Survivors mark 63rd anniversary of Auschwitz liberation
'Let remembrance of this serve as a shield that will protect us and generations to come against racism and anti-Semitism,' says Polis president's representative in ceremony commemorating German death camp's liberation
Auschwitz survivors gathered with dignitaries at the former German death camp on Sunday to commemorate the 63rd anniversary its liberation, Polish media reported.
In a ceremony near the rubble of the gas chambers, a representative of Polish President Lech Kaczynski said the world should remember those who saved the lives of others during the six years of World War II, including Poles who risked their lives to save Jews.
"Let remembrance of this serve as a shield that will protect us and generations to come against resentment, hate, aggression, racism and anti-Semitism," said Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka.
There have also been commemorations over the past days in neighboring Germany to remember Holocaust victims, with political and religious leaders acknowledging their nation's unique duty to fight anti-Semitism and racism.
In a statement Saturday, Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that the Holocaust will be "always an indelible part of our history" requiring special responsibility.
A leading German Lutheran leader, Bishop Wolfgang Huber, also said that Germans must "keep renewing the memory of this time."
Auschwitz, the death camp set up by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland, was liberated Jan. 27, 1945 by the advancing Soviet army.
The anniversary has been established as an annual Holocaust remembrance day by the United Nations.
