Marian Turski, a prominent Auschwitz survivor and crusader for justice, passed away on February 18, 2025, in Warsaw at the age of 98. His contributions to Holocaust remembrance and his warnings against antisemitism resonate strongly today. Turski was known for his powerful speeches and writings, emphasizing the dangers of indifference toward injustice and discrimination.
Marian Turski: A Voice Against Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial Passes Away at 98
Marian Turski: A Voice Against Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial Passes Away at 98
Holocaust survivor Marian Turski leaves behind a legacy of advocacy against rising antisemitism and historical indifference.
Marian Turski, a distinguished voice in the fight against antisemitism and Holocaust denial, died on February 18, 2025, at his home in Warsaw, Poland, at the age of 98. A Holocaust survivor and one of the few to return to Poland after World War II, Turski dedicated much of his life to commemorating the victims of Nazi atrocities and shedding light on the dangers posed by hatred and indifference.
His passing was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, an institution he was instrumental in establishing and where he served as chairman since 2009. Turski's legacy includes numerous speeches, notably during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he voiced concerns about the alarming rise of antisemitism globally.
"Auschwitz did not fall from the sky," Turski remarked in a 2020 podcast, illustrating that such horrors stem from early, seemingly minor acts of persecution. He underscored the need for vigilance in combating indifference to injustices faced by any group. Turski's poignant statement about the "11th Commandment" encapsulated his message: "Do not be indifferent" to discrimination, historical lies, or breaches of social contracts; for complacency could lead to another tragedy akin to the Holocaust.
His unwavering advocacy for human rights and the moral responsibility to remember the past will continue to inspire future generations. Through his work, Turski leaves behind a powerful reminder of the necessity of vigilance against hatred and a commitment to justice.
His passing was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, an institution he was instrumental in establishing and where he served as chairman since 2009. Turski's legacy includes numerous speeches, notably during the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he voiced concerns about the alarming rise of antisemitism globally.
"Auschwitz did not fall from the sky," Turski remarked in a 2020 podcast, illustrating that such horrors stem from early, seemingly minor acts of persecution. He underscored the need for vigilance in combating indifference to injustices faced by any group. Turski's poignant statement about the "11th Commandment" encapsulated his message: "Do not be indifferent" to discrimination, historical lies, or breaches of social contracts; for complacency could lead to another tragedy akin to the Holocaust.
His unwavering advocacy for human rights and the moral responsibility to remember the past will continue to inspire future generations. Through his work, Turski leaves behind a powerful reminder of the necessity of vigilance against hatred and a commitment to justice.
