The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi death camp where 1.1 million people, predominantly Jewish, were murdered, was commemorated in southern Poland on January 27, 2025. This year’s observance held particular poignancy as it was potentially the last time survivors would gather at the site due to their advanced age and frailty. In a departure from previous commemorations, politicians were not invited to speak, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the survivors and their testimonies. The day served as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and a stark warning against the rising tide of antisemitism.
Survivors shared their harrowing experiences, transporting the audience back to the unimaginable cruelty they endured. Tova Friedman, just six years old at the time of liberation, recounted witnessing the systematic extermination of her childhood friends, a chilling testament to the Nazi’s genocidal intent. Her words, “Am I the only Jewish child left in the world?”, echoed the profound loss and isolation experienced by countless children during this dark period. These personal narratives underscored the human cost of hatred and served as a potent reminder of the vulnerability of innocent lives in the face of prejudice.
A central theme woven through the survivors’ testimonies was the alarming resurgence of antisemitism in contemporary society. Speakers like Marian Turski and Leon Weintraub drew a direct line between the antisemitism that fueled the Holocaust and the growing intolerance they observed today. They stressed the importance of vigilance against the rising far-right movements in Europe, echoing the tragically ignored warnings of the 1930s. Their message was clear: complacency in the face of extremism is dangerous, and history must not be allowed to repeat itself. The fight against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination remains as crucial now as it ever was.
While the focus remained on the survivors, world leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and King Charles of the United Kingdom attended the ceremony to pay their respects. Notably absent were Russian representatives, excluded due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Scholz expressed Germany’s profound sorrow for the atrocities committed, acknowledging the unimaginable loss of life and vowing to never forget the victims. King Charles emphasized the depths to which humanity can sink when evil is allowed to flourish unchecked.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the duty of Europeans to remember the unspeakable crimes of the Holocaust, particularly as the last survivors approach the end of their lives. Their stories, she emphasized, must be carried forward by future generations to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The commemoration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust, not only to honor the victims but also to educate and inform future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance.
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a pivotal moment in Holocaust remembrance, potentially the last major commemoration with a significant presence of survivors. Their testimonies, coupled with the presence of world leaders, served as a powerful call to action against the rising tide of antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. The day’s somber proceedings underscored the enduring need for vigilance, education, and a collective commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The world must remain steadfast in its resolve to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.
