Marian Turski, an Auschwitz survivor who devoted his life to educating others about the Holocaust and warning against rising antisemitism, died in Warsaw at the age of 98.
Marian Turski, Holocaust Survivor and Advocate, Passes Away at 98
Marian Turski, Holocaust Survivor and Advocate, Passes Away at 98
Remembered as a staunch advocate against antisemitism, Turski’s legacy revolves around the critical need for vigilance against discrimination.
Marian Turski, a Holocaust survivor who dedicated his post-war life to advocating for the remembrance of the tragic events of World War II, passed away on February 18 at his home in Warsaw, Poland. He was 98 years old. His death was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, an institution he played a significant role in establishing and which he had served on the board since 2009.
During the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 2020, Turski spoke passionately about the alarming surge in antisemitism globally. His experiences and insights were a call to action, emphasizing that the Holocaust did not emerge as an isolated event but began with the incremental persecution of Jews. “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky,” he noted in a podcast with Polityka magazine, providing a timeless warning that such atrocities can occur again if society turns a blind eye to hatred and discrimination.
Turski often referred to the “11th Commandment”: “Don’t be indifferent.” He urged people to be proactive in standing against historical inaccuracies and discrimination against any minority, cautioning that indifference could lead to severe consequences, including the potential for another Auschwitz. His words resonate as a reminder of the importance of defending human rights and democratic values to prevent history from repeating itself. Through his steadfast commitment to education and remembrance, Marian Turski leaves behind a legacy that emphasizes the critical importance of vigilance and compassion in securing a just society.
During the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 2020, Turski spoke passionately about the alarming surge in antisemitism globally. His experiences and insights were a call to action, emphasizing that the Holocaust did not emerge as an isolated event but began with the incremental persecution of Jews. “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky,” he noted in a podcast with Polityka magazine, providing a timeless warning that such atrocities can occur again if society turns a blind eye to hatred and discrimination.
Turski often referred to the “11th Commandment”: “Don’t be indifferent.” He urged people to be proactive in standing against historical inaccuracies and discrimination against any minority, cautioning that indifference could lead to severe consequences, including the potential for another Auschwitz. His words resonate as a reminder of the importance of defending human rights and democratic values to prevent history from repeating itself. Through his steadfast commitment to education and remembrance, Marian Turski leaves behind a legacy that emphasizes the critical importance of vigilance and compassion in securing a just society.
