On Monday, Jews around the world commemorated Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, to honor the six million Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. As part of the commemoration, the 36th International March of the Living took place at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland.
The event, attended by 56 survivors of the Holocaust, was marred by a group of pro-Hamas activists who taunted Jewish participants. The activists waved Palestinian flags and a banner that read “Stop genocide in Gaza,” while shouting slogans such as “Free, free Palestine.” The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from both Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
During the march, participants walked the two-mile path from Auschwitz to Birkenau, where one million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. The presence of pro-Hamas activists, who were there to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza, caused tension and discomfort among the participants.
One activist even went as far as calling out the marchers, saying, “How dare you disrespect the victims of the Holocaust by cheering, as a new genocide is happening in Gaza. Your mothers are watching you! Show some respect!” This prompted the participants to respond with a resounding singing of “Hatikvah,” the national anthem of Israel.
In a statement released by the International March of the Living, organizers expressed their disappointment and anger at the incident. They stated that the actions of the few protesters serve as a reminder of the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance.
They also highlighted the need to teach the dangers of hatred and extremism, which were the very things that led to the atrocities of the Holocaust. The marchers also faced the protesters head-on, proudly carrying the Israeli flag and standing united against the hateful provocations.
The International March of the Living also addressed the significance of the event, particularly in light of recent events. They noted that it was a poignant reminder of the horrors that took place on that very land and the worrisome possibility that it could happen again. They also expressed concern about the rising wave of anti-Semitism, which has been amplified by the recent massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 7. Both the chairman and president of the organization reiterated the importance of remembering the Holocaust and standing together against anti-Semitism.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, located in Poland, holds significant historical and emotional value for Jews worldwide. Prior to the Holocaust, Poland was home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, with over 3.3 million Jews residing there. Today, the number of Jewish inhabitants in Poland has dwindled to just a few thousand. The presence of the camp serves as a physical reminder of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
The incident at the 36th International March of the Living has sparked widespread condemnation and has brought to light the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism. The organizers of the march have reaffirmed their commitment to educating about the Holocaust and have vowed to continue fighting against anti-Semitic sentiments. The event has also highlighted the need for increased awareness and understanding of the historical significance of the Holocaust.
Overall, the 36th International March of the Living was a powerful and emotional event, marred by the presence of a few protesters who chose to use the occasion to spread hate and division. Despite this, the participants stood strong and united, determined to honor the memory of the six million Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of educating future generations about the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred and extremism. It also highlights the need for global unity in the face of rising anti-Semitism.