* (1969), and *Distant Journey* (1949), the latter of which was actually shot on location in Terezín, Czech Republic.

These examples demonstrate that Holocaust films need not have a direct physical connection to real sites to meaningfully represent the event.

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**Conclusion: Navigating Digital Ethics and Holocaust Memory**

Ultimately, the *Picture from Auschwitz* project highlights a tension between growing public demand for cultural Holocaust productions and the difficulty in cultivating ethical representations of the event.

Navigating the ethical dimensions of Holocaust narratives has always presented challenges, but these have become more complex with the evolution of digital innovations that are difficult to regulate or police.

*Picture from Auschwitz* reveals the extent to which digital technology is transforming how knowledge about the Holocaust is understood and disseminated — not always for the better. As this new chapter unfolds, ongoing critical reflection is essential to ensure respectful remembrance and accurate representation of one of history’s darkest periods.
https://flaglerlive.com/the-problem-with-auschwitz-birkenaus-new-digital-camp-replica/