What it’s about
No more than 50 survivors will gather at Auschwitz to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the camp’s liberation, highlighting a significant milestone in remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust. Once home to 1,000 survivors during ceremonies two decades ago, today fewer than 1,000 survivors of Auschwitz remain, and significantly fewer can make the journey back.
Why it matters
With each passing year, the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, making personal remembrances like these essential in preserving history. These commemorations remind us of what can occur under unchecked hatred and antisemitism. The strength and resilience of survivors like Eva Szepesi, who returns to Auschwitz to keep the memory alive, inspire generations to resonate with their personal stories.
Real voices, powerful testament
Emphasizing the survivors’ personal narratives in events like the 80th anniversary, where politicians will step aside, strengthens the focus on authentic experiences. This approach ensures that the history taught reflects genuine lived experiences, giving depth to past horrifying realities and emphasizing moral imperatives for future protection of rights.
Continued remembrance’s importance
The ceremony echoes across generations with video message campaigns showing survivors discussing vital experiences like separation from family and lost childhood memories. The anniversary marks a slow turning point; educators are increasingly turning to technology for immersive historical learning to bridge the demise of firsthand memory.
Israel’s role
With the exception of brief political controversies, like the noting of Polish regulations affecting Israeli leaders, politics are taking a backseat at the event. The main voices heard will be those of the World Jewish Congress leadership and survivors, emphasizing community, shared cultural legacy, and the shared mission of ensuring the Holocaust’s lessons guide a global vow against recurrence.
The lasting impact
As Israel and Jewish communities globally reflect, the gathering stands to inspire future generations to carry forth their critical histories. This monumental occasion does more than honor the memory—it stands as a global call to acknowledge, observe, and firmly commit to ‘never forget.’ Maksymilian Pazewal answers pertinent living questions about maintained communal vigilance amidst challenge.
This story was first published on jpost.com.