Auschwitz 70 Years On

Seventy years ago, on January 27th, 1945, the Soviet army liberated the Auschwitz network of concentration camps. Survivors and dignitaries gathered at the site in Poland, preserved as a museum since 1947, to mark the anniversary. About 300 camp survivors attended, shown here on their way to light candles at Birkenau. Since they are elderly, this is believed to be the last major commenoration attendance for most of them.

A huge, white temporary building has been erected over the brick railway buildings where many of the Jews of Europe were sorted into those who were fit enough for slave labour and those who would be taken straight to the gas chambers.

Candles have been lit at the Death Wall where prisoners were executed - small points of light in this wintry landscape of snow and ice, where Europe is remembering a time of darkness.

You can read about the ceremonies and see pictures of anniversary commemorations from other parts of Europe as well, at BBC News.


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