Trnjanski Kresovi 2023: The Actions of Ivica Sabljak in the Context of Resistance in the Stara Gradiška Camp

The exhibition connects the personal history of the national hero Ivica Sabljak and, through a biographical approach, places his actions in the historical context of World War II and the Stara Gradiška camp. After the establishment of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), Sabljak joined the National Liberation Movement. He was one of the main organizers of youth strike groups in occupied Zagreb and participated in numerous actions and diversions, such as burning hay near Ustasha units in Maksimir. After his arrest, he was taken to the Jasenovac camp, and then to Stara Gradiška. In Stara Gradiška, he witnessed the mass destruction and dehumanization that took place in the camp and became one of the main leaders of the camp's secret organization. The organization that emerged in the specific circumstances of the camp environment was crucial for the self-preservation of the inmates, as much as this was possible. Through the testimonies of surviving inmates and documents, the exhibition presents an overview of the organization’s key actions and points of resistance in the camp.

The exhibition aims to preserve the memory of the national hero Ivica Sabljak and his actions in the context of concentration camp resistance, which is especially important at a time when the efforts of the anti-fascist struggle are constantly being diminished and removed from the public sphere.

The exhibition is part of the Trnjanski Kresovi programme.