Holocaust Memorial Day: Auschwitz Survivors Lead Memories
January 27th marks the annual Holocaust Memorial Day, a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. This year, the day takes on a special significance as Auschwitz survivors, now in their 80s and 90s, gather to share their harrowing stories and pay tribute to the six million Jews and millions of others who perished in the Holocaust.
The day begins with a poignant ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland, where survivors, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world gather to pay their respects. Among the attendees are a group of Auschwitz survivors, some of whom are returning to the camp for the first time in decades.
One such survivor is 92-year-old Eva Mozes Kor, who was just 10 years old when she and her twin sister were sent to Auschwitz. "I remember the smell of burning bodies, the sound of screams, and the feeling of hopelessness," she recalls. "But I also remember the kindness of some of the guards, who would give us extra food or help us hide from the Nazis."
Kor’s story is just one of many that will be shared today. Another survivor, 85-year-old Abraham Foxman, was just 12 years old when he was sent to Auschwitz with his family. "I remember the fear, the uncertainty, and the feeling of being completely powerless," he says. "But I also remember the resilience of the human spirit, the way that people came together to support each other and to survive."
As the survivors share their stories, they are joined by dignitaries from around the world, including Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and European Union Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Věra Jourová. "Today, we gather to remember the victims of the Holocaust, to honor their memory, and to reaffirm our commitment to combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance and understanding," says Rivlin.
The ceremony is followed by a series of events and exhibitions across the world, including the lighting of candles, the reading of names, and the display of artifacts and memorabilia. In the United States, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. is hosting a special exhibition featuring artifacts from Auschwitz, including a gas chamber door and a prisoner’s uniform.
As the world marks Holocaust Memorial Day, it is a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past. "The Holocaust was a tragedy that should never be forgotten," says Kor. "But it is also a reminder of the power of human resilience and the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and peace."
In the words of Foxman, "We must never forget the lessons of the Holocaust, and we must always stand up against anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms. We must also remember the survivors, who have shared their stories with us and have given us a glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust."
As the sun sets on Holocaust Memorial Day, the world is reminded of the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust, and of promoting a world where such atrocities can never happen again.
