Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation Commemorated in Poland
Oswiecim, Poland — On Monday, the site of the former Auschwitz death camp is hosting a significant ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of its liberation by Soviet forces. This event is notably perceived as one of the last major commemorations that a substantial number of survivors will be able to attend.
During World War II, the Nazi regime was responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.1 million individuals at Auschwitz, located in southern Poland under German occupation. The vast majority of the victims were Jews, exterminated systematically in gas chambers. However, other marginalized groups, including Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others deemed undesirable by Nazi ideology also faced horrific fates.
Polish President Andrzej Duda participated in the remembrance by placing a candle at the Death Wall, where numerous prisoners were executed. Among the victims honored were Poles who actively resisted the German occupation. Duda was accompanied by elderly survivors, many of whom required assistance from family members to navigate the solemn proceedings.
Holocaust survivor Stanislaw Zalewski, who was in attendance, was among those honored as wreaths were laid and candles lit at the somber site next to the former Block 11 of the Auschwitz I main camp. This moment was part of the broader commemorations recognizing the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by the Soviet Army on January 27, 1945.
Throughout Nazi occupation, approximately 6 million Jews from Europe lost their lives, representing two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population and one-third of Jews worldwide. In 2005, the United Nations established January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, underscoring the global need for remembrance and education.
As the day progresses, leaders from around the world will join the aging survivors, with the youngest being in their 80s. Interestingly, politicians have opted not to speak during this year’s observance, reflecting an intention to center the event around the survivors’ experiences and testimonies.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend are German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marking a historic moment as it is the first time both top German officials will partake in the anniversary ceremonies, as reported by German news agency dpa. This participation highlights Germany’s ongoing commitment to confronting its historical transgressions, despite a growing far-right sentiment that seeks to downplay or deny the past.
Other notable attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Britain’s King Charles III, alongside monarchs from Spain, Denmark, and Norway. The United States will be represented by several officials, including U.S. special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick.
Previously, Russian officials were prominent participants in these commemorative events due to their role in liberating the camp. However, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, their presence has been unwelcome.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is of Jewish heritage, emphasized the importance of global unity in combating evil, reminding attendees of their responsibility to ensure that history is not forgotten. “We must overcome the hatred that gives rise to abuse and murder. We must prevent forgetfulness,” he stated, reinforcing the shared mission of creating a world free from the horrors of the past.
Source
www.cbsnews.com