A far-right Polish politician, Grzegorz Braun, who’s also a candidate in Poland’s upcoming presidential election, was ejected from a European Parliament meeting for disrupting a moment of silence honoring Holocaust victims. This incident, occurring during a plenary session marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, was a blatant display of disrespect.
Braun’s interruption took the form of shouting, “Let’s pray for the victims of the Jewish genocide in Gaza,” directly counter to the solemn commemoration of the six million Jews systematically murdered during the Holocaust. Despite repeated calls for silence, he persisted, leading to his removal from the chamber by Parliament President Roberta Metsola.… Continue reading
The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation was commemorated with a ceremony focusing on survivor testimonies, rather than political speeches. Fifty-six survivors shared their experiences, mourning the victims, warning against rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial, and urging a commitment to prevent future atrocities. Their messages stressed the importance of remembering the past to build a more tolerant future, highlighting the need for global cooperation and understanding. World leaders attended, though Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s absence, following a Polish decision to disregard an ICC arrest warrant, sparked protest.
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The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation was observed on January 27th, with this year’s ceremony marking a poignant moment as likely the last major observance attended by a significant number of survivors. Approximately 50 elderly survivors, many in their 80s, were honored as the focus of the event, joined by world leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a symbolic demonstration of Germany’s ongoing acceptance of responsibility. The ceremony, held at the Death Wall, remembered the approximately 1.1 million victims murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau, primarily Jews, but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The absence of Russian representatives reflected the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Approximately 50 Auschwitz-Birkenau survivors, many in their late 80s and 90s, will return to the site on January 27th, the 80th anniversary of its liberation, to share their testimonies. They will be joined by world leaders, including King Charles and President Macron, but the focus remains on the survivors’ accounts of the atrocities committed at the camp, where over 1.1 million people were murdered. A heated tent has been erected at the “Death Gate” of Birkenau to accommodate the frail survivors during the commemorations. The absence of a Russian delegation reflects the ongoing war in Ukraine, despite the Soviet army’s role in the camp’s liberation.
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On the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, Pope Francis condemned antisemitism, urging global efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination and persecution. He highlighted the horrific extermination of millions during the Holocaust and emphasized the importance of educating future generations towards fraternity, forgiveness, and peace. Commemorations will include events at Auschwitz-Birkenau, featuring survivor testimonies, and a livestream by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The date is observed internationally on January 27th, while Yom HaShoah, a significant date on the Hebrew calendar, commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
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The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) hosted a summit in Vienna focusing on actionable strategies to combat a dramatic rise in European antisemitism, exceeding post-World War II levels. The summit brought together non-Jewish parliamentarians and city officials to share successful initiatives and develop new approaches. Key discussion points included tackling online antisemitism, combating boycotts targeting Israel in academia and sports, and promoting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. Participants emphasized the need for proactive measures, including institutional policy changes and collaboration with universities to ensure the safety and inclusion of Jewish students.
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John Fetterman greets protesters outside his home by waving Israeli flag
As I reflect deeply on the recent controversy surrounding John Fetterman greeting protesters outside his home by waving an Israeli flag, I find myself grappling with a range of emotions and conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I can understand the desire to show support for Israel, especially when tensions are high and protests are taking place. However, I cannot help but question the appropriateness and effectiveness of his actions.
Even if I were to take a pro-Israel stance, I would never stoop to the level of blatant and tasteless pandering that Fetterman displayed.… Continue reading
Biden: ‘More pressing than ever’ to remember ‘scourge of antisemitism’ on Holocaust Remembrance Day
As I sit here, reflecting on President Biden’s statement about the importance of remembering the scourge of antisemitism on Holocaust Remembrance Day, I am struck by a whirlwind of emotions. I cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the rising tide of hate and discrimination against Jewish people that we are witnessing in our society today.
Antisemitic hate crimes are on the rise, and it is alarming how such bigotry continues to persist in our supposedly enlightened and modern world. It is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go in creating a society that is truly inclusive and accepting of all individuals, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker