Safeguarding the Memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Shaping the Moral Imagination of the Future.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation (ABMF) is a community of historically minded individuals committed to preserving the memory and authenticity of Auschwitz-Birkenau and ensuring that its lessons continue to inform future generations of American educators.

We believe that preserving the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is not just about protecting artifacts. It’s about confronting hatred, racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia in all their forms—so that the horrors of the Holocaust are never repeated.

Founded in 2012, ABMF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

What We Do

Survivors' Voices

We work closely with survivors to support their legacy and connect them with educators and students. Explore our work with Survivors.

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The Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship

A life-changing opportunity for U.S. high school teachers to study at Auschwitz and bring this history back to their classrooms. Explore our educational programs.

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Preservation

We support efforts to preserve Auschwitz-Birkenau as a living site of memory, so that its truth can never be denied or erased. Explore ways to support the preservation effort.

 

 

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Why We Exist

Memory Needs Guardians

Holocaust denial is growing. Antisemitism is on the rise. And the last living survivors of Auschwitz are aging.

The Memorial itself – the shoes, the suitcases, the barracks, and all other artifacts—is becoming the final witness.

Our work is urgent; memory fades unless we protect it. The lessons of Auschwitz must be passed on with clarity, moral force, and historical truth.

Our Leadership

Chairman

Ronald S. Lauder

International philanthropist, U.S. diplomat, President of the World Jewish Congress, and a tireless advocate for Holocaust remembrance. Mr. Lauder was the original supporter of the creation of the preservation laboratory at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and spearheaded the international campaign that raised $40 million for the site’s long-term conservation. He remains a leading voice against Holocaust denial and for Jewish continuity, and continues to support Jewish life worldwide—with particular emphasis on Europe.

Vice Chairman

Joel Citron

A business leader and committed philanthropist—and the son of two Auschwitz-Birkenau survivors. Mr. Citron brings decades of strategic leadership experience and serves on numerous nonprofit boards focused on education, remembrance, and community impact.

Board of Directors

  • Gail Becker
  • Clifford Brandeis
  • Andrea Cayton
  • Joseph Finkelstein
  • Lewis Gantman
  • Vlado Herman
  • Andrew Intrater
  • Harry Krakowski
  • Howard Unger

Our Team

Executive Director

Dr. Maria Zalewska

A Holocaust educator, scholar, and nonprofit leader, Dr. Zalewska leads ABMF’s strategy and partnerships. She serves as the Honorary Consul of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in the U.S. and has produced internationally acclaimed media on Holocaust remembrance.

 

Carry Memory Forward

Whether you’re an educator, concerned citizen, donor, or a descendant, your voice matters.

Together, we will carry forward the memory of Auschwitz and protect its power to educate.

Stand for Memory