On January 27, 2025, the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a date etched forever as a stark reminder of one of history's most harrowing chapters—the Holocaust. This day coincides with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, providing not only a moment of reflection but also urgent conversations about the resurgence of antisemitism across the globe.
Tova Friedman, now 86, stands as one of the dwindling survivors—her childhood story at Auschwitz is not just a personal tale but also serves as a solemn warning against rising hatred and prejudice. “The world has become toxic,” she stated poignantly, emphasizing the fragility of humanity's collective memory. Friedman, who was just six years old when she was liberated alongside thousands of others from the horrors of Auschwitz, believes this gathering may well be the last of its kind for survivors.
“Memory is very, very important,” she asserts, illustrating the pressing need to keep the stories of the past alive, especially amid the unsettling rise of antisemitism, which many associate with the spread of misinformation due to modern technology. Today, as antisemitic sentiments rise, it’s evident the lessons of the Holocaust are at risk of being overshadowed by ignorance.
The historical significance of Witold Pilecki cannot be understated. Pilecki volunteered to be imprisoned at Auschwitz, not for some dramatic twist of fate, but as part of a plan to infiltrate, gather intelligence about Nazi atrocities, and relay shocking details to the outside world. His courageous mission resulted not only in the first verified report on the horrors being committed but also serves as proof of the lengths to which individuals went to oppose darkness during those dire times.
Despite his harrowing experiences, both Friedman and Pilecki's stories resonate more than just as individual accounts of courage. They symbolize the struggle to safeguard the truth against the tides of denial and revisionism. Yet, findings from the Claims Conference reveal alarming statistics: nearly half of Americans cannot name even one concentration camp, including Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Greg Schneider, the executive vice president of the Claims Conference, highlights this disturbing trend: "Holocaust denialism is common and almost half of Americans… said Holocaust distortion is common.” He argues this ignorance is not merely about missing facts but highlights the broader dangers of unchecked hate. “It’s not just facts and figures... it’s about how hate unchecked can lead to horrific acts,” Schneider stated, intertwining past and present threats.
The significance of educational efforts cannot be overstated, especially as the generation of survivors begins to fade. Recent surveys have shown growing concern for the future, with 76% of respondents recognizing the possibility of similar atrocities occurring again. This marks a stark increase—30% more than five years ago. A heightened awareness of contemporary antisemitism may play a part, catalyzed by recent geopolitical events.
Through grassroots efforts, organizations and survivors alike insist on emphasizing Holocaust education. Critics like Friedman lament the routine nature of dismissive attitudes toward these historical tragedies, noting how silence often harbors complicity and ignorance. “If we don’t learn to understand each other and stop hounding each other, then ashes may someday be all we are,” she warns, echoing sentiments of unity against hate.
Friedman has taken her advocacy to the digital age, using platforms like TikTok to reach younger audiences, fueled by the spirit of engagement and urgency. While she may feel overwhelmed by the depths of modern technology, her messages are grippingly effective. Through her grandson’s influence, their account, TovaTok, has amassed impressive followings, fostering dialogue and education on Holocaust history.
The fight against the distortion of facts continues, urging educational institutions to incorporate comprehensive Holocaust education—not as footnotes or cursory mentions—but as integral to the curriculum. “We need more sophisticated technology so students can not only understand what happened, but also what the implications are for modern-day society,” Schneider insisted, pointing out the necessity of making these lessons not only accessible but relatable to contemporary issues.
The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation beckons not just remembrance but action, as the specter of antisemitism intensifies. It calls upon society to not only recollect the painful truths of history but actively combat attempts to forget or misconstrue them. Survivors like Tova Friedman and the legacy of courage shown by figures like Witold Pilecki implore us to nurture memory and build bridges of empathy—essential tools against hatred and misunderstanding.
We must listen to their stories and boldly face the rising tide of ignorance and intolerance. For those who perished, for survivors still among us, and for future generations, we cannot afford to stay silent.