On January 27, 2025, the world commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, marking this monumental occasion with heartfelt ceremonies and moments of remembrance across the globe. This tragic event stands as both a solemn reminder of the Nazi regime's atrocities during World War II and as a call to action against hatred and genocide.
The concentration camp, located near Oświęcim, Poland, was liberated by the Red Army on January 27, 1945. Over 1.1 million souls perished within its walls, making it the most notorious of the Nazi camps. This year, significant figures including King Charles III attended services at the site, highlighting the universal sorrow and recognition of the Holocaust’s impact on history. His visit marks the first time a British head of state has visited Auschwitz, symbolizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the dark chapters of history.
At the event, memorial speeches called for introspection and warnings against the rising tide of antisemitism and hatred witnessed today. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized this responsibility as he stated: "We must make ‘never again’ finally mean what it says." Sir Keir Starmer echoed this message, asserting, "Today, we have to make those words mean more. We will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour," pointing to the necessity of ensuring future generations understand the severity of such historical atrocities.
Not just world leaders, but the local community around Auschwitz also deeply feel the weight of this remembrance. Children from nearby schools, such as those visiting from Kraków elementary, took part in the commemoration. Fourteen-year-old Basia described her experience at the memorial as "overwhelming," stating, "It will take me a long time to process what I just saw." Her friend Matylda added, "It would be disrespectful to forget. And I hope we can learn from it." These sentiments reflect the educational impact the memorials aim to provoke—a younger generation’s commitment to remembrance and truth.
Tomasz Kuncewicz, the director of the Oswiecim Jewish Center Foundation, articulated what many feel: "Our town has existed for eight centuries, but its story has been overshadowed by the camps." This statement serves as both recognition of the past and hope for the future, as numerous projects have launched to celebrate local history and honor Holocaust victims. Such endeavors include exhibitions, educational programs, and community discussions directly addressing the actions and thoughts stemming from the Holocaust.
Part of this preservation of memory extends to individuals with personal ties to the events of the Holocaust. Hila Weisz-Gut, who moved to Oswiecim recently, carries her grandmother's legacy as she works to document the narratives of both Jewish and non-Jewish residents affected by the Holocaust. "I see the remains of the camp, and I think of my grandmother. She never spoke about it, but I know she was there," she reflected. Hila's mission not only seeks to preserve the memory of those lost but also highlights the resilience of the community.
Commemorative activities are not limited to Poland alone. Across Europe, communities engage with this shared history, linking the past to contemporary issues. After all, instances of hatred and genocide are not confined to history; they resurface across the globe—reminded by speakers during Holocaust Memorial Day events of conflicts and atrocities occurring even today.
At the Lighthouse Theatre, Dorset officials led their own memorial, expressing similar sentiments concerning the necessity of learning from history. Councillor Millie Earl reflected on the duty of those with power to oppose hatred, reaffirming, "We have to really listen to those experiences and make sure we are always checking ourselves and standing up for hatred." Meanwhile, Lynda Ford-Horne, chair of the organizing committee, stated starkly, "Why is it so important? Because the world still hasn’t learnt. They say, never again, and it’s happened again and again and again.”
The tension between remembrance and action resounded throughout all the commemorations and discussions. Many are committed to ensuring history does not repeat itself, striving toward peace and education at the forefront. The presence of educational institutions, memorials like Café Bergson, and community initiatives all play central roles in keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.
With the weight of history pressing heavily on the hearts of those commemorated survivors—who are most likely attending for the last time—these observances are more than just rituals; they are clarion calls, wrapping their stories and commitments to memory like the candles lit around the world. Memorials serve not only as remembrance but as promises: promises to educate, to confront discrimination, and to nurture compassion. The legacy of Auschwitz remains not merely as sites of horror but as enduring testimonies of human resilience and the need for vigilance against hatred.
Overall, the commemoration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau liberation stands as both remembrance and commitment—a vow from past generations to those still living: we will hold onto your memory, we will educate others, and we will strive vigorously to prevent future tragedies.