OSWIECIM, Poland — The world observed the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops on January 27, 2025, marking an important and somber occasion acknowledged as the last major event that a considerable number of Auschwitz survivors may attend. CBS News reports around 1.1 million individuals were murdered at this notorious death camp, primarily Jews, alongside an extensive catalog of other victims targeted by the brutal Nazi regime. Elderly survivors, many draped in blue-and-white striped scarves reminiscent of their time in the camp, walked solemnly to the Death Wall, a site of execution that bore witness to the tragedies of countless prisoners, including Polish resistance fighters. In a ceremony attended by Polish President Andrzej Duda, who referred to the gathering as a tragic reminder of "unimaginable pain" inflicted during the Holocaust, candles were lit and prayers were murmured in reverence. Duda expressed, “We Poles...are today the guardians of memory,” emphasizing the collective duty to remember the atrocities committed during this dark chapter of history, as reported by AP News. Among those present was Tova Friedman, an 86-year-old survivor who traveled from New Jersey to participate. She recalled her experience as a six-year-old child at the camp and warned of a resurgence of hatred and antisemitism in contemporary society, stating, “The world has become toxic.” As today's society grapples with rising tensions and xenophobia, her voice resonated with urgency and despair, according to TIME. Throughout the day, world leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s King Charles III were in attendance, confronting their nations' historical connections to these atrocities. Unique this year was the absence of formal political addresses; instead, the focus was on the survivors, underscoring their experiences and the need to uphold their stories as a reminder of humanity’s commitment to preventing future horrors. The commemorative event also highlighted global sentiments as leaders recognized their collective responsibility to combat growing antisemitism and the resurgence of hate-fueled ideologies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reflecting on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, urged unity against "evil," through a public statement before arriving in Poland to honor the memory of the Holocaust victims. As survivors age, this anniversary has taken on a poignant significance, serving as a crucial reminder to society about the importance of remembrance and vigilance against hatred. The world is called upon to not only honor those who were lost but to remain steadfast in the fight against the ideologies that led to such destruction, echoing sentiments shared in ceremonies across Europe on this day of remembrance. For more coverage of this significant day, refer to additional reports on NPR.