Holocaust survivors gathered on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp where over 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were systematically murdered.
The solemn ceremony took place at the former camp site in Poland, which was initially established by Nazi Germany as a forced labor camp before becoming a central hub in the regime's genocidal machinery. Victims perished in gas chambers, or succumbed to starvation, disease, and freezing conditions.
The event was attended by prominent global leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Britain's King Charles, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Polish President Andrzej Duda. Rather than delivering speeches, the leaders chose to listen to survivors who bore witness to one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
Survivors used the occasion to warn of the dangers of rising antisemitism and intolerance. Leon Weintraub, a 99-year-old retired physician who was sent to Auschwitz in 1944, expressed his anguish at the resurgence of far-right rhetoric across Europe.
"It grieves me deeply to see in many European countries, but also in Poland, Nazi-style uniforms and slogans openly paraded at marches. It grieves me to see this happening without any consequences," Weintraub said. "These people proclaim themselves as nationalists, but at the same time they proclaim the hateful ideology of German Nazis—an ideology that murdered millions under the swastika."
King Charles, who visited a Jewish Community Center in Krakow before the ceremony, stressed the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust. "The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task, and in so doing, we inform our present and shape our future," he said.
The remembrance of Nazi crimes has become increasingly politicized in recent years, fueled by the rise of far-right parties across Europe. On Saturday, controversy erupted after billionaire Elon Musk delivered a video address to supporters of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which is currently polling second ahead of the February 23 elections.
In his remarks, Musk appeared to downplay Germany’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust. "I think there's, like, frankly, too much of a focus on past guilt. And we need to move beyond that," he said.
The rally drew sharp criticism, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning that the rhetoric was disturbingly reminiscent of Nazi-era propaganda. "The words we heard from the main actors of the AfD rally about 'Great Germany' and 'the need to forget German guilt for Nazi crimes' sounded all too familiar and ominous," Tusk said.
As survivors gathered to share their stories one last time, their message was clear: the lessons of Auschwitz must not be forgotten, especially in an era of rising intolerance and revisionism
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
Poland’s top diplomat in Berlin has criticized Germany’s incoming government for its plan to impose stricter border controls, warning that such measures could disrupt daily cross-border traffic and strain the EU internal market.
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Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski leads the race for Poland’s presidency with 34% support ahead of the May 18 election, a new poll shows.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
India has proposed a steep reduction in average tariffs on U.S. goods - from nearly 13% to under 4% - in a strategic move to secure exemption from current and future tariff hikes under President Donald Trump, according to Indian officials familiar with the talks.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare public visit to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang alongside his daughter on Friday, joining in celebrations for Victory Day and reaffirming his commitment to deepening the strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
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