In a poignant ceremony at Buckingham Palace, King Charles III and Queen Camilla gathered with Holocaust survivors to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the atrocities faced during the Holocaust and the ongoing fight against antisemitism today.
A Gathering of Remembrance
The event, held as part of Holocaust Memorial Day, saw the King and Queen lighting candles alongside survivors, including 100-year-old Anita Lasker-Wallfisch and 98-year-old Helen Aronson, both of whom have dedicated their lives to raising awareness about the Holocaust. King Charles acknowledged the presence of those who have passed, stating that they were there “in spirit” during the reception.
Earlier that day, Mala Tribich made history as the first Holocaust survivor to address the UK cabinet, where she implored government officials to take decisive action against rising antisemitism. Her heartfelt plea underscored the necessity of vigilance and commitment to combating hatred in all its forms.
Honouring the Memory of Survivors
Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place annually on January 27, not only remembers the six million Jewish lives lost during World War II but also honours the millions of others who faced persecution under Nazi rule and in subsequent genocides. The event at Buckingham Palace brought together survivors and their families, including Zigi Shipper’s daughter and young grandson, who shared their memories of Shipper, a survivor of both Auschwitz and the Lodz ghetto.
Lu Lawrence, Shipper’s daughter, expressed her wish that her father could see his portrait, to which King Charles responded that he was present “in spirit.” The King also warmly greeted Lasker-Wallfisch, recalling their long-standing connection over the past two decades.
A Call to Action Against Antisemitism
Mala Tribich’s address at Downing Street resonated deeply with her audience, as she highlighted the alarming resurgence of antisemitism. Reflecting on her own experiences during the Holocaust, she remarked, “We survivors never imagined we would witness antisemitism at the level it is today.” Her emotional appeal urged the government to act decisively against hate, stating, “Remembering the past is no longer enough.”
Tribich’s passionate speech received a standing ovation, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed gratitude for her powerful words, assuring her that his government would take all necessary steps to combat antisemitism.
National Observances and Community Engagement
Throughout the UK, landmarks were illuminated in purple to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, part of the national “Light the Darkness” initiative. Iconic sites such as the Houses of Parliament and Cardiff Castle participated, serving as beacons of remembrance and solidarity against prejudice. The Prince and Princess of Wales also took part by lighting a candle, emphasising the importance of listening to survivor stories to ensure such atrocities are not forgotten.
As the day concluded with a national ceremony, leaders in the Jewish community, including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, echoed calls for unity against rising hatred. Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, remarked that this day serves as a critical reminder of the consequences of prejudice, emphasizing the importance of standing together against intolerance.
Why it Matters
This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day holds particular significance as rising antisemitism and hate crimes have become increasingly prevalent. The events at Buckingham Palace and beyond demonstrate a commitment to remembering the past and ensuring that the lessons learned are not only acknowledged but acted upon. As survivors share their harrowing stories, it is vital for society to listen, learn, and take proactive steps to foster understanding and prevent history from repeating itself.