About 20 Holocaust Survivors Remember Auschwitz Liberation Anniversary
About 20 Holocaust survivors solemnly gathered to mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp during World War II in a ceremony in Poland on Saturday.
Solemn Remembrance in Poland
The survivors, hailing from neighboring Nazi concentration camps, gathered to pay their respects by laying wreaths, flowers, and lighting candles at the Death Wall in Auschwitz. This infamous location witnessed the execution of thousands of inmates by the Nazis.
The group, accompanied by state officials, also held a memorial service in honor of the camp’s 1.1 million victims.
Witnessing the Tragedy
Halina Birenbaum, a 94-year-old survivor, emotionally recounted her experiences during the memorial service. Birenbaum had spent part of August 1943 to January 1945 at Auschwitz and witnessed the forced evacuation.
Regarding the recent Hamas attack on Israel, Birenbaum expressed her deep pain, identifying it as an extension of the suffering she endured during her time at Auschwitz.
The Holocaust’s Remembrance Around the World
In Germany, citizens also gathered to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Holocaust by placing flowers in honor of the victims. Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed the country’s commitment to bearing responsibility for this “crime against humanity.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the occasion to emphasize the importance of learning about the Holocaust for each new generation. Meanwhile, in Italy, torchlit processions and official statements from top political leaders added significance to the Holocaust memorials.
The Ongoing Fight Against Antisemitism
Political figures across the globe issued statements recognizing the need to combat antisemitism and hate-fueled violence. President Biden emphasized that it was our collective responsibility to stand up against antisemitism everywhere.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
