Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

In light of a recent post about the Budapest shoes memorial I thought I would share some images that I took recently when my wife and I visited the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Warning, some of the images might be disturbing to some. While I was familiar of what happened here I was taken aback by many of the things I didn't realize. We had a very knowledgeable Polish guide escorting us through the different sites. One of the appalling and horrible things I learned was how the "Killing Machine", responsible for taking the lives of so many people, evolved into a well oiled business venture bent on maximizing profits for the German war machine. From the early stages where bullets were used, to the roving carbon-monoxide converted trucks, to the early inefficient gas-chambers to finally a cost-saving method of burning the bodies efficiently and saving coal. Nothing belonging to the murdered prisoners was spared,even the hair shaved from their heads was bundled in Kg bags and sold for profit. The hair was used for making a burlap textured fabric. I could go on, but I don't think it's really necessary. All of the pictures I took were processed to Black & White because there was nothing colorful about the visit or the experience that will stay with me.

Entrance to the camp. The words mean, " Work will set you Free"




Courtyard and women's barracks. Women who were no longer able to work were sent here to die or to be gassed. Take note of the watermark on the building


Inside the women's barracks. 3 tiered bunks where 4-5 women per level slept. Ater heavy rains, the women on the bottom level would be sleeping in water.


Gas chamber. Zyklon B gas would be dropped down from a hole in the ceiling.


Zyklon B Gas canister


crematorium

angler Loc: StHelens England

A very sad reminder of the Nazi cruelty to innocent women,children and men.Excellent shots

ledoux Loc: New Orleans

Very sobering. Thank you for sharing these important images.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

My grandmother’s sister and her family were all but killed there one son hid and escaped and got to Israel.
We should never forget what happened there, what humans are capable of doing. Thank God America gave my grandparents a home. And make no mistake our whole family have given back to this country. In my family there are,teachers, professors, cutting edge research scientists, businessman etc. This should remind us not to turn our backs on people looking for a safe place to live and work. We are a nation of immigrants. Lastly we should not compare people to Hitler so glibly.
Thank you for these photos. I don’t think I could go there.

kschwegl Loc: Orangeburg, NY

Holocaust deniers need to see this place. How can some people believe it never took place?

Ken S.

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

Pray we never forget!

Largobob

Ken,

Some people will not believe the facts, no matter how much evidence is available. Some people still believe that the moon landing was a hoax staged on a movie set; that the Clintons are not corrupt; and that Socialism is the best route for our country to take.

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

As a kid I used to wonder why there weren't any uncles, aunts, cousins - any relatives in my mother's family. Finally in school I learned about the holocaust. I still get chills, even writing this.

'

berchman Loc: South Central PA

You didn't mention the deliberate attempt to humiliate people by the toilet facilities. Here is a photo of the toilet that one had just a minute or so to complete and no way to wash. Used by hundreds.

(Download)

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

If you are ever in Washington DC I strongly recommend a visit to the Holocaust Museum. I have never been so moved by my experience there. Your images bring back the memory. Thanks for sharing.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

We have been to the museum in DC. While DC was in fact moving, in my opinion, it doesn't come close to actually being in a facility/bldg etc where people were exterminated,experimented on, starved to death,tortued, etc. For me visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau was experiencing a sober mood I really can't put into words.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

I'm certain you are right. I really meant for those who are more likely to travel to DC as opposed to Poland.

debbie wrazen Loc: Western New York

Excellent series. Some of us may never visit the site so your photos are enlightening. Amnesty International is an association that began after WWII. It's a world 'watchdog' and has received Nobel recognition for its efforts to alert the rest of the world about inhuman treatment of its citizens. Thanks for sharing.

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

And you are right as well, the museum in DC is a must see if you are visiting Washington.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

The photos are very humbling, thank you for sharing.

Too bad that this poster had to bring political opinions to this forum.