Holocaust survivor commemorates Remembrance Day in a unique way following escape from Oct. 7 attacks

Holocaust survivor Judith Tzamir, who experienced the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps, faced a new wave of trauma when Hamas fighters invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, marking the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. As Israel prepares to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, Tzamir, along with 55 other survivors, will embark on a pilgrimage to Auschwitz, the site of unspeakable atrocities committed against the Jewish people.

The March of the Living event, now in its 36th year, will see thousands of participants retracing the steps of those who perished in the Holocaust. Tzamir’s kibbutz, which repelled the Hamas attackers, will be represented by survivors and families affected by the recent violence.

For Tzamir, the attack on her kibbutz brought back memories of her childhood trauma and forced evacuation during the Second World War. Despite the upheaval and uncertainty, she remains determined to return to her home, a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the attack and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Tzamir’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance in the face of rising antisemitism. On this solemn day of reflection, her journey to Auschwitz stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.