Full Breakdown
March of the Living: A Commemoration Amid Rising Antisemitism
4/15/2026, 10:49:03 AM
Annual Remembrance Event at Auschwitz
On April 14, 2026, the March of the Living took place at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, commemorating the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. This year, approximately 7,000 participants, including 50 Holocaust survivors aged 80 to 98, marched from Auschwitz to Birkenau, a distance of about 3 kilometers (2 miles). The event coincided with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and was marked by heightened awareness of contemporary antisemitism, particularly following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Context of Rising Antisemitism
Revital Yakin Krakovsky, deputy chief executive of the International March of the Living organization, emphasized the urgency of the event, stating, “Since October 7, antisemitism has surged and is spreading everywhere.” Her remarks highlighted the normalization of hatred reminiscent of the dark times preceding the Holocaust. The march included survivors of recent antisemitic attacks, such as the December 2023 mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which resulted in 15 fatalities, including Holocaust survivor Tibor Weitzen.
Voices from the Survivors
Hannah Abesidon, daughter of Tibor Weitzen, shared her painful experience, asserting, “My father didn’t make it because he was a Jew. It starts with the Jews but it doesn’t end with the Jews.” This sentiment resonated with many participants, reinforcing the march's theme of resilience against hatred.
Global Participation and Solidarity
Despite logistical challenges due to ongoing airspace restrictions related to the conflict with Iran, a limited delegation of Holocaust survivors from Israel was able to attend the march. Phyllis Greenberg Heideman, president of the International March of the Living, remarked on the significance of the event during these turbulent times, stating, “The March of the Living takes on even greater significance... instilling, now more than ever, a spirit of pride and resilience for the State of Israel and the entire Jewish people.”
Law Enforcement and Community Commitment
A notable aspect of this year's march was the participation of 130 law enforcement officials and police chiefs from various countries, who pledged to combat rising antisemitism. Paul Goldenberg, chair of the International Police Delegation, stated, “We are not here simply to remember history; we are here because the warning signs we study are unfolding again in real time.” Their presence underscored a collective commitment to protect Jewish communities globally.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The March of the Living serves not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a call to action against current antisemitism. Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, articulated the march's dual purpose: “You are not here only to remember how Jews died; you are here to show how Jews live.” This year’s event reinforced the importance of education and advocacy in ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten, as participants strive to combat hatred and promote resilience within the Jewish community.
