Marian Turski, Renowned Holocaust Survivor and Historian, Passes Away at 98

Marian Turski was a prominent figure in Holocaust remembrance and an advocate for combating indifference to discrimination.

Marian Turski, the esteemed Holocaust survivor, historian, and journalist, has passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and education against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest chapters. Born as Moshe Turbowicz in 1926, Turski endured harrowing experiences during World War II, surviving the Lodz Ghetto, the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, and two death marches as a teenager.

Throughout his life, Mr. Turski dedicated himself to chronicling the Holocaust and promoting awareness of its implications. He was a key figure in the establishment of Warsaw's Jewish history museum and held the position of president for the International Auschwitz Committee. His poignant remarks during the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation in 2020 captured significant attention; he cautioned that such atrocities do not occur suddenly but develop gradually, saying, "Auschwitz did not fall from the sky."

Turski’s childhood was irrevocably impacted when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1940. He and his family were relocated to the Lodz Ghetto, where they faced brutal conditions. In 1944, Turski's parents and younger brother were deported to Auschwitz, where they were murdered. Turski was later forcibly marched to Buchenwald and then to Terezin, where he was liberated in January 1945.

After the war, Turski chose to return to Poland, spurning opportunities to migrate to the West, with the hope of contributing to the socialist future of his homeland. He pursued history at the University of Wrocław and ventured into journalism, ultimately becoming the history editor for Polityka magazine.

He famously articulated the necessity of vigilance against antisemitism, asserting that indifference could lead to another Holocaust. His emphasis on awareness and education resonated strongly during commemorative events, particularly the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation in January 2025. Turski’s admonition against indifference reflected a broader concern about rising antisemitism globally.

Figures from both the Jewish community and political spheres paid tribute to Turski following his passing. Poland’s chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich, praised him as a moral leader, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged Turski’s wisdom as a guiding light for challenging times. The magazine Polityka commemorated him as an extraordinary voice whose impact spanned generations and geographies.

Marian Turski’s contributions to Holocaust education and his tireless advocacy against hatred and intolerance will continue to inspire future generations in the ongoing quest for justice and remembrance.