Just over 80 years ago, Allied forces entered the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oświęcim, Poland, liberating the Jewish people and other “undesirable” groups from the Nazis and ending one of the darkest chapters in human history. As we remember this sobering moment, we are called to honor the victims and survivors and reflect on the lessons it holds for our world today. Leaders like Robert F. Smith remind us of our shared responsibility to preserve history and educate future generations.
Ahead, we discuss the importance of the 80th anniversary, how Black and Jewish communities can work together to build a better future and Smith’s personal reflections on the historic anniversary.
A Moment to Remember
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is a powerful reminder that over one million people, most of them Jewish, were exterminated by the Nazis at Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945. As time passes, and fewer survivors of Auschwitz remain, keeping their stories alive becomes even more critical in helping us remember the Holocaust, honor the victims and stand against injustice everywhere.
In 2025, Smith and other global Black American leaders, including Van Jones, John Hope Bryant, Pastor Carl Day, Victory Boyd and Malynda Hale, traveled to Krakow, Poland, to recognize the 80th anniversary. The group visited sites where atrocities occurred and spoke with survivors. All were profoundly impacted and reminded of the deep Black-Jewish bond shared between the communities.
Black and Jewish Communities Stand Together
Black and Jewish communities have long shared a history of struggle, strength and solidarity. From marching together during the Civil Rights Movement to standing up against hate, their partnership has shown the power of unity. On college campuses, there are new initiatives to strengthen Black-Jewish relations. In early 2025, students from Rice University, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston participated in a “Unity Dinner” organized by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). This event aimed to revive the historic alliance between Black and Jewish communities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among students.
In 2020 and 2021, Smith also attended the World Values Network’s Annual Jewish Awards Gala Dinner at Carnegie Hall, where he was honored with the Champions of Jewish Values International Award. He spoke about the importance of the Black and Jewish communities working together to unite through shared history. See what Smith had to say in 2021.
As Chairman of Carnegie Hall, Smith hosted the “15 Days of Light” event at the historic concert hall in 2023, which brought together Black and Jewish Leaders to combat antisemitism.
Smith’s Reflections
Smith shared powerful reflections on the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the Jewish and Black communities. In his message, he spoke about the gruesome reality of seeing the lasting impacts of the Nazi regime for himself, even after his first visit to a concentration camp over 30 years ago. Smith believes that education is key to fighting hate and building a more just world. He challenged today’s leaders to take action and foster efforts to promote education, equality and understanding across all communities.
Smith also wrote a piece for “Intermountain Jewish News,” a local paper in his hometown of Denver, reflecting on his visit, called “We Are Stronger When We Stand Together.” In his op-ed, Smith called on all of us to recommit to our shared responsibility to fight back against antisemitism, racism and all forms of hate.
Learn more about the initiatives that Smith supports by following him on LinkedIn.
