Gasthof's Letter of Apology Over Nazi Dinners
After I wrote up the flash mob at Gasthof, this letter was forwarded my way. From what I'm told, it's a letter that Gasthof owner Mario Pierzchalski sent to every media outlet that covered the Nazi parties at his bar. Since I wasn't in on the early coverage, it didn't come my way until much later.
I wouldn't say this cancels out the photo above, in which Pierzchalski smiles and poses for pictures with the Nazi cosplayers, but I would say that his letter should be out there in its raw form for people to see. So far, I've seen some writers mention the letter, paraphrase it and pull some quotes. That's all good, but as long as there's this raw, original document, we might as well get it into the discussion as well. If anyone else has published the letter in its entirety, I haven't seen it yet.
NOTE: I'd wager this is probably along the lines of what Pierzchalski would've told me in person. Unfortunately, his bouncers were outside, threatening to tow my car if I went in and tried to talk with him, presumably under his direction.
Let's all consider this a teachable moment on the subject of trying to preemptively ward off reporters: You don't just create a perception that you're hiding something, you actually prevent your own story from being told.
My name is Mario Pierzchalski, and I am the owner and operator of Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit restaurant. This statement is in response to the publicity surrounding an event at my restaurant on January 20, 2014.
A group of people, who are members of a World War ll reenactment group, made reservations for a private party on a Monday, a day when we are normally closed to the public. Private parties are sometimes held on Mondays so groups of people can have privacy for whatever reason they choose. As long as their activities are not illegal, immoral, or unethical, I do not interfere with their celebrations. Most parties are not large enough to justify closing the restaurant to the public, but on Mondays, we are normally closed, and I gladly accept private parties for that day. My restaurant did not sponsor or plan this event, but only provided a dining space with food and drink.
For this particular group, there were props and costumes used for the gathering. Yes, some people were dressed in German military uniforms, but there were also people dressed in Italian and Allied (American, British, etc.) military uniforms. At no time during this party was there any activity that would be in violation of my restaurant policies or my personal policies.
I was born and raised in Poland and immigrated to the United States in 1983. Many of my friends and family members back home were victimized by the atrocities perpetrated against the Polish people by the Nazis during World War ll. Though I was born a short time after that was ended, I witnessed the physical and emotional scars left behind. I flat out reject with disgust the actions of the Nazis during World War ll along with any sympathizers who attempt to glorify or participate in similar evil and inhumane behaviors today.
I left Poland seeking political asylum in the United States after being persecuted for actively opposing Communism and openly supporting the Solidarity movement. There could be nothing more offensive or demeaning to me than to support any activities which portray or promote Nazi beliefs. The dinner at my restaurant, which was this particular group's last, was a reenactment dinner with its participants playing historical parts.
Regretfully, I have become aware that may people have been negatively affected by this situation. Most of those are people with whom I honestly believe that I align myself.
I have spent over two decades building a reputation and trust among my customers and the community. For anyone, customers, non-customers or the community, who has been negatively impacted by this situation, I extend my wholehearted apology and say I am sorry.