Marian Turski, the prominent Holocaust survivor, journalist, and historian known for his unyielding commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98. His death was announced by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where he played a pivotal role as co-founder.
Described as a man of exceptional moral and intellectual courage by Zygmunt Stępiński, the museum's director, Turski was recognized as “an authority of global importance, ... without whom our museum would not exist.” This poignant acknowledgment reflects the depth of his influence not only on Jewish history but also on Polish society.
Turski was born Mosze Turbowicz on June 26, 1926, and endured the harrowing experiences of the Łódź Ghetto, Nazi concentration camps, and the loss of 39 family members during the Holocaust. He survived the brutalities of Auschwitz and Buchenwald and endured two death marches before finally being liberated. Despite immense personal loss, Turski chose to remain and contribute to post-war Poland.
A committed communist and advocate for socialist values, he spent nearly 70 years as the history editor for the influential Polityka weekly magazine, where he championed Jewish issues and Polish-Jewish relations. His dedication to these causes culminated in his involvement with the POLIN Museum, which stands as a beacon of Jewish history and culture. He served as chair of its board since 2009.
During the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Turski's statements garnered widespread attention. He famously stated, “Auschwitz didn’t fall out of the sky,” echoing his plea for vigilance against indifference. He advised society to remain aware of discrimination and to be proactive against injustices, asserting, “If you are indifferent, you will not even notice when another Auschwitz descends from the sky.” His warnings resonate even more today, as antisemitism resurfaces globally.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda paid tribute to Turski, acknowledging his lifelong advocacy for sensitivity to evil. “He consistently spoke about the need to cultivate sensitivity to evil. May his memory be honored!” Duda's words reflect the national acknowledgment of the weight of Turski's contributions to remembering the horrors of the Holocaust.
Various public figures, including Warsaw’s Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, shared their condolences and memories on social media platforms, emphasizing Turski's legacy as not just a survivor but as someone who actively worked to prevent future atrocities. “Marian Turski survived the hell of the concentration camp. And throughout his entire life, he did much to ensue similar hell would never happen to anyone again,” Trzaskowski remarked.
Turski's relentless advocacy extended well beyond Polish borders; he was also involved with international organizations dedicated to preserving Holocaust memory, including the International Auschwitz Committee, which he led from 2021 until his death. Christoph Heubner, executive vice president of the committee, noted the global loss felt by survivors, stating, “Auschwitz survivors are saying goodbye with great pain and infinite gratitude to their friend, brother, and fellow sufferer Marian Turski.”
His contributions were recognized through numerous honors, including the Commanders Cross with the Star of the Polonia Restituta Order, and the National Order of the Legion of Honour from the French government. Turski's steadfast commitment to fostering Polish-Jewish reconciliation is exemplified by the high regard he holds among diplomatic circles.
Reflecting on Turski’s legacy, his powerful words remind us of the fragility of tolerance and coexistence. “Those who lived to tell about their experience were always very few. Therefore, I think our thoughts should go to the vast majority, to the millions of victims,” he urged during his final appearances. His call to action challenges society to react to intolerance and hate, reiteratively reminding us of the risks inherent when history is forgotten.
Marian Turski’s life serves as both testimony and lesson; his commitment offers hope and serves as inspiration for future generations. It is now incumbent upon all of us to honor his memory by rejecting indifference and valuing empathetic vigilance against hatred.