We’re running out of time to identify Holocaust victims and villains — and rising antisemitism makes cracking ‘cold cases’ more urgent than ever

New York Post - Apr 24th, 2025

On a research trip to Holocaust sites in Ukraine, Father Patrick Desbois met an elderly couple carrying the heavy burden of memory. The husband recounted witnessing the murder of his Jewish friend, Izrik, and Izrik's mother, Hannah, by an ethnic German during the Holocaust. These personal stories highlight the individual tragedies within the broader historical atrocity. Father Desbois emphasizes the importance of preserving these firsthand accounts as the number of surviving witnesses declines rapidly.

The story underscores the urgency of forensic investigations into Holocaust crimes, as the opportunity to gather firsthand testimonies is diminishing with the aging witness population. Yahad-In Unum, an organization led by Desbois, receives numerous requests from families seeking closure on their relatives' fates. The investigative process not only helps families but also profoundly impacts those involved in the research. The increasing levels of antisemitism and Holocaust denial, particularly following recent events, make these efforts more critical than ever, urging society to remember both the collective tragedy and individual stories.

Antisemitism Holocaust Yahad In Unum Patrick Desbois Holocaust Remembrance Holocaust Survivors Historical Testimony

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the personal and historical significance of the Holocaust, emphasizing the urgency of preserving survivor testimonies as their numbers dwindle. It presents a compelling narrative through personal anecdotes and historical context, making it both engaging and informative.

While the article is largely accurate and transparent, some claims, particularly regarding recent antisemitism levels and specific incidents, require further verification. The reliance on anecdotal evidence, while powerful, could be supplemented with more diverse sources to enhance credibility.

Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness of important issues related to Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism. It is timely, relevant, and likely to resonate with a wide audience, encouraging reflection and discussion on these critical topics.

Accuracy

The story appears to be largely accurate, particularly in its depiction of the urgency in gathering Holocaust testimonies and the challenges faced as survivors age. The claim that 70% of Jewish Holocaust survivors will die in the next decade and 90% in 15 years is consistent with demographic studies, lending credibility to the narrative. However, the reference to October 7, 2023, as the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust lacks specific details, which requires further verification.

The narrative about the elderly couple's testimony is anecdotal and difficult to verify independently, but it serves to illustrate the personal impact of the Holocaust. This anecdote is representative of many similar stories from the era, although it remains unverifiable without additional evidence.

The article's mention of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial is a recognized issue, supported by various organizations focused on Holocaust education and remembrance. Overall, while the story is compelling, it would benefit from more specific data or references to support some of its broader claims.

Balance

The article provides a focused narrative on the personal impact of the Holocaust, highlighting individual stories alongside broader historical context. It effectively balances the depiction of the Holocaust as both a collective tragedy and a series of personal atrocities.

While the article centers on the experiences of Jewish victims, it acknowledges the role of individual perpetrators and witnesses, offering a more nuanced perspective on the events. However, it could include more diverse viewpoints, such as those of historians or other experts, to provide a fuller picture of the ongoing efforts in Holocaust research and remembrance.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the personal and historical significance of the Holocaust. The use of personal stories helps to humanize the broader historical context, making the article accessible and compelling.

The structure is logical, moving from personal anecdotes to broader historical analysis and current challenges in Holocaust research. The language is clear and evocative, effectively conveying the emotional weight of the subject matter.

Source quality

The primary source of information in the article is Father Patrick Desbois, a credible figure in Holocaust research. His organization, Yahad-In Unum, is well-regarded for its work in documenting Holocaust atrocities. However, the article relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies, which, while powerful, are difficult to independently verify.

Inclusion of additional sources, such as academic studies or reports from other Holocaust research organizations, could enhance the article's credibility by providing a broader evidentiary base.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its perspective, clearly identifying Father Patrick Desbois as the author and his affiliation with Yahad-In Unum. It outlines the methodology of combining archival research with in-person investigations, which adds to its transparency.

However, the article could benefit from more explicit details about the sources of specific claims, particularly those related to current antisemitism levels and the specific incident mentioned on October 7, 2023. Providing more context or references for these claims would enhance transparency.