Tribute to Holocaust Survivor Marian Turski Who Shaped History Until His Last Breath

Marian Turski's remarkable life and legacy remind us of the importance of history and vigilance against intolerance.

Polish Holocaust survivor and esteemed journalist, Marian Turski, has passed away at the age of 98. His journey began in 1926 when he was born as Moshe Turbowicz in the city of Lodz, Poland. Turski's early years were marred by the invasion of Nazi forces, leading him and his family to be confined in the ghetto of Lodz, which was rife with starvation and disease.

In 1944, Turski's family faced deportation to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he was separated from his family upon arrival. Tragically, his father and younger brother were murdered in the gas chambers, while his mother was sent to a labor camp in Bergen-Belsen. In January 1945, amid the advancing Soviet army, Turski was subjected to brutal death marches alongside 60,000 fellow prisoners, eventually being liberated at Terezin.

His post-war years were dedicated to a mission of remembrance and resistance against hate. Turski became an influential historian and journalist, co-founding a prominent Jewish history museum in Warsaw and serving as president of the International Auschwitz Committee. He became widely recognized for his poignant messages at memorial events, notably during the 75th and 80th anniversaries of Auschwitz's liberation. There, he underscored the importance of vigilance against rising antisemitism and called for humanity's moral responsibility to remember past atrocities.

Though he encountered trauma that led to psychological challenges, Turski's commitment to education and advocacy has left an indelible mark. He firmly believed in the principle of the Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not be indifferent," warning against the dangers of apathy.

Tributes from Polished officials and Jewish communities hailed Turski as a mentor and moral authority whose contributions shaped cultural consciousness regarding the Holocaust. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Turski's impactful words have become guiding principles for contemporary society.

Marian Turski's profound legacy will continue to inform and inspire future generations to confront hatred and celebrate humanity's endurance in the face of darkness.