Holocaust Survivor Albert Barbouth: A Witness to History Speaks Out
Albert Barbouth, a Holocaust survivor, will be testifying before teh Senate on Monday, the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.At 91 years old, Barbouth is one of the last living witnesses to the horrors of the Holocaust, and his story is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering this dark chapter in human history.
Barbouth’s journey began in Paris in 1942,when he was just 11 years old. The Nazi occupation forced his jewish family into hiding, and his life changed forever.He remembers the chilling moment his mother sewed a Star of David onto his coat, marking him as a target. He also recalls the terror of being captured by the French police and the agonizing fear of being sent to the Drancy concentration camp, a gateway to the extermination camps of central Europe.
Barbouth’s Turkish heritage ultimately saved him.Türkiye was a neutral country during world War II, and he was repatriated to Istanbul after a harrowing nine-day train journey.
Despite the trauma he endured, Barbouth has dedicated his life to sharing his story.he travels to schools across France,speaking to young people about the dangers of intolerance and the importance of fighting against prejudice. He is the president of AFMA (Association Fons Memory The Outchwitz), an institution that organizes annual memory trips to Auschwitz for survivors and their families.
Barbouth believes that remembering the Holocaust is crucial to preventing future atrocities. He warns that the world is witnessing a resurgence of racism and antisemitism, and he urges people to be vigilant against these dangers. He emphasizes that there is only one race: the human race.
As one of the last living witnesses to the Holocaust, Barbouth’s voice is a precious and irreplaceable one. His story serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of the past and a call to action for the future. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful plea for a world where such atrocities never happen again.
holocaust survivor Albert Barbouth: A Legacy of Remembrance
Time.news Editor: Albert, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, especially on this poignant anniversary. You’ll be testifying before the Senate on Monday, the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. What message do you hope to convey to lawmakers and the public?
albert Barbouth: My message is simple: remember.We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust. As one of the last living witnesses, it is indeed my duty to share my story, to ensure that the world never again witnesses such atrocities.
Time.news Editor: Your story is truly remarkable. Could you elaborate on your experiences during the Nazi occupation?
Albert Barbouth: I was just 11 years old when Paris fell. Our lives changed overnight. We went into hiding, terrified. The moment my mother sewed a Star of David onto my coat, I knew we were marked. Being captured by the French police, facing the uncertainty of Drancy, it was a nightmare. Thankfully, my Turkish heritage offered a lifeline. Türkiye remained neutral, and after a harrowing nine-day train journey, I found myself in Istanbul.
time.news Editor: Your resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering is inspiring. You’ve dedicated your life to sharing your story. Why is this so critically important to you?
Albert Barbouth: Remembering the Holocaust is crucial. We’re seeing a resurgence of racism and antisemitism.People must learn from history, understand the dangers of intolerance.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to younger generations about combating prejudice?
Albert Barbouth: Education is key. Learn about history,understand the dangers of hate. Speak out against injustice.Remember, there’s only one race: the human race.
Time.news Editor: You’re president of AFMA, an organization that organizes trips to Auschwitz. Why is it critically important for survivors’ families and future generations to visit this site?
Albert Barbouth: Auschwitz is a stark reminder of humanity’s darkest hour.seeing it firsthand, feeling the weight of history, is essential. It’s a powerful lesson, a call to action to ensure such atrocities never happen again.
Time.news Editor: Albert, thank you for your courage, your commitment, and for sharing your story.