King Charles III highlighted the crucial role of remembering past atrocities as he visited Poland to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Speaking at a Jewish community center in Krakow,
the King underscored the need to reflect on history, stating, "The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task." This visit marked a historic milestone as he became the first British head of state to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, to honor the 80th anniversary of its liberation.
During the event, the King met with Holocaust survivors, listened to their testimonies, and paid tribute to those who endured unimaginable suffering. He emphasized the collective responsibility to preserve their stories, especially as the number of survivors dwindles with time. "The responsibility of remembrance rests on our shoulders," he said, while also celebrating the rebirth of Krakow’s Jewish community from the ashes of the Holocaust.
The visit held deep personal significance for King Charles, whose grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, sheltered a Jewish family in Nazi-occupied Athens during World War II. Sources close to the King described the trip as a "deeply personal pilgrimage."
National and global observances
Back in the UK, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in London, where they met survivors and honored their courage. Prince William commended their "bravery in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives," while emphasizing the importance of remembering those who "live with the scars, both mental and physical."
Among the survivors present were Rachel Levy, who endured Auschwitz as a teenager, and Steven Frank, who continues to share his story to educate future generations. Mr. Frank reflected on his efforts, saying, "It's time to give something back," expressing gratitude for his life in the UK.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also joined the London ceremony, describing the Holocaust as a "collective endeavor by thousands of ordinary individuals consumed by hatred." He urged vigilance against modern forms of prejudice and discrimination, calling it a "collective endeavor for all of us to defeat."
A nation united in reflection
Across the UK, people were encouraged to light candles in their windows as part of the "Light the Darkness" initiative to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and others targeted by the Nazis. Iconic landmarks, including the London Eye and Liverpool’s Liver Building, were illuminated in purple, symbolizing unity against hatred.
Holocaust Memorial Day, observed annually on January 27, also honors victims of more recent genocides, serving as a reminder of the importance of education and vigilance in preventing such atrocities.
Voices of survivors
Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, who spoke on BBC Radio 4, shared harrowing memories of her forced separation from her family and her time in concentration camps. She described the dehumanizing treatment she endured, saying, "We were treated like cattle. It did something to our soul."
Ms. Tribich, now 94, stressed the importance of educating young people to ensure history does not repeat itself. "We’re all hoping for a better world, but we need to contribute to it," she said.
Calls for vigilance
In marking Holocaust Memorial Day, political leaders echoed the call for reflection and action. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted the need to confront the resurgence of antisemitism, calling the Holocaust a "unique evil in human history." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged vigilance in defending human rights and combating hatred, discrimination, and oppression.
As the world reflects on the atrocities of the Holocaust, the words and actions of leaders, survivors, and citizens alike reaffirm the enduring responsibility to remember, educate, and stand united against prejudice and hatred. Photo by Dan Marsh, Wikimedia commons.
