Holocaust survivor reflects on history with a new perspective after Oct. 7 tragedy

KIBBUTZ MEFALSIM, Israel (AP) — The recent invasion of southern Israel by Hamas fighters on Oct. 7 has left a lasting impact on Holocaust survivors and Jews around the world as they prepare to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, beginning on Sunday evening in Israel.

One survivor, Judith Tzamir, a German native who moved to Israel in 1964, has decided to mark the solemn holiday by visiting Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp in Poland. Tzamir, who survived the Hamas attack on her kibbutz, will join 55 other survivors and thousands of participants in the March of the Living, a memorial march from Auschwitz to Birkenau.

The event, now in its 36th year, holds special significance this year as it includes Israeli hostages recently released from Gaza and families of those still held captive. Tzamir, who had previously declined invitations to visit Auschwitz, emphasized the importance of remembering the ongoing presence of antisemitism and religious-based violence.

The attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 resulted in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of 250 others. This led to an Israeli invasion of Gaza, where the death toll has risen to over 34,500 people, sparking accusations of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice.

Despite the trauma and displacement caused by the attack, Tzamir remains determined to return to her kibbutz, Mefalsim, near the Gaza border. As one of approximately 2,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel affected by the conflict, Tzamir’s resilience and commitment to her home serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.