In brief
Marian Turski, a Holocaust survivor and advocate for human rights, passed away at the age of 98 in Warsaw. An influential figure, he emphasized the importance of standing against discrimination and the dangers of indifference, reminding the world of the lessons learned from history.
Marian Turski, a Holocaust survivor and a vociferous advocate for human rights, passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 98 in his hometown of Warsaw. His lifetime mission was to shed light on the horrors of the Holocaust and to alert society to the ever-present threat of antisemitism and other forms of racial and ethnic discrimination. Turski was integral in establishing the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, serving on its board as chairman since 2009.At a commemorative event marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Turski expressed his deep concerns regarding the resurgence of antisemitism in contemporary society. He stated emphatically, “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky. It began with small forms of persecution of Jews.” He implored audiences to recognize that, without vigilance against narrative distortions and discrimination, history could repeat itself. Turski often espoused what he termed “the 11th Commandment”: a call to action for individuals to refuse to remain indifferent to injustice. He urged people to stand up against misinformation, discrimination against any minority, and breaches of social contracts, declaring that indifference could pave the way for atrocities akin to the horrors of the Holocaust.Throughout his life, Marian Turski remained a powerful reminder of the necessity for vigilance and activism in the face of rising intolerance, ensuring that the lessons of history are neither forgotten nor repeated. His passionate advocacy seeks to inspire future generations to uphold the values of dignity, respect, and human rights for all.
