Volker von Törne Germany

Volker von Törne, was born on 14 March 1934 in Quedlinburg, a town just north of the Harz Mountains, Germany. He moved to Berlin in 1962 and in 1963 became a Director of Aktion Sühnezeichen Friedensdienste (Action Reconciliation-Service for Peace), a role in which he developed the idea of an International Youth Meeting Centre in O?wi?cim / Auschwitz, an idea that was finally realised some years after his death. During his many years at the head of the ARSP, he became emotionally attached to numerous Auschwitz survivors in many European countries. His personal process of coming to terms with his family history as the son of an SS unit commander made him into one of the most important German dialogue partners in Europe for the survivors. He died on 30 December 1980. His life and work are still commemorated throughout Europe.

(2017)