In recent weeks, Poland has once again heard public statements — from the very top of politics — questioning the very existence of the Holocaust. Auschwitz survivor Marian Turski once warned: Auschwitz is creeping toward us. First, we grow used to such words. Some even defend them. Then, step by step, we grow indifferent to far worse deeds. This is one of plenty of reasons why we write, film, speak, and teach — because education is not a project with an end date. It is a lifelong defense against the erosion of truth.

The Tactics of Denial

Holocaust deniers rarely admit to lying. Instead, they repeat falsehoods — the more outrageous, the better. This method shocks, attracts attention, and overwhelms opponents who cannot debunk every claim at once. Some mix lies about gas chambers with ancient antisemitic myths like the “ritual murder” libel — a fabrication nearly 800 years old, which fueled pogroms even in the 20th century, such as the pogrom in Kraków in 1945 or in Kielce in 1946. History shows these lies are never harmless: they pave the road to violence.

From Words to Violence

When falsehoods go unchallenged, others take them further. The public sphere starts to resemble a spectacle where the outrageous draws the spotlight. To some, this boldness appears as authenticity or courage. In reality, it is often cynicism dressed as conviction. And when such behavior is left without consequence, it spreads. Soon, society tolerates what was once unthinkable—and each “small step” leads closer to the cliff.

Guarding the Memory

The last witnesses of the Holocaust are leaving us. Their voices will soon live only in recordings and testimonies. We must carry them forward — not just in archives and memorials, but in active public awareness, for our children and for humanity. Holocaust education is not about the past alone; it is about now, and it is about tomorrow. As Turski urged: Do not be indifferent when you see historical lies. Do not be indifferent when any minority is targeted. This is why we tell these stories — because people made Auschwitz possible, and only people can prevent it from happening again.


Photograph is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license. Attribution: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-N0827-318 / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-N0827-318,_KZ_Auschwitz,_Ankunft_ungarischer_Juden.jpg