Procession of the Living at Auschwitz
On Tuesday, leaders from law enforcement took part in the 2026 International March for the Living at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Delegates from various countries joined thousands in a march aimed at honoring Holocaust victims and affirming their commitment to combatting contemporary hatred.
This week, approximately 130 police leaders gathered in Krakow, Poland, marking a unique initiative in response to rising anti-Semitism. The event coincided with the March of the Living, which annually attracts numerous participants to learn about Nazi concentration camps and the Holocaust through direct engagement with survivors.
Paul Goldenberg, deputy director of the Rutgers Miller Center for Policing and Community Resilience, helped organize this effort in partnership with the University of Virginia Center for Public Safety and Justice. He highlighted the significance of the trip, expressing that it symbolizes the police officers’ dedication to protecting all communities, irrespective of their backgrounds. He mentioned, “This commitment extends not just to ourselves, but to those we serve. These times are challenging, and police have a crucial role in sustaining democratic values.”
Goldenberg emphasized that the initiative encompasses education, professional growth, and remembrance. “It reminds us of our identity, the importance of our roles, and the necessity of ensuring safety for everyone,” he noted.
The three-day program featured a walking tour in Krakow’s Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, and, on Monday, a guided visit to Auschwitz. Activities included press conferences and testimonials from Holocaust survivors, culminating in the participation in the March of the Living and a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau on Tuesday.
He further explained that the Holocaust uniquely involved police in a state-sponsored agenda, underlining how the dehumanization of Jewish people and other targeted groups enabled the horrific events to occur. The objective is for attendees to return to their departments with enhanced insights, better training processes, and stronger support for hate crime victims, while recognizing the weight of their responsibilities.
There is an urgent need to act as armed forces now guard synagogues in Western nations, and specialized police units from both the United States and Canada are currently protecting Jewish centers.
Amid this rise in anti-Semitism, Abiy Talmud, Director of Jewish Community Affairs at the Israeli Embassy in the U.S., shared her own feelings of insecurity after surviving a terrorist attack in May 2025. She noted it’s increasingly challenging to feel safe in the U.S. with the recent spike in anti-Semitic incidents, prompting her to avoid certain events due to concerns over security measures.
Echoing her sentiments, Katherine Shkopf, an Israeli embassy public affairs director, shared her family history related to the Holocaust during her time at Auschwitz. “Discovering my name among those who perished is deeply unsettling,” she reflected, recalling an experience of heightened anxiety regarding potential attacks. She mentioned changing her habits to enhance awareness of her surroundings, perhaps as a response to the fear, but she insists it won’t stop her from living her life fully.
Jeanne Hengemuehle, superintendent of New Jersey State Police, emphasized the need for early engagement in addressing hate-related issues, underlying the role of law enforcement as integral parts of their communities. She expressed her humility and commitment to learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities in the future, reminding everyone that incremental changes paved the way for the Holocaust.
Law enforcement leadership must work toward fostering trust and ensuring that hate cannot flourish under their watch, as noted by Jim Skinner, sheriff of Collin County, Texas. He highlighted the significance of serving every community fairly, even amidst political divides, recognizing a fundamental duty to promote safety for all.
The recent MOU signed in Berlin initiates a cross-border collaborative effort among police organizations to enhance early warning systems and information sharing to address extremist threats effectively. This new initiative seeks to prevent the rise of hatred before it escalates.
Skinner shared his experience visiting Israel after the October 7 attacks, reflecting on the deep connections between communities and the importance of serving those who have been historically marginalized or targeted. The overarching goal remains clear: to honor the victims of the Holocaust while fostering an enduring message against hatred and violence.
