I hadn't realized how alive the memories of the Nazi invasion and Holocaust would be in this side of the world. We've visited some truly amazing museums that recount this time of history. I felt connected to this time in history more than ever and regretful not to have learned the stories directly from my own grandparents who lived through such horrors.
This is why in Munich we decided to visit Dachau concentration camp -- the first Nazi camp built in 1933 and the 'model' camp for all others erected around Europe. I would rather not post the pictures of this site but if you are interested in seeing them, let us know and I'll share them with you.
While some of the buildings were reconstructed, others were original structures including the crematorium and gas chamber. Standing inside such a place felt surreal -- I had to remind myself that this was not a model room in some museum...this was real. This was the final resting place of thousands and thousands of prisoners, most of which were Jews. This was a place where bodies had been piled high on top of each other with no regards for human dignity; a place built to break down the human spirit.
Above all, this site made me sad for being so young when my grandparents told their stories; too young to value their struggles for survival and to learn through them about this moment in history which pierced through me as I stood inside the Nazi gates reading Arbeit Macht Frei ("Work sets you free").
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1 comment:
I can only imagine what that experience was like.
XOXO
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