Among them was Leon Weintraub, a Polish-born Swedish gynecologist and Auschwitz survivor, who delivered a powerful speech calling for tolerance and vigilance in the face of rising extremism.
"Nazis still exist - be vigilant and watchful," Weintraub cautioned. He expressed deep concern about the rise of individuals marching openly in uniforms reminiscent of the Nazis, proudly identifying themselves as nationalists.
We survivors know firsthand that being seen as 'the other' can lead to active persecution. We felt the consequences on our own skin. Take seriously what the enemies of democracy are saying. They truly intend to carry out the slogans they promote if they gain power. Let us not repeat the mistake of the 1930s when people dismissed the Nazis’ intentions to create a state free of Jews, Roma, dissenters, and the ill, deemed unworthy of life.
Weintraub implored people to work tirelessly to counter such ideologies. He emphasized that the consequences of ignoring such threats – genocide - are what the world remembers and mourns at Auschwitz.
He also rejected the concept of racial divisions, calling it a fabricated ideology.
There is only one race – the human race. Modern science, including our understanding of DNA, proves this. The foundational principle of Nazi ideology – racism – is false and disconnected from reality. As a gynecologist, I can assure you that no matter the patient’s skin color, the tissues beneath are identical.
Weintraub criticized the global prioritization of military spending over peaceful coexistence.
Every year, we see lengthy parliamentary debates about reducing budgets, yet massive sums are allocated to armaments. Peaceful coexistence would cost nothing. Imagine how much good could be done with those resources, he said.
In his closing remarks, Weintraub appealed especially to young people:
Be sensitive to all forms of intolerance, whether rooted in skin color, religion, or sexual orientation. In today’s digital world, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine intentions and a mere desire for attention or power. I urge you again: be vigilant and watchful.
WśródAmong those who reminded us of the fragility of humanity in the face of hatred, as highlighted by the Polish Ministry of Justice, were Marian Turski, Janina Iwańska, Tova Friedman, and Leon Weintraub.
In front of the historic Auschwitz-Birkenau gates, representatives from over 60 countries gathered to honor the survivors and remember the millions of victims of the Holocaust, listening to the powerful testimonies of those who lived through the horrors.
Source: IAR/PAP/GW/X/@Bartq_/@MS_GOV_PL/@JewishClaimsCon
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