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Commemorating the Holocaust: A Digital Campaign by Survivors

On the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a poignant campaign named I Survived Auschwitz: Remember This was launched by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference). This digital initiative features emotional narratives from 80 Auschwitz survivors who bravely recount their experiences during one of history's darkest chapters. Their memories serve not only as a testament to their endurance but also as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

Auschwitz remains synonymous with the systematic extermination of over 1.1 million individuals—primarily Jews—during the Nazi regime. The Claims Conference has taken this opportunity to engage younger generations through social media, asking survivors to share a specific memory they wish to be cherished across time: a loved one, a defining moment, or a location forever altered by the Holocaust.

Personal Stories Echo Through Time

The stories shared are deeply powerful and rooted in loss. Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, highlighted the importance of these narratives, stating that they connect humanity through shared experiences of loss and remembrance. For instance, survivor Aron Krell poignantly recalls his brother Zvi, whose life was tragically cut short after enduring starvation in the Lodz ghetto. Aron vividly remembers Zvi's last plea: “Please never forget me.” This campaign not only honors Aron and Zvi's memory but also seeks to ensure that similar stories are not lost to time.

Judith Hervé-Elkán, aged 98, now residing in France, shared the harrowing memory of mothers making the unimaginable choice to accompany their children to the gas chambers, refusing to let them face death alone. She asserts that these harrowing images are seared into her memory. “What is more terrible in the world than to lead your child to death?” Judith asks, reminding us of the profound sacrifices made amid suffering.

While Herta Vyšná from Slovakia remembers her relatives selected for execution by the infamous Dr. Mengele, she expresses her desire to preserve her family's memory, reinforcing that stories of those who perished must be preserved. “I wish for the memory of my family, who was murdered, to be preserved forever,” she stated passionately.

Lessons Amid Rising Antisemitism

Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President at the Claims Conference, underscored the ongoing relevance of survivor stories, especially today, when antisemitism is alarmingly on the rise in several parts of the world. There are stark reminders that understanding the roots of hatred and divisiveness is crucial to preventing history from repeating itself. Schneider elaborates, “These stories are a vivid reminder that the Holocaust is not just an abstract historical concept; it is the real-life experiences of men and women who faced unspeakable evil.”

Ella Blumenthal, at 103 years old, shared a message of resilience, narrating how she fought with her niece against the despair of giving up in Auschwitz. As family members around her were lost, her unwavering hope and determination serve as testaments to human spirit and perseverance when faced with unimaginable adversity.

Remembering, Learning, and Sharing

The campaign aims to educate future generations through firsthand accounts, emphasizing that memory plays a crucial role in countering ignorance and promoting understanding. The series of survivor testimonies includes videos featuring notable figures like the late Elie Wiesel, transforming collective grief into a shared responsibility to remember and learn from the past.

Alongside survivor stories, the initiative presents a four-part video series examining the historical context of Auschwitz, the lives lost, and the enduring legacy of those who suffered.

As we commemorate this significant anniversary, it is imperative to engage with these testimonies and ensure that the voices of Holocaust survivors continue to resonate, reminding us of the need for compassion, empathy, and vigilance against hate in all forms. The campaign's content, including survivor videos and memories, is available on the Claims Conference's social media platforms and their website, inviting everyone to participate in this vital act of remembrance.

To learn more about the effort, visit the Claims Conference at www.claimscon.org/rememberthis.