Counter Protests Takes Place In Poland Near Auschwitz
Freedom Wire

Counter Protests Takes Place In Poland Near Auschwitz

This past Monday, countless individuals including prominent U.S. university presidents, survivors of the Holocaust, and numerous Israelis, convened for the annual March of the Living at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site. The global remembrance event is in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, directing a tribute to six million Jews who tragically lost their lives to Nazi Germany. The event also magnifies the indefatigable spirit and survival of the Jewish community.

Entering its 36th year, the march takes place amidst poignant elements of the past — the daunting watchtowers and barracks of Auschwitz. The participants, brandishing the blue and white Israeli flags, traversed the campgrounds in a highly emotional display of remembrance and survival.

This year’s march bore special significance as it featured Israeli hostages recently released from imprisonment in Gaza, alongside families whose loved ones are still captive. An exceptional participant included Judith Tzamir, a native of Germany and Holocaust survivor, who migrated to Israel in 1964. Despite her long-standing reluctance to visit Auschwitz, the recent conflict on October 7 propelled her decision to attend this year’s event.

In light of recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. college campuses, Yeshiva University president Rabbi Ari Berman led an eclectic delegation of leaders, hailing from Catholic, Evangelical, and historically Black colleges and universities. Rabbi Berman stressed the importance of acknowledging and actively combating hatred and antisemitism, particularly within academic environments. He argued that the lessons learned from Holocaust are a testament to the perils of letting hatred escalate unchecked.

The involvement of university leaders highlighted their commitment to addressing and responding appropriately to incidents of intimidation, hate, and antisemitism on campuses. This unity and leadership is considered vital in the current climate, where educational institutions are grappling with managing protests and maintaining an atmosphere of respect and safety.

Then, low and behold, guess who turned up, pro-Palestinian protestors.

 

Near the hallowed grounds of Auschwitz, coinciding with survivors of the October 7 attack, pro-Palestinian protestors engaged in intimidating chants and displaying “Palestinian” flags attached to a cluster of balloons directed towards the Jewish participants.

 

 

Written by Jon Archer - May 8, 2024