Holocaust Survivors and October 7 Hostages Unite at Auschwitz in a Powerful Display of Jewish Resilience

In a poignant gathering at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site, Holocaust survivors stood alongside former IDF soldiers who had endured captivity during the October 7 attacks, symbolizing the enduring strength and unity of the Jewish people across generations.​

Among the participants was Irene Shashar, who as a child survived the horrors of Nazi-occupied Warsaw by hiding in sewer tunnels. She embraced Ori Megidish, a young soldier who was abducted by Hamas and later rescued from Gaza.Their meeting beneath the infamous “Arbeit macht frei” gate underscored a shared narrative of survival and defiance against those who sought to destroy the Jewish people.​

Wrapped in the Israeli flag, Agam Berger, another former captive, met with Holocaust survivor Gita Koifman. Koifman emphasized the significance of remembrance, stating, “There is a danger Auschwitz will be forgotten. It must never be dropped from memory. The world is cruel, and we [Jews] never know what is waiting for us.”​

The event drew approximately 8,000 visitors, including IDF representatives who paid tribute to their ancestors by searching for their names in the Hall of Names—a repository documenting millions of Holocaust victims. This act served as a bridge connecting past atrocities with present challenges, reinforcing the collective memory and identity of the Jewish nation.​

The gathering at Auschwitz, especially on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, served as a powerful testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. It highlighted the importance of memory, unity, and the unwavering commitment to ensure that the lessons of the past continue to guide and strengthen future generations.​