January 27, 2025, marks a significant date in history: the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a place that reminds us of the darkest times of humanity. To remember this day, three survivors bravely shared their heartbreaking yet inspiring stories. As we listen to them, we take a step back in time to understand what happened and the importance of never forgetting.
‘People in prison uniforms screamed: “Get out, get out!”’
Albrecht Weinberg, now 99 years old, recalls arriving at Auschwitz and the horror that awaited him. He remembers the chaos and fear as people in prison uniforms barked orders. Albrecht and his siblings faced unimaginable challenges, including forced labor. It was at Auschwitz that he lost many of his loved ones, including his parents, murdered in this horrific place. After the war, Albrecht moved to the United States in 1947 and settled in safety, but he never forgot the scars of his past. In 2011, he returned to Germany for the first time, a journey filled with mixed emotions of loss and resilience, demonstrating strength in sharing his story.
‘I waved at my mother and she waved back. That was the last time we saw her’
Mindu Hornick, 95, was just a teenager when she was taken to Auschwitz along with her sister. The memory of her mother, whom she had to say goodbye to in a tense moment, stays with her. These moments illustrate the painful experiences endured in the camp as families were torn apart. Mindu survived through sheer will and hard work but paid dearly with the loss of her family. After leaving Auschwitz, she emigrated to England, where she has dedicated her life to educating others about the Holocaust, receiving an MBE for her efforts. This honor not only recognizes her contribution but also emphasizes the importance of remembrance.
‘I’m aware that I have a story to tell that’s unique’
Then there’s Eva Clarke, now 79, who shares her mother’s incredible story of strength. Imagine being pregnant and enduring the horrors of Auschwitz. Eva’s mother not only survived but gave birth in Mauthausen, another concentration camp, before eventually starting a new life in the UK. This resilience highlights that even in despair, hope can emerge. Eva frequently speaks about her family’s journey, carrying the torch of remembrance forward for future generations. It’s a powerful reminder that stories of survival can pave the way toward understanding and healing.
World Leaders Stand with Survivors
On this anniversary, world leaders joined the survivors in Oswiecim, Poland, to honor those who suffered at Auschwitz. Leaders, including British King Charles and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, listened intently to survivor testimonies, reinforcing the significance of remembrance and education in preventing such atrocities from recurring. Many victims were Jews, but others, including Poles, Roma, and political prisoners, also suffered devastating losses.
Survivor | Age | Key Experience |
---|---|---|
Albrecht Weinberg | 99 | Lost family, endured labor |
Mindu Hornick | 95 | Separated from mother, educated on Holocaust |
Eva Clarke | 79 | Born in captivity, speaks on resilience |
Through their shared experiences, Albrecht, Mindu, and Eva connect us to a painful past, teaching us the value of compassion and understanding. Their courage to speak out allows us to learn from the past and build a future where such tragedy is never repeated. On the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, we honor their stories and all those who were lost.