On January 27, 2025, the world marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps, by Soviet troops, which also coincides with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This solemn occasion serves as both a day of mourning and reflection, as communities gather to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of others who suffered under Nazi tyranny.
Mourners from various corners of the globe commemorated the day with tributes to those lost, sharing personal stories of survival, resilience, and remembrance. A poignant reminder of these experiences came from Ben Midler, 96, who spoke with KUSI news on the anniversary, recounting his harrowing past as one of the Holocaust's survivors. Born and raised in Poland, Midler was only 12 when the Nazis invaded his homeland, undergoing immense hardship during those turbulent years.
By the age of 17, Midler had found himself imprisoned in six different concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau. “I always thought I got to survive,” he said, reminiscing about his determination during those dark times. “I didn’t think of would I survive. I said to myself, ‘I have to survive.'” His story, like so many others, serves as a stark reminder of the strength of the human spirit even amid severe oppression.
After enduring years of torment and cruelty, Midler was liberated by Soviet soldiers. Returning to Poland after his liberation, he searched for his family but discovered none had survived the horror, apart from distant relatives who had managed to escape before the war's onset. This devastating reality is not unique to Midler, as countless survivors face similar losses, making remembrance all the more imperative.
Following his time in Poland, Midler emigrated to Israel, where he lived for about ten years before finally settling in the United States. The stories of survival, like Midler's, not only shed light on historical atrocities but also highlight the necessity of sharing these narratives with younger generations to combat the rise of antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
The annual observance of this anniversary reinforces the commitment of various nations, organizations, and individuals to prevent history from repeating itself. Commemorative events took place across the world, involving survivors, education campaigns, and memorials to honor those who perished during the Holocaust.
These events serve as powerful reminders of both the fragility and the resilience of life, bridging generations as they highlight the importance of memory and storytelling. Survivors and their descendants are urging societies to uphold the promise made after World War II—to never forget. This obligation remains pressing as new generations must learn the lessons of history, ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.
Remembrance takes various forms, from moments of silence to educational programs aimed at instilling the values of tolerance and respect for all humanity. The personal accounts of survivors are integral to this educational effort, as they provide firsthand perspectives on the horrors of the past.
Global leaders have also reiterated their commitment to combating hate and discrimination, ensuring the legacy of Holocaust victims lives on. President Biden, for example, issued statements acknowledging the day and urging vigilance against the forces of hate. His words reflect the sentiment shared by many political leaders around the world, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity against rising antisemitism and other forms of intolerance.
The significance of January 27 transcends individual stories; it embodies the collective grief and resilience of those who endured the Holocaust. By coming together each year to reflect on this dark chapter of history, society commits to fostering compassion, education, and vigilance against injustice.
Through these commemorative efforts, the hope is to inspire not only remembrance but also actionable outcomes—creating communities where such events are not only memorialized but are actively engaged against the hatred and bigotry once seen during the Nazi regime. The stories of survivors like Ben Midler serve not just as historical accounts but as calls to action, urging us to strive for peace, acceptance, and humanity's enduring hope for unity.