Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE delivers powerful warning during BNU visit

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE shared her first-hand account of the horrors of the concentration camps before the “unforgettable” moment of liberation by British forces.

Speaking to her audience at Buckinghamshire New University’s High Wycombe campus, Mala reflected on her experiences of persecution, loss and survival during the Holocaust, including her eventual liberation by British forces in 1945.

Mala, now in her 90s, described her harrowing journey from the first Nazi-established ghetto in Poland to her liberation from Bergen-Belsen. 

Her testimony served as a stark reminder of the “ultimate” horrors of the Holocaust and a plea to learn lessons to avoid repeating these horrors again.

Speaking to her audience at Buckinghamshire New University’s High Wycombe campus, Mala’s devastating testimony served as a stark reminder of the “ultimate” horrors of the Holocaust and a plea to learn lessons to avoid repeating these horrors again.

Mala described the heartbreaking loss of her parents and her eight-year-old sister Lucia, who was murdered in the Rakov forest in 1942. Despite being a child herself, Mala was forced into slave labour aged 12 – and later looked after her five-year-old cousin Ann, through the terrors of Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen.

Speaking of her liberation on 15 April 1945, Mala said: “I remember coming into consciousness on my bunk by the window and seeing people running. I was shocked they had the energy to run as I felt so depleted. I cannot describe what it meant to be treated with kindness – as human beings – by these British soldiers."

The Q&A focused on her inspiring story of survival, but mala also used the platform to advocate for the importance of learning lessons from the Holocaust to avoid repeating these horrors again.

She said: “It’s difficult to say someone should remember based on my personal experiences. But the Holocaust should never be forgotten. We need to remember to avoid repetition. The only way for us to guard against it being repeated is to act accordingly. I hope people never forget it, to prevent it from happening again.”

She added: “What happened in the past should be a lesson – to prevent it happening again.”

The event was attended by a number of local dignitaries, including the Mayor of High Wycombe and representatives from the local MP’s office.

Ze’ev Portner who organised the event said: ““We are deeply grateful to Mala Tribich for sharing her testimony with such honesty and courage. It was a profound privilege to host her at BNU. Her words are a vital lesson in resilience and a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. We were also honoured to welcome local dignitaries to this important event, reflecting the strength of community commitment to Holocaust education.”

Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational trust said: “The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages young people from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor. Mala’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing her testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where antisemitism and hatred can ultimately lead.  At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”