During a recent visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Oswiecim, Poland, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his deep commitment to combating the pervasive “poison” of antisemitism. This visit was particularly poignant as it occurred just before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the infamous Nazi concentration camp, which historically represents the horrifying extent of the Holocaust. Starmer’s remarks highlight the dual purpose of his trip: honoring the victims of the Holocaust while simultaneously discussing significant geopolitical matters, including UK-Poland relations in the face of contemporary threats.
Upon arriving at the solemn site, which served as a grim reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II, Prime Minister Starmer remarked on the harrowing atmosphere. He stated, “It is utterly harrowing,” after witnessing the tangible remnants of cruelty—piles of personal belongings such as hair, shoes, and suitcases that once belonged to the victims. His emotional response to the meticulously preserved evidence of history reflected a collective sorrow, as he grappled with the sheer scale of the barbarity that took place within those walls. Starmer described feeling “a sickness” and an “air of desolation,” acknowledging that the Holocaust was not just an isolated incident of violence, but a systematic, industrialized process of extermination that required the complicity of many ordinary individuals.
Accompanying him on this impactful journey was his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, who has Jewish heritage and has visited Auschwitz once before. Lady Victoria shared her own sentiments, emphasizing that the experience was as profoundly moving on her second visit as it was on her first, acknowledging the deep-seated emotional distress caused by the stark realities of Auschwitz.
During his time in Poland, Prime Minister Starmer was engaged in discussions with Polish leaders, including Donald Tusk, about forging a new defense and security treaty aimed at strengthening mutual responses to threats, particularly regarding Russian military aggression and the global challenge of human trafficking. His diplomatic efforts underscore the growing importance of alliances in ensuring regional stability and security.
Starmer’s previous engagements, especially his visit to Kyiv, where he sealed a “landmark” 100-year agreement with Ukraine, illustrate the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. His moves resonate with a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing international alliances to counteract not only military aggression but also social injustices such as antisemitism.
A particularly striking aspect of Starmer’s visit was his condemnation of the inconsistencies surrounding the rhetoric of “never again,” a phrase commonly invoked in relation to the Holocaust. He insisted that this vow must apply not just retrospectively to the Jewish persecution during World War II but also in contemporary contexts where antisemitism is on the rise. Sir Keir challenged society to reflect where the declaration of “never again” stands in light of the increasing incidents of antisemitism observed globally, particularly after the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, by Hamas.
The rise in antisemitism following the aforementioned attacks has been alarming, with organizations such as the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust documenting significant spikes in incidents targeting Jewish individuals and communities. The surge of reported antisemitic events reflects broader societal tensions exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, including the ongoing war in Gaza. Notably, the Community Security Trust, a charity focused on safeguarding the Jewish community in the UK, reported record-high incidents of antisemitism amid the fallout from the Middle Eastern conflicts.
In a significant recent development, a ceasefire and hostage release agreement has been negotiated between Israel and Hamas; the terms of which include the return of hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict. This reflective moment of solidarity within the broader geopolitical landscape intertwines with Starmer’s mission in Poland—demonstrating that while history reflects grave injustices, the commitment to fighting such sentiments and ensuring the safety of affected communities remains imperative. His visit to Auschwitz stands not only as a remembrance but also as a call to action for a more just and secure future.
