Do Now Take out the HW due today: Ghetto worksheet Using the photo, describe life in the ghetto. Share your responses with your group. I n y o u r D O N O W s e c t i o n , r e s p o n d : W h a t t y p e s o f q u e s t i o n s w o u l d y o u w a n t a n s w e r e d f r o m M a r i o n L a z a n , t h e H o l o c a u s t s u r v i v o r w h o i s c o m i n g t o s p e a k t o m o r r o w ?

The Final Solution The Nazis frequently used indirect language to disguise the true nature of their crimes. They used the term “Final Solution” to refer to their plan to murder all of the Jewish people in Europe. By 1941 the Nazis had begun to start the “Final Solution.” Wannsee Conference- purpose was to was to ensure the cooperation of administrative leaders of various government departments in the implementation of the final solution to the Jewish question, whereby most of the Jews of German-occupied Europe would be deported to Poland and exterminated

Concentration Camps A concentration camp was a guarded prison camp in which nonmilitary prisoners are held under brutal conditions and usually murdered.

By 1941 the Nazis had begun to start what they called the “Final Solution.” Although many non-Jews died at the hands of the Nazis and in concentration camps, no other single group besides the Jews was targeted. These facilities were called “concentration camps” because those imprisoned there were physically “concentrated” in one location.

These camps were much harsher than the ghettos: families were separated, prisoners were forced to do hard labor, little food was provided, sleeping quarters were severely overcrowded. The German authorities took all the personal belongings of the Jews, including their clothing, and collected them for use or sale. Many of the strong men and women were forced to do physical work for the Nazis; which helped Germany’s war against America and Britain. It was very common for prisoners to be hurt, tortured, and killed.

The prisoners were all of the groups the Nazis had targeted: Entire Jewish population Some Polish groups Some Russian groups Many other groups of people who had different political, religious, etc., backgrounds Those who went against the Nazis

Hundreds of thousands of people were involved in helping with the “Final Solution.” The main leaders were from the Nazi Party, but it is important to know that there were also soldiers from the regular German army and German police forces that took part in the torture and killing of prisoners at concentration camps.

They were not showers, but in fact rooms in which the Nazis would poison them with gas. The bodies would then be burned in order to hide what had happened. Other prisoners were shot to death and buried in large grave sites. When prisoners would arrive at the concentration camps, men suitable to do work would be separated from the women and children. Most of the individuals who were sent to the camps were immediately sent to the “showers.”

It is important to realize that this happened to people. Everyday people like you and me. They were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers; young and old; teachers, students, doctors, scientists. They were artists, musicians, and poets.

Discussion What was the ultimate purpose of the concentration camps? To accomplish the “final solution,” which was the elimination of all Jews in Europe.

Testimony As you watch Mr. Ellis Lewin talk about his experience in the concentration camps, respond to the questions below. 1. What are some of the sounds Mr. Lewin hears when he arrives at the camp? 2. How does he describe the pace at which things moved when the train got to Auschwitz? 3. Why does he think the Germans moved things at such a rapid pace? 4. Why didn’t his father want him to hang on to him?

Testimony 1. What are some of the sounds Mr. Lewin hears when he arrives at the camp? Beatings, screaming, barking of dogs, train whistles, commands 2. How does he describe the pace at which things moved when the train got to Auschwitz? Done by design, minute-to-minute situation 3. Why does he think the Germans moved things at such a rapid pace? It was done so fast so that the person would not be able to think or understand what was happening 4. Why didn’t his father want him to hang on to him? His father didn’t want him to seem like his child; there was a better chance of surviving if you were alone.

THINGS I LEARNED