A survivor of one of history’s darkest chapters has shared her powerful story with a new generation.

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE delivered a deeply moving talk at Buckinghamshire New University’s High Wycombe campus, recounting her experiences of persecution, loss, and survival during the Holocaust.

Now in her 90s, Ms Tribich described her journey from the first Nazi-established ghetto in Poland to the concentration camps, where she was eventually liberated from Bergen-Belsen by British forces in April 1945.

Mala Tribich 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."

Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE gives talk at Buckinghamshire New UniversityHolocaust survivor Mala Tribich MBE gives talk at Buckinghamshire New University (Image: BNU)

She was just 12 when forced into slave labour and spent much of her time caring for her five-year-old cousin Ann as they endured the horrors of Ravensbrück and Bergen-Belsen.

Ms Tribich lost her parents and her eight-year-old sister Lucia, who was murdered in the Rakov forest in 1942.

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.

"What happened in the past should be a lesson – to prevent it happening again."

A Q&A session followed her talk, where she continued to stress the importance of Holocaust education as a means of preventing future atrocities.

The event was attended by 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."

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "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."