Mr Marian TURSKI, One of the Last Auschwitz Survivors and a Friend of Natolin, Dies at 98

With deep sorrow, the Natolin Community bids farewell to Mr Marian TURSKI (1926–2025), a Holocaust survivor, historian, journalist, one of the last living witnesses of the horrors of Auschwitz, an unwavering guardian of memory, and a Friend of Natolin.

Mr TURSKI met with four generations of our students in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023, generously sharing his extraordinary life experience, strength, charisma, and wisdom. Answering one of the questions Mr TURSKI reminded his listeners at Natolin:

"If you manage to build a world without dictatorship, populist movements, disrespect for human rights and democracy, you will honour those who perished" [in Auschwitz].

Deported to Auschwitz as a teenager in 1944, he survived the horrors of the Holocaust and dedicated his life to preserving its memory. As the longtime head of the historical section at the Polityka weekly and a guiding voice at the POLIN Museum of History of Polish Jews, as well as the International Auschwitz Council, he tirelessly fought against hatred and indifference. His famous warning "Auschwitz did not fall from the sky" remains a powerful call to vigilance.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and we are grateful for the privilege of listening to his testimony. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Natolinians to come. We shall follow the 11th Commandment that he popularised: "Do not be indifferent!".

May his memory be a blessing.