On January 27, 2025, the world marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most notorious symbols of the Holocaust. On this poignant occasion, Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid found herself emotionally moved as she listened to the harrowing testimony of Rachel Levy, a survivor of the infamous death camp. Her gripping account sheds light on the unimaginable horrors faced by millions.
During the interview, co-host Richard Madeley and Reid guided Levy through the chilling memories of her arrival at Auschwitz. "When we first arrived at Auschwitz, they threw us out of the carriages and they were waiting to count us. I saw my mother being pushed to the right, and my older brother to the left, and we watched her walk away with a baby in her arms and my two little sisters. That's all I knew then," Levy recalled, her voice faltering as she recounted the traumatic separation from her family.
Levy's story took another heartbreaking turn as she described the confusion and chaos of her first moments at the camp. She expressed, "I didn't know what was happening, actually. Then we were rushed through somewhere, which was a block in the camp, and my brother went with the men and I had to go with the women. When we got to the block, that's where we were." This experience marked the beginning of her harrowing ordeal.
With stark simplicity, Levy shared details of the tragedy surrounding her family, explaining, "And my mother and the rest of my family, I have heard from other people, went straight to the gas chambers." Her recollection brings to light the immense loss experienced by so many and serves as a reminder of the six million Jewish lives extinguished during the Holocaust.
Years later, the echoes of trauma continue to haunt Levy, who candidly admitted to the challenges she faces long after her liberation. She described the distressing nightmares she endures, which keep the memories of terror alive. This shared pain resonates with those striving to comprehend the lasting effects of such trauma.
The significance of this anniversary was underscored by commemorative events across the UK. On January 27, dignitaries, including King Charles, are set to gather at the former concentration camp's infamous gates. Survivors plan to light candles before the freight train carriage symbolizing the deportation of Jews to their deaths. These gestures encapsulate the solemnity of the day, reinforcing the message of remembrance.
Statements from political leaders echoed this theme of remembrance, emphasizing solidarity against antisemitism. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer articulated the importance of such reflections, stating, "It happened, it can happen again: this is the warning of the Holocaust to us all. And it's why it is our duty to make 'never again' finally mean what it says: never again." Such declarations reflect the collective commitment to combating hatred and bigotry.
Through her powerful testimony, Rachel Levy’s experience transcends time, urging society to reflect on the past and strive for unity against the tides of hate. Susanna Reid’s heartfelt interview serves not just as a remembrance but as a clarion call to uphold the values of compassion and justice.
To those watching, the messages are clear: the horrors of the past must inform the present, and the stories of survivors like Rachel Levy are pivotal to ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.