The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of history’s most harrowing reminders of humanity’s capacity for evil, brought together global leaders, Holocaust survivors, and media from around the world. Held on 27 January, the commemoration marked what is likely to be the final major anniversary attended by significant numbers of survivors, most of whom are now in their late 80s and 90s.
More than 900 media representatives from 78 television networks covered the event at the site of the Nazi death camp in Poland. The ceremony featured emotional testimonies from survivors, drawing attention to the enduring importance of Holocaust education and remembrance in a world where antisemitism continues to rise.
However, the absence of Australia’s public broadcasters, ABC and SBS, from the event sparked widespread criticism from Holocaust survivors, Jewish leaders, and community advocates. Critics argued that the national broadcaster missed an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to combating antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Holocaust.
Responding to the backlash, an ABC spokesperson defended the organisation’s approach, stating, “The ABC has been extensively covering the Auschwitz anniversary across all our platforms, including airing the commemorative events in Poland and telling the stories of survivors and their families here in Australia. Coverage includes the live broadcast of the special Commemorative Service from Poland, special content on the ABC website and app, ABC NEWS Channel, NewsRadio, Radio National, ABC Listen and Local Radio, and coverage on AM, Radio National Breakfast, News Breakfast, Afternoon Briefing, the 7pm News, and 7.30.”
An SBS spokesperson added: “SBS’s in-depth coverage over the past few days has included feature stories on SBS World News, SBS News and SBS Audio focused on commemorative events in Poland, first-hand accounts of survivors and their families in Australia, and related current events in Australia. Reaching audiences across television, online and podcast formats, we’ve also published original content in languages other than English, including Arabic, French, German, Italian, Polish and Russian. SBS On Demand is featuring the documentary series ‘Auschwitz: Countdown to Liberation’.”
Despite this, Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas, who spent two years imprisoned at Bergen-Belsen as a child, called the ABC’s decision not to send journalists to the commemoration “a disgrace”. Speaking to SkyNews.com.au, Boas said, “Every major news source around the world has sent representatives to this important commemoration. The fact that the ABC hasn’t is deeply disappointing, especially during a time of heightened antisemitism in Australia.”
Boas, who arrived in Australia in 1954 after surviving the Holocaust, expressed frustration with the broadcaster, saying, “They rarely give voice to people like me or to those who support Israel. It’s about time they invited a pro-Israel person on their programmes to discuss these matters.”
The Auschwitz commemoration was attended by global dignitaries, including King Charles III, Prince William, Kate Middleton and European royals, alongside 56 Holocaust survivors. Pawel Sawicki, communications director for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, called the event the largest in the museum’s history. “This is the last round-numbered anniversary which will have a visible presence of survivors,” Sawicki said. “It’s vital that the world listens to their voices while we still can.”
Despite the ABC’s assurances about its coverage, critics like Boas maintain that the broadcaster missed an important opportunity to demonstrate solidarity and commitment. “Antisemitism is on the rise, and the ABC should be leading the way in educating Australians about the Holocaust,” he said. “Their absence at such a significant event reflects poorly on their priorities.”