Church leaders across Europe recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a historical reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. They urged everyone to remember the suffering inflicted by Nazi Germany and to stand against the rising tide of antisemitism and extremism today.
Bishop Georg Bätzing, head of the German bishops’ conference, spoke about the importance of recalling Auschwitz. He highlighted that this history shapes Germany’s and Europe’s political landscape, with human rights being central to governance. He expressed concern about how some political groups are undermining democracy and spreading misinformation, making it crucial to keep the memory of Auschwitz alive.
This remembrance took place as state leaders gathered at Auschwitz-Birkenau to honor the memory of around 1.1 million victims, including many Jews, Poles, Roma, Soviets, and others, who lost their lives in this tragic chapter of history. Poland was invaded by Germany in 1939 and occupied until 1945, during which millions were killed, including 3 million Polish Jews.
Bätzing expressed deep shame that, even after 80 years, Jews still face discrimination and violence. The recent attacks on Israel highlight the need for stronger protections for Jewish communities and a collective effort against antisemitism. Pope Francis also joined in calling for remembrance, stating that the horrors of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. He stressed the importance of working together to combat antisemitism and discrimination in all its forms.
During this significant event, leaders from 53 countries, including King Charles III and various European monarchs, gathered in solidarity. Polish President Andrzej Duda noted that Poland plays a crucial role in preserving the memory of Auschwitz, as the site was established on Polish soil during the Nazi occupation.
Organizations like the United Nations and the European Union held their own memorial events. UN officials warned that humanity risks repeating past mistakes, citing growing antisemitism and hateful rhetoric in society. Yet some experts express concern that despite these warnings, rising anti-Jewish sentiment remains prevalent across Europe, fueled by ongoing global conflicts.
Stanisław Krajewski, a Jewish theologian, acknowledged that it is positive when leaders remember Auschwitz as a symbol of tragedy. However, he pointed out that the rise of militarism and tension today makes the lessons of Auschwitz feel urgent yet increasingly overlooked.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize that the victims at Auschwitz weren’t only Jewish. Up to 75,000 Poles, mostly Catholics, were also killed, illustrating the widespread impact of the Holocaust. Many brave individuals risked their lives to help Jews during this dark time, often at great personal cost. Yet, the significance of these acts of compassion can sometimes be overshadowed by the sheer scale of the tragedy.
As the anniversary came and went, various religious groups in Europe also condemned antisemitism and reflected on the lessons of the Holocaust. The Catholic Church in England and Wales highlighted that antisemitism has risen significantly, particularly after recent events in the Middle East.
Krajewski cautioned against comparing modern-day events to Auschwitz. He stated that such comparisons can be offensive and fail to honor the real lessons of the Holocaust. He noted that while people often draw parallels, it might not lead to meaningful change as troubling political trends continue to emerge.
A recent survey indicated that fears of a repeat of the Holocaust are prevalent among both Americans and Germans. Importantly, many younger adults also lack sufficient knowledge of the Holocaust, underscoring a critical need for education on this pivotal moment in history.
