Remembrance and Reaffirmation of History
A modest ceremony is being held to mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a symbol of the Holocaust’s atrocities, with survivors honoring the memory of its victims in southern Poland near Oswiecim.
Why it Matters
The preservation of the memory of the Holocaust is essential not only for the acknowledgment of its victims but also as a forceful reminder of the dangers of unchecked hate and totalitarianism. Approximately 6 million European Jews were killed during this dark chapter in human history.
Who’s in Attendance
Survivors from across Europe are expected to lay wreaths at the Death Wall in Auschwitz and join in prayer at Birkenau. Important figures such as Polish Senate Speaker Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, Culture Minister Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz, and Israeli ambassador Yacov Livne will be accompanying them, providing not only their support but also their commitment to the cause of historical memory.
In Remembrance
The observance event revolves around the theme of human dignity and suffering, exemplified through simple hand-drawn portraits of the victims—a stark reminder that the true horror of Auschwitz-Birkenau lay in the inhumane treatment and murder of countless individuals there.
Earlier Events
Preceding the Auschwitz observance, a memorial ceremony took place in Warsaw at the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto, commemorating the individuals who fought against the Nazis in 1943.
International Commitment
Cultural collaboration reflects a united front in Holocaust remembrance with former Yugoslav states pledging in Paris to jointly renovate and create an exhibition at Auschwitz’s Block 17, which would represent 20,000 deportees from their regions.
Ongoing Preservation Efforts
Maintaining the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979, is no small task. Beyond physical upkeep, scholars and experts work consecutively to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust continue to reach each successive generation.
The Historical Context
The Soviet Red Army liberated remaining prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945. The camp, frequently remembered for its deceptive gate proclaiming “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”), acts as a stark testimony to the cruelty of that era.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.