Today marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a day when the world pauses to reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust and pays tribute to its survivors. On this occasion, King Charles III becomes the first British head of state to visit the former Nazi concentration camp, underscoring the enduring importance of remembrance and reflection.
Cherish Freedom, Challenge Prejudice, and Stand Against Hate
The King’s visit to Auschwitz is described as a “deeply personal pilgrimage.” Sources close to him emphasise that this moment is not only of historical significance but also a profoundly personal act of bearing witness. During the ceremony at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, the King laid a light of remembrance to honour the victims and delivered an important message: “The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task. In so doing, we inform our present and shape our future.”
In his speech at a Jewish charity event, the King highlighted the lessons imparted by survivors: to cherish freedom, challenge prejudice, and never be a bystander in the face of hatred. These words are to echo the bravery and resilience of those who endured unimaginable suffering.
Testimonies from Survivors
Among the gathered dignitaries, including world leaders such as France’s President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the focus remains on the survivors. Approximately 50 former survivors of Auschwitz-Birkenau attended the ceremony, sharing their testimonies to ensure that future generations understand the gravity of these atrocities.
One such survivor, Mala Tribich, spoke of her harrowing experiences in the Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen camps. Reflecting on the dehumanising treatment she endured.
“Young people must get the right education to avoid a repeat of the horrors we lived through.” – Mala Tribich
Commitments to Education and Action
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who visited Auschwitz earlier this month, has reinforced his commitment to Holocaust education. “It happened; it can happen again: that is the warning of the Holocaust to us all,” he said, urging the nation to make Holocaust education a “national endeavour.”
Sir Keir joined the Prince of Wales in London to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, where he praised the survivors’ “remarkable courage” and vowed to combat the resurgence of antisemitism. Meanwhile, German Ambassador Miguel Berger called for continued investment in Holocaust education, rejecting claims that remembrance has lost its relevance.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch spoke of the importance of confronting “the resurgence of antisemitism today”, while reflecting on the Holocaust as a “unique evil in human history”, in a statement to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged vigilance in defending “peace, human rights and compassion”, and guarding against “antisemitism, hatred, discrimination and oppression” in his tribute.
Lessons for Today
The significance of this anniversary extends beyond remembrance. It challenges us to confront the lingering hatred and prejudice in our world. As King Charles observed, “In a world filled with turmoil and strife, it is our collective duty to learn the lessons of history.”
This duty is especially urgent as Holocaust survivors, now in their nineties, will not be with us forever. Paweł Sawicki, spokesperson for the Auschwitz Museum, noted, “For the 90th anniversary, it will not be possible to have a large group of survivors present. Their message must endure.”
Final Thought
On this Holocaust Memorial Day, Chamber UK remembers the six million Jewish lives lost, along with millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as a grim reminder of where unchecked hatred can lead. As Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne MP aptly stated, “We must work hard to ensure the past is never forgotten and stand against hate in all its forms.”
As we commemorate this milestone, let us renew our commitment to a world free of prejudice and oppression. In the words of Mala Tribich, “We’re all hoping for a better world, but we need to contribute to it.” Let this day serve as a call to action for each of us to build a future defined by compassion, equality, and remembrance.