This story was submitted by AppsFlyer.
"There is only one thing worse than Auschwitz itself, and that is if the world forgets there was such a place" Henry Appel, Auschwitz survivor.
When the shadow of COVID-19 fell upon the world, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum faced an unprecedented challenge – closing its doors for the first time in 75 years. Witnessing this moment, we refused to remain passive bystanders and recognized our responsibility to act.
Understanding the profound significance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum as a testament to history's horrors and the voices of Holocaust victims and survivors, we forged an alliance with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Our shared mission: to create an innovative solution that would preserve accessibility to the memorial, transcending any physical or geographical boundaries, ensuring that the gates of remembrance would forever remain open.
“The tremendous consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that innovative tools must be applied to bridge history with the present and respond to amplified needs of young generations,” said Wojciech Soczewica, Director-General, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. “That is why the Foundation decided to initiate educational programs to support the Memorial’s global mission. We’re extremely grateful for the unique and true partnership with the team at AppsFlyer. Working jointly in these challenging times proves that our common responsibility for history must always be based on mutual trust and understanding.”
This groundbreaking partnership yielded a virtual tour platform that is more than technology – it's a gateway to a profound experience. This technology isn't just virtual; it's a transformative experience. People worldwide can explore the memorial in real-time, guided by on-the-ground professional guides. The tour educates individuals from different backgrounds, languages and ages. From adults to students in class, or families of victims, anywhere in the world, From Australia to the United States. Flexibility is key; visitors customize their experience, preserving the essence of an in-person visit. This achievement extends beyond technology; it's a vital tool for Holocaust education, safeguarding its memory and reaching millions who couldn't have visited Auschwitz otherwise.
As the number of living Holocaust survivors diminishes, we're honored to lead this initiative. By leveraging technology, we ensure Holocaust education resonates globally and with generations to come.
This powerful partnership between technology and history underscores collaboration's strength. Melding expertise and purpose, we've created something impactful, meaningful, and transformative. Our endeavor intertwines history, technology, and compassion, etching the lessons of the past into eternity – a testament never to be forgotten.
In Auschwitz, we can fully confront and address the most important questions about mankind, society, the poison of antisemitism, racial hatred, and contempt towards others. Remembrance gives us strength to act responsibly and repair the world we live in while making it better for our children and their children.
The Intersection and Impact: A Journey of Innovation and history
A collaborative journey: Initiated on Zoom, the two+ years of development of the virtual tour showcased remarkable hybrid teamwork, bringing together diverse skills for a singular purpose.
Financial commitment: AppsFlyer raised and invested over 3M $ in the creation and development of the first virtual live guided tour in Auschwitz Birkenau. The US Congress is supporting the development of the platform with a $ 1M grant.
Multilingual accessibility: Offered in seven languages with live guides, This linguistic inclusivity ensures that the message of remembrance transcends barriers of language and culture.
Diverse feedback: Over 1,000 participants from around the world, including AppsFlyer people, shaped the virtual tour's design, ensuring its resonance across various backgrounds.
Pioneering technological experience: The first-ever technological venture embraced by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation and memorial teams. It symbolizes a harmonious merger of technology and remembrance, a testament to the capacity of innovation to honor history.
Far-reaching impact: With the potential to reach millions worldwide, this project's impact is immeasurable. It serves as an enduring medium to educate, commemorate, and uphold the memory of the Holocaust for generations to come.
Historic connectivity: Through the generous contribution of Orange Poland, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial has been digitally interwoven for the first time. This historic endeavor commemorates not just the past, but a future illuminated by knowledge and understanding.
Mobile technology at the forefront: As a leading SaaS company in the mobile ecosystem, we are exceptionally proud to harness the power of mobile phones to serve such a noble purpose. This pioneering utilization underscores the transformative potential of technology in championing humanity's collective memory.
We are forever grateful for the privilege to initiate and deliver this sacred project and for our part in preserving the survivors' voices and Holocaust remembrance and education. We are filled with hope that the live tour will also help reduce and lower anti-semitism, racism, indifference, or any gratuitous hatred in the world.
"It happened, and therefore it can happen again" Primo Levi, Auschwitz Survivor
