Auschwitz survivors in many countries who belong to the International Auschwitz Committee are welcoming the result of the presidential election in Austria, which they feel is a clear and very important signal against growing right-wing populism in Europe. But, on this election day, they especially want to express their thanks to their Austrian friend, the 89-year-old Auschwitz survivor Gertrude from Vienna, who appeared in a pre-election video that attracted great attention. Basing her words on her memories, Gertrude spoke out with passionate clarity and powerful humanity, warning against the destructive agitation and the verbal aggression of the right-wing populists.
Speaking about this, Christoph Heubner, the Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, said in Berlin:
"We are convinced that this message of tolerance, human kindness and democracy reached especially young people in Austria and contributed to the election outcome. But the words of the Austrian Auschwitz survivor will remain valid far beyond this Election Day, because they are also addressing the whole of Europe. Auschwitz survivors in other countries will take up the message of their Austrian friend and carry it into their own societies and into coming elections."
Youtube video in German:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnhPRx3FtH4
Youtube video with English subtitles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVR2QaMjVRs