80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz

On January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a memorial ceremony was held outside the gates of the extermination camp.

Together with the Norwegian eyewitness Chana Arberman and representatives from the White Buses and Active Peace Journeys, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre participated in the memorial ceremony. 772 Norwegian Jews were deported from Norway. Only 34 returned home alive.

The event gathered survivors, representatives from several nations, and other invited guests to honor the memory of the victims and emphasize the importance of preserving history.

The ceremony was held in front of the large railway gate that led into Auschwitz. Photo: Heiko Junge, NTB
The ceremony took place in front of the "Gate of Death," the well-known railway gate in Auschwitz that led the trains and their passengers directly into the camp. From the podium, several survivors shared their testimonies about the tragedies that unfolded, emphasizing the importance of carrying forward the message of peace, reconciliation, and the fight against antisemitism and racism.

The commemoration concluded with the approximately 50 survivors placing lit candles in front of a solitary, empty railway carriage – a powerful symbol of the countless lives lost after being transported through the gates of Auschwitz. Crown Prince Haakon and representatives from over 60 countries took part in this symbolic act to honor the victims and show their solidarity.

Before the official memorial ceremony, the Norwegian delegation met for lunch. Chana Arberman (97) was born in Poland and came to Norway after the war. Photo: Heiko Junge, NTB
The White Buses and Active Peace Journeys have, over several years, worked to provide young people with knowledge about the Holocaust and World War II, with the aim of promoting tolerance and preventing racism. Through educational trips to places like Auschwitz, they create important spaces for reflection and learning, helping to keep the history alive for new generations.