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In the town of Oświęcim, a young Israeli woman named Hila Weisz-Gut has chosen to live under the shadow of Auschwitz, where her late grandmother was gassed. Despite living among one Jew out of 34,000 in a predominantly Polish town, Weisz-Gut says she faces skepticism and even scorn from those who don’t understand her connection to the town’s Nazi history. However, her neighbors have been supportive, often asking her questions about her past or wishing her Shabbat Shalom.
Weisz-Gut believes her presence helps preserve Jewish life in a town that was once a symbol of a thriving Jewish community before the Nazis arrived. She currently works at the Oshpitzin Jewish Museum, educating visitors about the area’s past. Her grandmother’s story haunts her deeply, especially after living close to Auschwitz and surviving strikes during the war.
The rise of antisemitism across Europe has become a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred. Monitoring groups report a 400% increase in incidents since the recent Israeli attacks, with countries like France and Germany seeing sharp rises in hate crimes. Many of these issues arise online, where hate can spread without consequences.
For Weisz-Gut, living in Oświęcim is more than just a personal choice—it’s a statement against the idea that those who tried to eliminate Jews succeeded. She remains committed to preserving Jewish life in Europe, a mission that is as relevant now as it was during the Holocaust.
This story highlights both the resilience of the Jewish community and the ongoing struggles to combat antisemitism in a rapidly changing world.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/26/europe/oswiecim-auschwitz-neighbor-antisemitism-intl/index.html