Holocaust Survivors Commemorate Kristallnacht’s Legacy Amid Rising Antisemitism

On November 9, 2025, survivors of the Holocaust gathered in Jerusalem to commemorate the 87th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a pivotal moment in history that marked the escalation of Nazi persecution against Jews in Germany and Austria. This somber remembrance occurs at a time when antisemitism is surging globally, exacerbated by recent conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war.

Walter Bingham, now 101 years old, recalls vividly the events of Kristallnacht, known as the “Night of Broken Glass.” As a 14-year-old boy, he witnessed the Nazis’ violent assaults on Jewish businesses and synagogues, which resulted in the deaths of at least 91 people and the destruction of over 7,500 storefronts and more than 1,400 places of worship. According to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, the repercussions included the arrest of approximately 30,000 Jewish men, many of whom were sent to concentration camps.

Reflecting on the current climate, Bingham expressed concerns about rising antisemitism, stating, “We live in an era equivalent to 1938, where synagogues are burned, and people in the street are attacked.” Recent incidents worldwide—targeting Jewish symbols and communities—add to these worries, highlighting the alarming resurgence of hate.

Sharing Personal Histories

During an interview at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, Bingham, along with fellow survivors George Shefi and Paul Alexander, shared their harrowing memories of the aftermath of Kristallnacht. The Great Synagogue, notable for its ornate stained-glass windows, symbolizes resilience in the face of historical atrocities.

Bingham’s recollections are sharp; he describes the sight of his local synagogue reduced to ashes the morning after the riots. “I watched as firefighters let the synagogue burn while dousing neighboring properties,” he remembered. Shortly thereafter, he was sent on a Kindertransport to England, part of a British initiative that rescued nearly 10,000 children from Nazi-occupied territories.

Shefi, now 94, also experienced the chaos of Kristallnacht firsthand. He recounted being confined to his home for three days as a second grader, only to emerge and find intimidation in the streets, where crowds harassed those cleaning the debris from Jewish businesses. Like Bingham, he traveled alone to England on a Kindertransport, losing his mother to Auschwitz.

Alexander, 87, was only an infant during Kristallnacht but was sent on a Kindertransport shortly after. He emphasized the urgency that Kristallnacht created for Jewish families in England, saying, “It was because of Kristallnacht that the Jewish people in England decided that they must save Jews… and get them out as quickly as possible.”

Confronting Antisemitism Today

The survivors’ reflections come amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly since the onset of the conflict in Gaza. A report from Tel Aviv University noted a significant spike in antisemitic attacks, although there was a slight decline compared to the immediate aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel.

Bingham and his fellow survivors are concerned about the parallels between the past and present. He remarked, “In those days, the Jewish mentality was apologetic. Today, we have, thank God, the state of Israel, a very strong state.” He expressed confidence that while antisemitism is on the rise, a repeat of the Holocaust is unlikely due to Israel’s existence and strength.

The survivors emphasized the importance of education in combating intolerance. Bingham stated, “What we have to do… in addition to education, is to actually, literally, fight.” He believes that witnessing and confronting antisemitism is crucial in ensuring that history does not repeat itself.

As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, with approximately 200,000 remaining and 70% expected to pass away in the next decade, their testimonies become even more vital. Sharing their experiences with younger generations provides a powerful reminder of the consequences of hatred and the importance of vigilance against intolerance.

In the face of rising antisemitism, these survivors continue to advocate for awareness and education, underscoring their belief that the lessons of history must inform the actions of today’s society.