On January 27, 2025, survivors and their families gathered for a ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau site in Oswiecim, Poland, formerly a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp. AP Photo
On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, survivors gathered to raise an alarm about the growing antisemitism and hatred that are increasingly visible in today’s world. This solemn event took place under a large tent set up over the infamous gate and railway tracks of the former Nazi death camp in southern Poland. The survivors’ voices echoed the concerns of a dwindling generation, as many of them are now in their late 80s and early 90s. This gathering is likely to be one of the last with a significant number of survivors present.
The Auschwitz death camp was responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.1 million people, including Jews, Poles, Roma, Soviet POWs, gay individuals, and others targeted by the Nazis. Of these victims, 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, and two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population was wiped out. With the passing of time, the number of survivors has dramatically declined, from 200 who attended the 75th anniversary to just 56 this year.
Marian Turski, a 98-year-old Polish Jewish survivor, reminded the gathering of the vast number of those who perished during the Holocaust, noting that the survivors represent only a small fraction of the victims. “We have always been a tiny minority,” Turski said. His words served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the horrors of the Holocaust and honoring the memory of those lost.
Leon Weintraub, another survivor, decried the increasing hatred he sees in the world, especially among radical right-wing movements. The 99-year-old, who fled Poland for Sweden after facing post-war antisemitism, stressed that racism, antisemitism, and homophobia are being presented as virtues in some circles. He expressed concern over the dangerous rise of these ideologies, which threaten the values of tolerance and inclusivity.
The event was attended by a number of world leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, and Britain’s King Charles III. Their presence underscored the continued importance of Holocaust remembrance and the collective responsibility to fight against hatred and intolerance.
Zelenskyy, who is of Jewish descent, spoke poignantly about the evil that still exists in the world. He highlighted that the fight against oppression continues today, particularly in light of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. The absence of Russian representatives, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was notable, as Russia had traditionally been represented due to its role in liberating the camp in 1945.
Ronald Lauder, the head of the World Jewish Congress, emphasized the need for leaders to combat antisemitism actively. He pointed out that the world’s silence during the rise of Nazi ideology had led directly to Auschwitz, and the international community must learn from this tragic history. Lauder also reflected on the immense loss caused by the Holocaust, reminding everyone that while Hitler’s first targets were Jews, the war eventually claimed the lives of more than 60 million people across Europe.
Tova Friedman, another survivor who was just a child when liberated from the camp, shared her personal story. She recalled the terrifying journey to Auschwitz and the horrific sights she witnessed upon arrival. Despite her traumatic experiences, Friedman went on to build a life in the United States as a therapist. She voiced her concerns about the resurgence of hatred and the potential for further destruction. "The world has become toxic," she said, warning that the rising tide of antisemitism could lead to another tragedy if left unchecked.
As the years pass and the survivors become fewer, their message remains clear: the world must never forget the lessons of Auschwitz, and we must continue to fight against all forms of hatred and prejudice.
