In brief
Marian Turski, a Polish Holocaust survivor, historian, and influential journalist, has passed away at 98. After surviving the horrors of Auschwitz and dedicating his life to education and remembrance, Turski's powerful messages against antisemitism and indifference will resonate long after his death.
Polish Holocaust survivor and prominent historian Marian Turski, known for his powerful advocacy and education about the Holocaust, has passed away at age 98. Born Moshe Turbowicz in 1926, he survived harrowing experiences including the Lodz Ghetto and Auschwitz-Birkenau, followed by grueling death marches as a teenager. After the war, Turski returned to Poland, dedicating himself to studying history and working in journalism. He was a co-founder of the Jewish history museum in Warsaw and served as president of the International Auschwitz Committee.Turski gained significant attention in 2020 during the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, where he clearly stated that such atrocities must not be viewed as mere historical events, asserting that "Auschwitz did not fall from the sky." He cautioned against rising antisemitism, urging global leaders and citizens to recognize the perils of indifference. The striking message he espoused, which he called the Eleventh Commandment, resonates especially today—stating that indifference can lead to the re-emergence of horrors similar to those witnessed during the Holocaust.Throughout his life, Mr. Turski's experiences marked him indelibly; he was eternally reminded of his past by the number tattooed on his arm. In his post-war life, he became an influential figure in Polish journalism and history, contributing to political discourse at a time when the country was seeking to rebuild. Turski's legacy as a moral voice and a mentor will be missed profoundly by the Jewish community, as noted by Poland's chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that Turski's words have become a guiding principle in these challenging times, while Polityka magazine paid tribute to him as an extraordinary witness to history whose insights were heard globally. Turski’s life epitomizes the strength and importance of remembrance, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of historical atrocity.
