President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation to attend the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, Poland
January 24, 2025
Action Summary
- Event Commemoration: Designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim, Poland on January 27, 2025.
- Leadership: The delegation is led by The Honorable Steve Witkoff, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Howard Lutnick, nominee for Secretary of Commerce.
- Delegation Members: Includes Mr. Charles Kushner (United States Ambassador to France Nominee), Mr. Isaac Perlmutter, Ms. Laura Perlmutter, Ms. Allison Lutnick, Mr. Robert Book, Mr. Michael Friedman, Mr. Boris Epshteyn, Mr. Daniel Lawton (Chargé d’Affaires a.i., United States Mission to Poland), and Ms. Ellen Germain (United States Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues).
- Purpose: To honor the historical significance of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.
Risks & Considerations
- The announcement of a Presidential Delegation to attend the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau highlights the U.S. government’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance and international relations. This could influence Vanderbilt University’s programs related to history, international studies, and Jewish studies.
- There is an opportunity for Vanderbilt to engage in discussions or partnerships related to Holocaust education and remembrance, potentially enhancing its academic offerings and public engagement initiatives.
- The presence of high-profile individuals in the delegation may draw media attention, which could impact public discourse and awareness around Holocaust education and remembrance. Vanderbilt may consider how to leverage this attention to promote its own related programs and initiatives.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Department of History may find opportunities to collaborate with international institutions or participate in global discussions on Holocaust education and remembrance.
- The Jewish Studies Program at Vanderbilt could see increased interest and engagement from students and faculty, potentially leading to expanded course offerings or events related to Holocaust studies.
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program might explore partnerships or research opportunities related to U.S. foreign policy and international commemorative events.
Financial Impact
- While the announcement itself does not directly impact Vanderbilt’s financial standing, the increased focus on Holocaust remembrance and international relations could lead to new funding opportunities for research and educational initiatives.
- Vanderbilt may consider seeking grants or donations to support programs related to Holocaust education, leveraging the heightened awareness and interest generated by the commemoration event.
Relevance Score: 2 (The announcement presents minor considerations for the university to address, primarily in terms of academic and public engagement opportunities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies Program should consider engaging with the United States Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues to explore collaborative opportunities for research and educational initiatives. This could enhance the program’s visibility and impact in Holocaust education and remembrance.
- The Office of Global Strategy might explore partnerships with Polish institutions and organizations involved in the commemoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation. This could lead to joint research projects, student exchanges, and cultural programs that align with Vanderbilt’s global engagement goals.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of History could leverage this event to organize lectures or seminars on the historical significance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation, potentially inviting members of the Presidential Delegation as guest speakers to provide firsthand insights.
Opportunities
- The commemoration event presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for International Studies to deepen its focus on international diplomacy and historical memory. By participating in or hosting related events, the center can enhance its role in fostering global understanding and dialogue.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the presence of high-profile delegates by establishing connections that may lead to future collaborations in areas such as commerce, Middle Eastern studies, and international relations, aligning with the university’s strategic priorities.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to engage with international partners and enhance educational programs.)
Timeline for Implementation
Attend the commemoration event on January 27, 2025.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- United States Department of State: The delegation includes key diplomatic positions such as the United States Ambassador to France nominee, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the United States Mission to Poland, and the United States Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues, all of which fall under the purview of the Department of State.
- United States Department of Commerce: The inclusion of the nominee for Secretary of Commerce in the delegation impacts the Department of Commerce by linking them to this high-level diplomatic mission.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are impacted by the delegation, indicating minimal cross-agency influence.)
Responsible Officials
- Steve Witkoff – United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, designated to lead the Presidential Delegation at the commemoration event.
- Howard Lutnick – Nominee for Secretary of Commerce, designated to serve as co-leader of the Delegation.
- Charles Kushner – Nominee for United States Ambassador to France, serving as a key member of the Delegation.
- Isaac Perlmutter – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Laura Perlmutter – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Allison Lutnick – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Robert Book – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Michael Friedman – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Boris Epshteyn – Member of the Presidential Delegation.
- Daniel Lawton – Chargé d’Affaires a.i., United States Mission to Poland; member of the Delegation responsible for diplomatic engagement.
- Ellen Germain – United States Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues; member of the Delegation providing expertise on Holocaust remembrance.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve high-level officials including a Cabinet nominee and specialized envoys representing the administration at an internationally significant commemoration).