The official event, held in honor of both occasions, was opened by Monika Szarejko, Head of the Permanent Exhibition Department, who warmly welcomed all guests. The first to speak was the museum’s director:
“We decided to combine these two holidays not only because they are close together on the calendar. Mothers — Sybiraks — and the children they saved are true characters of the Museum. Today, we pay tribute to them,” said Prof. Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum.
“Thanks to our mothers, we survived. They instilled in us patriotism and hope. Today, we want to thank them with all our hearts,” added Jolanta Hryniewicka, President of the Białystok branch of the Union of Sybir Deportees, asking for a moment of silence to honor all Sybir Mothers.
The moving testimonies were accompanied by memories shared by the Sybiraks themselves:
“I was taken from Polesie when I was only four weeks old. I could feel my mother’s heartbeat — thanks to her, I survived,” recalled Barbara Sokólska.
“I always called her ‘mamusia.’ In the cattle wagon, amid weeping and darkness, she hugged each of us one by one, with a smile that gave us hope,” shared Janina Rutkowska.
The event also featured a concert by the young ensemble 4 String Girls. Active since the beginning of the year, they already boast national and international achievements. The members are scholarship holders of the Mayor of Białystok and the Marshal of the Voivodeship. During the event, they performed a repertoire ranging from classical to popular music.
The gathering concluded with a sweet treat, and the museum’s halls buzzed with heartfelt conversations about mothers — mammas, mommies, and dear matulas — full of emotion and gratitude. Alongside the Sybir deportees and their families, we also welcomed representatives of the law firm Wynimko & Partners, to whom we extend our sincere thanks for their support.
We thank the Sybir deportees, their families, and everyone who filled the museum halls with love and remembrance. Your presence keeps the Sybir Memorial Museum alive — this is your place and your story.
