THE HOLOCAUST and NIGHT by Elie Wiesel

1993 Roper Poll On April 19, 1993, the American Jewish Committee released the latest survey on Americans' knowledge of the Holocaust. The poll was taken by the Roper organization which interviewed 993 adults and 506 high school students. More than 1 in 5 Americans said it is possible the Holocaust never happened. 65% of adults and 71% of high school students could not recognize the correct number of Jewish people killed in the Holocaust. 38% of adults and 51% of high school students could not identify Auschwitz, Dachau, and Treblinka as concentration camps. 22% of adults and 20% of high school students said it seems possible that the Nazi extermination of Jews never happened.

Jews Murdered in European Countries During the Holocaust Austria40,00020% Belguim40,00067% Czechoslovakia315,00088% Denmark1302% Estonia1,50033% France90,00030% Germany170,00032% Greece60,00080% Hungary200,00050% Italy8,00016% Latvia80,00084% Lithuania217,00097% Luxembourg70023% Netherlands105,00075% Poland2,850,00088% Romania425,00050% Soviet Union1,252,00044% Yugoslavia60,00080% Country Number of Jews Murdered Percentage of the Jewish Population They Made Up

“I Cry” I cry for all those who suffered during the Holocaust. I cry for all of the innocent children who died in the gas chambers. I cry for the mothers who saw their babies dying in the arms of strangers. I cry for the husbands separated from their wives, and fathers separated from their children. I cry for those left to die under a pile of corpses. I cry because in the battle between love and survival, love lost. I cry because no one cared. I cry for those who died of starvation, disease, and lack of hope. I cry because life no longer had any meaning. I cry for those who gave up themselves, their family, and the world. I cry for those who no longer believed there was God above. I cry because people want to forget the Holocaust ever existed. I cry because it did.

Diamonds on the Snow by Inge Auerbacher Winter had come; the earth lay frozen, To be in Terezin, we had not chosen. Snow covered up blight with a veil, Bad times for hardy; worse for the frail. Mama had gotten some valuable jewels, Endangered her life by breaking the rules. She entered the cellars during camp's curfew, A certain death sentence, if anyone knew. Oh, what great wealth and secret we kept, While on those precious diamonds we slept. Rumors abounded of our block's inspection, We must conceal them before their detection. In the rubbish Papa found an old suitcase, There wasn't one minute to waste in this race. His ingenuity produced a master plan, A spot under rag heap that no one would scan. He threw them all into the cavernous box, To keep them safe, despite broken locks.

He peered out the door - the time was right - And ran with the treasure through the night. One must not hesitate, be fearful, or stall, Running on icy snow soon made him fall. The suitcase opened, its contents all around, Cushioned by the snow, not making a sound. They lay like gems in a store on display, Their contrasting hue made them easy prey. Papa carefully picked up everyone one, In a few minutes, his job would be done. Placing the valuables in the chosen spot, A deserted place that everyone forgot. Nervously, we awaited Papa's quick return, His safety our chief worry and concern. The door opened, his mission a success, Next day's search would bring much distress. In a few days the coast was clear, We would again have our valuables near. Each and every "diamond" on the snow, To us a treasure - a precious potato.