The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has hailed the first visit by Pope Francis to the death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, to pay tribute to the more than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, who perished there. The Pope also met with twelve Holocaust survivors and led a silent prayer service together with over 1,000 survivors. In the camp’s guestbook, Pope Francis signed his name and wrote: “Lord, have mercy on your people! Lord, forgiveness for so much cruelty!”
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“This historic visit by the spiritual leader of the world’s Catholics is enormously important, and in many ways, is a repudiation of Holocaust denial and the scourge of modern anti-Semitism which is rippling and spreading like a cancer throughout the world. Standing at the world’s largest Jewish cemetery and paying his respect to the victims, Pope Francis reminded the world, once again, about the vicious Jewish-hatred that resulted in the extermination of 1.5 million Jews in this death camp and about the dangers of inaction in the face of evil. Moreover, by meeting with the survivors, Pope Francis reaffirmed the importance of these living witnesses and heroic souls. We heartily agree with Poland’s Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich who said, “It is important that everyone goes to Auschwitz to reflect on what happened there. It is the worst place in the world and the pope, the world’s most powerful religious leader, sets an example for humanity.” Since his election, Pope Francis has adopted an unequivocal and unflinching stance against anti-Semitism and has regularly spoken out about the dangers of religious intolerance and hatred. This visit will further reinforce the strong bond of friendship that the Church, Israel and the Jewish people have enjoyed, and which underscores the vigorous role Pope Francis has played in improving Jewish-Catholic relations.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677