Yisrael Abelesz shared his chilling Auschwitz story with MPs ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, honoring the lives lost during this dark chapter in history.
London: Survivor Yisrael Abelesz moved everyone at a recent Parliamentary event. He spoke about his time in Auschwitz, just before Holocaust Memorial Day.
This day remembers the six million Jews who lost their lives during World War II. It also marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a site of unimaginable horror.
Yisrael, now 96, shared his story of being just 14 when he arrived at the camp. He recalled meeting Dr. Josef Mengele, the infamous SS commander, at what he called “the gates of hell.”
Mengele asked him how old he was. Yisrael replied, “I’m 14, it was just my birthday.” Mengele’s response seemed innocent but was chilling. He sent Yisrael to the side that meant he could live a little longer.
Sadly, he didn’t know that he would never see his parents or younger brother again. The tattoo on his arm is a constant reminder of the horrors he faced.
His family, including his mother and younger brother, were sent to the gas chamber. It’s a heartbreaking part of his story that he shared with the shaken MPs.
The event was led by Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who stood before visibly moved members of Parliament. Auschwitz-Birkenau was a key site in the Nazis’ horrific plan to exterminate European Jews.
Over 1.1 million people, including Jews and others, suffered and died there before the camp was liberated on January 27, 1945. Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us of this dark history and honors victims of other genocides too.
This day has been observed in the UK since 2001, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for remembrance and reflection.
