In brief
Marian Turski, who stood as a powerful reminder of the Holocaust and a guardian against rising antisemitism, passed away on February 18, 2025. His commitment to educating future generations about the past and warning against indifference to discrimination has left a lasting impact.
Marian Turski, an Auschwitz survivor from Poland, dedicated his life to sharing the stories of Holocaust victims and speaking out against intolerance after World War II. On February 18, 2025, Turski died at the age of 98 in his Warsaw home. He was instrumental in establishing the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where he served as a board member since 2009. At an event marking 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, Turski cautioned against the rise in antisemitism, stating, “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky. It began with small forms of persecution of Jews.” He emphasized that human rights and democratic values must be upheld to prevent history from repeating itself. Turski’s powerful words urged vigilance: “The 11th Commandment is important: Don’t be indifferent.” His warnings serve as a compelling reminder that apathy can lead to devastating consequences. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to stand against injustice and remember the lessons of history.
