80th Anniversary of Nazi Concentration Camp Liberation: Survivors Warn of Resurgent Anti-Semitism | WPN World People News

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Survivors have stepped forward to remind the world not to forget history and to warn against the resurgence of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies. Julia Wallach, now 99 years old, was captured by the Nazis at the age of 18 and was imprisoned in the Drancy internment camp before being sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Reflecting on her two years in the camp, she emphasized, "As long as I am here, I will continue to speak about it, so that we do not forget."

However, awareness of the Holocaust is fading in today's society. Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, pointed out that studies show younger generations in Europe and the United States lack knowledge of Holocaust history. He stressed that this is a warning sign, urging urgent and continuous action to prevent this history and its lessons from being forgotten.

The stories of survivors serve as a reminder that extremism and hatred can spread in societies marked by indifference. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, noted that the Holocaust was a process that began with rhetoric and isolated incidents before escalating into the systematic dehumanization of an entire community, ultimately leading to violence. He warned that even a spark of hatred can spread in a society that remains indifferent.

As the number of survivors dwindles, their testimonies are being preserved through films, writings, books, and recordings. Frankie Wallach, Julia Wallach’s granddaughter, emphasized that when the survivors are gone, these memories will be the traces they leave behind. For future generations, these testimonies are of vital importance.

On this 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, the calls from survivors serve as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant against the rise of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies, ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.