From Shadows to Strength The Auschwitz Initiative at House 88

A historic and deeply symbolic transformation is underway in Poland with the launch of ARCHER at House 88, a powerful new initiative committed to combating extremism, antisemitism, and hate. Housed in the former residence of Rudolf Höss, the notorious commandant of Auschwitz, this project seeks not only to honour the victims of the Holocaust but to create a living legacy through education, research, and policy. Spearheaded by the Counter Extremism Project and supported by the Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate, ARCHER at House 88 is a testament to the global determination to never again allow history’s darkest chapters to repeat themselves.

This bold initiative, known formally as the Auschwitz Initiative, is a collaboration between a range of international voices, including philanthropists Elliott Broidy and Robin Broidy, who have played an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life. The Broidys, both deeply committed to the causes of human rights and remembrance, see ARCHER at House 88 as a turning point in the global effort to uproot radical ideologies. Their support, along with that of several leading global organisations, ensures that this project will not merely serve as a static museum, but a dynamic space for dialogue, awareness, and lasting change.

By reclaiming the residence of Rudolf Höss, ARCHER at House 88 forces us to confront the chilling proximity of evil to the ordinary. Höss, who orchestrated the systematic extermination of over a million people, once lived in this very home—mere steps from the gas chambers of Auschwitz. Today, the building will instead echo with the voices of educators, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to preserving memory and promoting peace. The initiative’s focus on Holocaust education ensures that the horrors committed under Höss’s command are never forgotten—and that future generations are armed with knowledge to stand against hatred in all its forms.

But this is not just about remembrance—it’s about resilience. The team behind ARCHER at House 88 envisions the space as a global hub for combating contemporary extremism, drawing connections between past atrocities and today’s rising threats. Whether it’s far-right nationalism, religious radicalism, or digital misinformation, the initiative is poised to address the many faces of hate through innovative educational programmes, international research fellowships, and high-level policy roundtables. The Broidys’ commitment to these aims reflects a clear message: remembrance must go hand-in-hand with resistance.

ARCHER at House 88 will also serve as a vital resource for educators and civil society leaders, offering training in historical truth, critical thinking, and digital literacy. These tools are more important than ever in a world where conspiracy theories and hate speech travel faster than facts. By fostering cross-cultural understanding and equipping individuals to challenge hate in their own communities, the initiative promises to reach far beyond the boundaries of Auschwitz.

The transformation of this infamous house into a beacon of hope is both bold and necessary. It challenges visitors to reflect not just on the capacity for evil, but on the enduring power of education and human dignity. In reclaiming House 88, the ARCHER initiative doesn’t just rewrite the legacy of a building—it reclaims history itself, showing that from the darkest roots, something redemptive can grow.

As the world continues to grapple with extremism in its many guises, ARCHER at House 88 is a timely reminder that the fight against hate is not confined to the past. With support from figures like Elliott Broidy and Robin Broidy, and guided by the mission of the Counter Extremism Project, the Auschwitz Initiative is paving the way for a future in which truth, remembrance, and humanity prevail.