Marian Turski: A Holocaust Survivor's Legacy of Remembrance and Warning

Marian Turski, an Auschwitz survivor and passionate advocate for Holocaust remembrance, passed away on February 18 at the age of 98. His contributions in promoting awareness about antisemitism and the warnings of a potential repetition of history are invaluable.

Marian Turski, who lived through the harrowing experiences of Auschwitz, dedicated his life to educating others about the Holocaust and combating antisemitism. After World War II, he returned to Poland to bring attention to the struggles of fellow victims of Nazi oppression. Turski's influence reached far and wide, particularly evident in his role in establishing the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where he served on the board since 2009.

A key moment in Turski's advocacy occurred during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2020. He reminded audiences that the Holocaust did not emerge suddenly; instead, it stemmed from incremental steps of persecution. “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky,” he highlighted, implicating society's complicity through indifference. Turski stressed the need to uphold human rights and democratic principles to prevent such atrocities from recurring.

His warnings resonate deeply today as he urged vigilance against discrimination of any minority, insistently stating, “The 11th Commandment is important: Don’t be indifferent.” He cautioned that silence in the face of injustice allows hatred to grow, with the potential for history to repeat itself. Turski's legacy serves as a reminder that active engagement and awareness are vital in the fight against prejudice and violence.