Auschwitz Liberation Day

History of Auschwitz Liberation Day

Auschwitz, also called Auschwitz-Birkenau, was the Nazis’ biggest and most known concentration and extermination camp. Auschwitz was known to be the “final solution” because of its devastating ways of abuse and murder, especially of Jews. Located in the southern part of Poland, known as Oswiecim, the largest Nazi camp consisted of three parts: a prison camp, a slave-labor camp, and an extermination camp. These camps involved gas chambers and cremation furnaces. Auschwitz’s doctors would perform medical experiments and inhumane procedures on some prisoners, using injections, radiation, and sterilization.

Germans decided to forgo the camp by the start of 1945. On January 17, 1945, 67,000 prisoners were prompted to attend a “death march.” Prisoners who were too weak to walk were killed on the spot. While this happened, the Germans were trying to remove and erase any semblance of the camp and the crimes they’ve committed. On January 27 of the same year, Soviet soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front entered Auschwitz, and thus a mere 7,000 prisoners were finally free of the wretchedness and affliction of the camp.

Upon investigation after this discovery, the Soviet Commission investigated all of the Holocaust’s history, especially Nazi acts, and crimes done in the campground. Today, it is known that 1.1 million people died in Auschwitz, mainly consisting of Jews. Aside from the anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation, January 27 is also appointed as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Auschwitz Liberation Day timeline

1945

Prisoners Free At Last

On January 27, the gates of Auschwitz open and the prisoners are finally free from the Holocaust and the Auschwitz camp.

1979

Memorial Engraved

The Auschwitz concentration camp is renamed “Auschwitz-Birkenau” by the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2020

Anniversary Pursues

This year celebrates and commemorates the 75th anniversary of all the victims of Auschwitz.

2021

Plans To Continue

Together, the United Nations and UNESCO organizes a set of events to mark the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration camp, Auschwitz.

Auschwitz Liberation Day FAQs

When is Auschwitz Liberation Day?

In 2027, Auschwitz Liberation Day will be observed on Wednesday, January 27. This date marks a global commitment to remembrance and preventing future atrocities, reinforcing the importance of historical awareness.

How many people died in the Holocaust?

The Holocaust tragically claimed the lives of roughly six million Jews and millions more from other persecuted groups, a horrific period of genocide that underscores the dangers of hatred and intolerance.

Why is January 27 significant for Holocaust remembrance?

This date was officially chosen by the United Nations as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, symbolizing the end of the systematic extermination of Jews and other minorities, and a global commitment to ‘never again’.

What is the difference between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Auschwitz Liberation Day?

While often used interchangeably, Auschwitz Liberation Day focuses on the specific event of the camp’s liberation, which the UN recognized as the global day for Holocaust remembrance to ensure collective memory.

How to Observe Auschwitz Liberation Day

Do your research

Before understanding what this day means for so much of mankind, it is important to delve into history. Investigate and learn more about the Holocaust to truly make sense of this day. Many books and films are made to capture the essence of this event.

Share the rich history

All Holocaust survivors are at an old age, and half of these witnesses have passed away so don’t let the details die. It’s crucial that history is not forgotten and the stories of all these Jews be told to the world so this will never happen again. Take to your social media accounts and share the rich history with fellow friends and family.

Practice the teachings

This event speaks of the role of power and its victims when it comes to the Nazi Germans and German Jews. This may have happened more than half a century ago but it does not mean we forget what it teaches us about human morals and values. If you know any survivors get into contact with them, or if they’ve passed on, look them up to get more information on their struggles and how they fought to become strong and remembered individuals.

5 Interesting Facts About Auschwitz

Not only Jews were victims

Aside from Jews, around 150,000 Polish and 22,000 Romani were killed as well.

Each prisoner was given a number

Each prisoner sent to this camp had a specific individual number for counting purposes.

There were many camps inside Auschwitz

There was a rough estimate of 44 sub-camps within Auschwitz-Birkenau, being by far the largest concentration and extermination camp.

The use of Auschwitz began in 1940

The first prisoner of the camp arrived on June 14, 1940.

Belongings of those killed were left

There is a room full of shoes from 80,000 victims.

Why Auschwitz Liberation Day is Important

We learn about history

We learn about the history of World War II, specifically in the context of Germany. We discover the hard facts and truth that came about during the 1940s and onwards.

Human beings were able to reach freedom again

Auschwitz contained innocent people who were killed. It’s so important to commemorate and remember that those liberated were able to live freely after a time of cruelty and condemnation.

It reminds us of the need to take action

Every day, we face instances of injustices, crime, racism, and hate. By learning and hearing about the stories of the people who went through this inhumane time, we can empathize and be certain that nothing like this should ever happen again, may it be to a group, race, or even one person.