Holocaust Survivor Warns of Rising Extremism Amid Steady Interest in Memorials

Eva Umlauf, a Holocaust survivor and president of the International Auschwitz Committee, issued a solemn warning during the 81st anniversary commemorations of Auschwitz's liberation about the alarming rise of extremism and antisemitism in Germany. She expressed deep concerns regarding the political climate, noting disturbing chants reminiscent of Nazi propaganda at recent far-right AfD events. Umlauf emphasized the importance of defending democracy against attacks from all directions, saying the surge of extremist sentiment must be confronted.

Despite these troubling developments, interest in Holocaust memorial sites remains strong. The Dachau memorial reported a significant increase in visitation, welcoming 1,013,203 visitors in 2025 compared to over 900,000 the previous year. Other sites such as Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück also maintained consistent visitor numbers. However, several Berlin memorials, including the Topography of Terror, experienced a decline in attendance last year.

Umlauf voiced concern about whether her warnings resonate with the public amid shifting political support for far-right rhetoric. She urged attendees and society at large to recognize the threats posed by rising extremism, asserting, "We must be vigilant and actively protect democracy." The steady or rising visitation figures at many memorials suggest continued public engagement with the history of the Nazi era, even as the country grapples with modern challenges to democratic values.

Overall, the memorialization efforts remain a vital aspect of confronting Germany's past, while the survivor community calls attention to the urgent need to resist the resurgence of hate and prejudice in the present.