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80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz - a warning against hatred and anti-Semitism
But as we commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz today, we are alarmed by recent developments. Since 7 October 2023, we have observed a worrying rise in anti-Semitic violence. Jewish people are being increasingly threatened, attacked and marginalised. Such events are a painful reminder that anti-Semitism, which culminated in Auschwitz, is not a relic of the past, but a current problem that affects us all.
These developments cast a shadow over our societies and pose a serious threat to democracy and peaceful coexistence. It is our duty to take decisive action against all forms of hatred, discrimination and anti-Semitism.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, chair of the board of management of Borussia Dortmund:
"The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz- Birkenau concentration and extermination camp is of particular significance. There must be no expiry date for the memory of Auschwitz and the Holocaust. Even 80 years after the end of the Second World War, we must work together to promote a diverse society and jointly oppose current anti-Semitism and racism."
Dr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG:
"Even 80 years after the end of the war, Auschwitz reminds us to keep alive the memory of the crime against humanity of the Holocaust and to oppose all forms of anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination now and in the future. ‘Never again’ is part of our corporate culture and the critical examination of the role of the Reichsbahn in the Holocaust is a challenge to us to remain permanently vigilant."
Christian Sewing, CEO of Deutsche Bank AG:
"80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, intolerance, violence and anti-Semitism are once again jeopardising the cohesion of our society in Europe. We must raise our voices clearly and resolutely against this, because every racist and anti-Semitic attack is also an attack on our values and principles, which are the basis of our social coexistence."
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG:
"We must uphold the memory of National Socialist crimes. Because what happened once can happen again. At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise again, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is more important than ever. Mercedes-Benz has been involved in the Yad Vashem Circle of Friends for many years. We have a clear stance: anti-Semitism, hatred and marginalisation have no place in our society. This is another reason why we are actively committed to diversity, tolerance and openness. "
Gunnar Kilian, member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources and Trucks:
"80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, we must not allow anti-Semitism, populist agitation and right-wing extremist violence to challenge our society once again. It is therefore all the more important to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive. Only if we remain aware of these crimes against humanity can we prevent them in the future and safeguard our values such as respect and tolerance in our society. For this reason, and against the background of our own history, the Volkswagen Group supports the remembrance work of the International Auschwitz Committee, the Auschwitz Memorial and the International Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem. Together with our employees, we keep the remembrance alive."
Kai Diekmann, Chairman of the Friends of Yad Vashem:
"Today's anniversary is more than a remembrance; it is a call to action. As a society, we must take responsibility and ensure that no one has to live in fear because of their origin, religion or beliefs. Education, encounters and the protection of minorities are the cornerstones on which a common and respectful coexistence is based. The commemoration of Auschwitz should remind us that we should learn the right lessons from the past to stand up against all forms of hatred, marginalisation and discrimination in the present and thus lay the foundations for a good future."
Friends of Yad Vashem e.V.
The aim of the Friends of Yad Vashem is to anchor the collections and expertise of the Yad Vashem International Holocaust Memorial in the public consciousness. To this end, the association not only strengthens relations between the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem and German institutions, but also organises numerous exhibitions and campaigns in cooperation with Yad Vashem. Through initiatives such as #LichtZeigen and exhibitions such as Sixteen Objects , the Friends of Yad Vashem are committed to a living culture of remembrance.