In brief
Marian Turski, an Auschwitz survivor and tireless advocate for Holocaust remembrance, passed away at the age of 98 in his Warsaw home. He was renowned for his efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of antisemitism and the necessity of defending human rights. His poignant messages emphasized the importance of vigilance against indifference to injustice.
Marian Turski, a Holocaust survivor and a passionate voice against the rising tide of antisemitism, died on February 18 at his home in Warsaw, at the age of 98. His passing was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which he was instrumental in establishing and where he had served as chair of the board since 2009.In 2020, during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp—where he had been sent as a teenager from the Lodz ghetto—Turski issued a stark warning about the alarming resurgence of antisemitism. “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky,” he remarked in a podcast for Polityka magazine, emphasizing that it began with seemingly minor acts of persecution against Jewish people. “It happened; it means it can happen anywhere. Human rights and democratic constitutions must be defended.”Throughout his life, Turski was clear in urging society to reject indifference. “The 11th Commandment is vital: Don’t be indifferent,” he stated. He implored people to react against historical inaccuracies, discrimination of minorities, and any infringement of social contracts by authorities. He believed that indifference could lead to tragic outcomes, stating, “If you are indifferent, another Auschwitz may arise unexpectedly for you or your descendants.”Turski's commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance fostered a broader dialogue about the importance of vigilance against all forms of injustice, leaving a monumental legacy that resonates powerfully in today’s society. His teachings continue to serve as a compelling reminder of the past and the ongoing fight against prejudice and indifference.
