In brief
Marian Turski, who dedicated his life to combating antisemitism and warning against indifference, passed away at 98 in Warsaw, leaving behind a powerful message about the vigilance needed to protect human rights.
Marian Turski, a prominent Holocaust survivor renowned for his advocacy against antisemitism, passed away on February 18 at his home in Warsaw, Poland, at the age of 98. His death was confirmed by the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews, an institution he played a crucial role in establishing and had chaired since 2009. Born in Poland, Turski was transported to Auschwitz during his teenage years, a traumatic experience that shaped his lifelong mission. Throughout his life, he emphasized the need to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust to combat rising antisemitism. At a 2020 event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, he expressed concern over growing anti-Jewish sentiments, stating, “Auschwitz did not fall from the sky; it began with small forms of persecution of Jews.” Turski's poignant reminders urged society to remain vigilant against all forms of discrimination. He famously articulated the “11th Commandment” of non-indifference, advocating for active participation in the fight for human rights and against historical distortions. He warned, “If you are indifferent, before you know it another Auschwitz will come out of the blue for you or your descendants.” His life’s work serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of injustice, leaving a memorable impact on those who champion human rights today.
