Auschwitz survivors warn ‘world has become toxic’ on 80th anniversary of death camp’s liberation
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops is being commemorated with a ceremony at the former death camp. This event is considered to be the last major observance that a significant number of survivors will be able to attend. Among the attendees is 86-year-old Tova Friedman, who was six years old when she was liberated from the camp in 1945. She traveled from New Jersey to add her voice to the call for vigilance against rising hatred and antisemitism.
Friedman expressed her concerns about the current state of the world, describing it as toxic and filled with distrust and hatred. She emphasized the importance of stopping this trend before it escalates into another catastrophic event. The liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 marked the end of the Nazi regime’s systematic murder of over 1.1 million people, including Jews, Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and others targeted by the Nazis.
During the ceremony, elderly camp survivors, wearing blue-and-white striped scarves reminiscent of their prison uniforms, walked to the Death Wall where many were executed. Polish President Andrzej Duda, along with Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum director Piotr Cywinski, paid their respects at the wall, acknowledging the unimaginable harm inflicted on millions of people, particularly the Jewish community.
The commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz serves as a crucial reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. It is a solemn occasion for world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and others, to honor the victims, stand against rising antisemitism, and reaffirm the commitment to never forget the horrors of the past.
As survivors of the Holocaust grow older, their presence at such events becomes increasingly rare, underscoring the importance of preserving their stories and memories. The observance at Auschwitz also serves as a reminder of the responsibility to combat Holocaust denial and revisionism, ensuring that the truth of history is upheld.
The participation of world leaders, including those from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, underscores the ongoing commitment to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, the observance of the liberation of Auschwitz remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of hatred and discrimination.
As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, let us remember the victims, honor the survivors, and recommit ourselves to the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. May we never forget the lessons of history and strive to create a more just and compassionate world for future generations.
