Auschwitz is a symbol for the world of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. It was established by the Germans in 1940 on the outskirts of the city of Oświęcim which, like other parts of Poland, was occupied by the German Third Reich during the Second World War. The name of the city was changed to Auschwitz and this also became the name of the camp.
From 1942, the camp became the site of the largest mass murder in the history of humankind, committed against European Jews as part of the German plan for the complete destruction of the Jewish people. The majority of the Jewish men, women, and children deported to Auschwitz were sent immediately after arrival to die in the Birkenau gas chambers.
Near the end of the war, in an effort to remove the traces of their crimes, the SS (ShutzStaffel, known as Protective Squadron) men started dismantling and destroying the gas chambers and crematoria and other buildings, as well as burninf documents. Prisoners capable of marching were ecacuated into the depths of the Reich. Those who remained behind in the camp were liberated by Red Army soldiers on January 27, 1945.
On July 2, 1947, the Polish parliment passed a law establishing a Museum on the sites of the two extent parts of the camp, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. In 1979 the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today the Museum is above all a center for education about Auschwitz, the Shoah, the Porajmos, genocide and the human rights.
The museum has been visited each year by over a million people from the entire world.
Today all Pilgrims from the Parramatta Diocese came to visit. What a moving experience it was!
Poland is absolutely beautiful, although there is no place like home :)
Will write to you all soon! I hope you're enjoying my blogs so far.
Chantal
God Bless you Chan.... You are truly an inspiration. I am praying for you each day. I am glad that you have the opportunity to experience this journey and that it is all that you hoped it would be and fulfil for you spiritually. I admire your passion towards your faith and dedication to carrying out mission work and serving Christ. I have never met anyone as true and sincere towards their faith as you.
ReplyDeleteThe children in 4B all say hello and wish you a safe and joyful journey. Our prayers are with you.
Love you
What a moving experience Chan. Very sad and heartfelt but yet very meaningful. People I know who have visited the concentration and extermination camp have said they could feel a sadness and grief come upon them as they were there as if they could feel those killed there. What a special experience.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are all truly making the most of your journey and experiencing many wonderful memories. I think more people should experience this to see first hand. The children in the philippines look so happy even though they don't have the material possessions we have here. They seem spiritually happy. I am glad you were touched by this as I know how important mission work is to you and helping others as you always do. It's beautiful people like you who want to do more and act that make a difference. God Bless you.
I am missing your beautiful smile everyday and can't wait until you are home in a week. Mark saw your mum today and she is missing you also and counting down the days haha. Keep well my love and enjoy your final days of your journey. Enjoy the festival and the celebrations as well as all of the spiritual aspects. Can't wait to hear all about the Mass and the festival celebrations. Talk soon Love Anne
What amazing and contrasting experiences you are having. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDelete