In brief
Turski, who survived Auschwitz and dedicated his life to reminding the world of the Holocaust's lessons, emphasized the dangers of indifference towards discrimination and called for vigilance in the face of rising antisemitism.
Marian Turski, a revered Auschwitz survivor and Holocaust educator, passed away on February 18, 2025, at his home in Warsaw, Poland, at the age of 98. His death was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, a significant institution he played a key role in founding and leading as board chair since 2009. Turski spent decades raising awareness about the Holocaust and the implications of antisemitism, continually emphasizing the importance of collective memory and humanity's vigilance against hatred.In a poignant speech during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2020, Turski cautioned against contemporary antisemitism and proclaimed, “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky. It began with small forms of persecution of Jews.” His advocacy for human rights extended beyond the past to highlight the ongoing struggle against discrimination in all its forms.Turski’s calls for action echoed through generations, reiterated his belief in the 11th Commandment: “Don’t be indifferent.” He implored individuals to stand up against historical falsehoods, discrimination of minorities, and breaches of social contracts, cautioning, “If you are indifferent, before you know it another Auschwitz will come out of the blue for you or your descendants.”His unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism and fostering discussions about the Holocaust is his enduring legacy, one he shared through countless writings and public addresses, urging a world to remember and act against injustice.
