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Abodi Leads Third ‘Journey of Memory’ to Auschwitz With Athletes, Urging Respect and Vigilance

The minister framed the visit as a civic lesson that turns athletes into witnesses of respect.

Overview

  • The program, organized through the ministry’s national anniversaries mission in collaboration with the Union of Italian Jewish Communities and the Jewish Community of Rome, concluded in Poland this week.
  • About 100 Olympic and Paralympic athletes took part alongside State civil corps, military sports groups, Service Civil Universal participants and youth-agency representatives, with the CONI and CIP presidents present.
  • The itinerary included Schindler’s factory and Kraków’s Jewish quarter, followed by entry into the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps.
  • Andrea Abodi described intensely reflective days underscored by the contrast between life and death, calling sport and civic service examples of respect and peace.
  • CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio recounted the emotion of laying a wreath and thinking of the children who died, while athletes such as Manuel Bortuzzo and Patrizio Oliva urged vigilance against renewed hatred.