Holocaust Survivors Urge Action on Rising Antisemitism Amid Kristallnacht Anniversary

URGENT UPDATE: As the world marks the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht on November 9, 2023, Holocaust survivors are voicing alarm over a surge in antisemitism globally, echoing the horrors of the past. Walter Bingham, now 101 years old, recalls the chilling events of that night when Nazis devastated Jewish communities across Germany and Austria, killing at least 91 people and vandalizing over 7,500 businesses.

Bingham, alongside fellow survivors, gathered in Jerusalem to reflect on the atrocities of 1938 as recent reports show a troubling increase in antisemitic attacks, particularly following the Israel-Hamas war. “We live in an era equivalent to 1938,” Bingham stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance as synagogues burn and Jewish individuals face violence.

The Kristallnacht riots marked a pivotal moment in history, foreshadowing the Holocaust, where approximately 6 million Jews were murdered. Survivors like George Shefi, aged 94, are sharing their stories to educate younger generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Shefi recounted the terror of being a child in Berlin, witnessing the chaos of Kristallnacht and the social divisions it exacerbated.

“Younger generations aren’t responsible for the sins of their grandparents, but they must ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Shefi urged.

As antisemitic incidents rise, including attacks on Jewish symbols worldwide, the survivors’ testimonies become increasingly vital. Paul Alexander, 87, who escaped to England on a Kindertransport shortly after Kristallnacht, reflects on how these events galvanized efforts to rescue Jews from Nazi Germany. “It was because of Kristallnacht that the Jewish people in England decided they must save families,” Alexander explained.

Recent data from Tel Aviv University indicates that antisemitic attacks have surged since the onset of the Gaza conflict, with reports highlighting a significant increase in hostility. Bingham expressed concern that the Jewish community’s previous apologetic mindset has shifted. “Today, we have, thank God, the state of Israel,” he said, asserting that while antisemitism persists, a second Holocaust is unlikely due to Israel’s strength.

With approximately 200,000 Jewish Holocaust survivors remaining, the urgency of their message is critical. Survivors are calling for both education and action against rising antisemitism. “We must literally fight back,” Bingham insisted, emphasizing the importance of standing against hatred wherever it appears.

As we reflect on Kristallnacht, the testimonies of these survivors remind us of the ongoing battle against antisemitism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding human rights. The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the past and a call to action for present and future generations.