Black American Leaders Visit Auschwitz with Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation

A coalition of Black American leaders, brought to Poland by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF), visited historic Holocaust sites to learn about the atrocities of the Nazis and the ongoing fight against bigotry.

The delegation included philanthropist Robert F. Smith, CNN commentator and author Van Jones, actress and activist Malynda Hale, Grammy-winning singer Victory Boyd, Pastor Carl Day, and entrepreneur John Hope Bryant.

The group explored Oświęcim, once home to a thriving Jewish community, and toured Auschwitz, Kraków, and Warsaw. They engaged with AJCF Director-General Jack Simony, Holocaust survivors, and relatives of Israeli hostages.

“As antisemitism and anti-Black hatred rise, building bridges of understanding is more critical than ever,” said AJCF Chairman Simon Bergson. “The Black and Jewish communities share a history of persecution and must stand together against hatred.”

Simony highlighted the historical alliance between the communities, recalling their solidarity in the 1963 March on Washington. “We are grateful to Van Jones and the delegation for commemorating the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The lessons of the Holocaust remain a call to action for us all.”

The visit underscored AJCF’s mission to educate global leaders about the Holocaust’s enduring relevance and the need to combat intolerance in all forms.

Photo credit: Andrzej Rudiak