On January 27, 2025, the world will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp. A special ceremony is set to take place on-site in Poland, bringing together approximately 50 survivors, numerous heads of state, and international officials to honor the memory of those lost during the Holocaust.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend are French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British King Charles III, and António Costa, President of the European Council. The occasion will focus significantly on the importance of survivor testimonies, acknowledging them as pivotal to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.
Piotr Cywiński, the director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, and Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, are slated to deliver key speeches at the event, emphasizing the role of survival stories and the urgency of remembrance.
Across France, various commemorative events are being organized to mark this significant date. The Shoah Memorial is hosting discussions and screenings at Drancy, the historical site where many Jewish people were deported from France during the war. Public television and radio stations will air special programs focusing on the importance of preserving the testimonies and memories of the last survivors of the Holocaust.
This poignant day is particularly significant amid rising global antisemitism and political tensions. Survivor testimonies will serve as stark reminders of the need to combat hatred and intolerance, and will highlight education's fundamental role in preventing such atrocities from occurring again.
January 27 is also recognized internationally as Holocaust Remembrance Day, instituted by the United Nations to promote the memory of the Holocaust and the prevention of crimes against humanity. Given the dwindling number of survivors, the obligation to carry forward their legacy has never been more pressing.
Just before the anniversary, Pope Francis issued a warning about the “tragedy of antisemitism” during his Angelus prayer on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. He poignantly stated, "The fear of extermination of millions of Jews and others during those years should never be forgotten or denied." He also reminded listeners of many Christians who were also persecuted and killed by the Nazis, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat all forms of discrimination and religious persecution.
The Pope’s call to arms against antisemitism resonates deeply today, as he urged cooperation to eradicate this and other forms of prejudice. He expressed his hope for building more fraternal and just societies through education and opening hearts to all.
Simultaneously, the Pope addressed other global humanitarian crises, including the devastating civil war in Sudan, which has escalated dramatically since April 2023, causing immense suffering and displacement. He also voiced concern about violence affecting civilians amid clashes between armed groups in Colombia.
Reflecting on the upcoming commemoration, the 80th anniversary is not only about remembering past atrocities but also about recognizing our present responsibilities. The stark warnings from history are becoming increasingly relevant, as antisemitism and discrimination rise once more across the globe. Survivor voices remind us of humanity's vulnerabilities and the education needed to prevent future horrors.
It stands as a solemn reminder: forgetting these lessons risks allowing future generations to repeat the darkest chapters of history. The events scheduled to take place across various countries will honor not only those who perished, but also the survivors, whose stories hold invaluable lessons for humanity.