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Sunday, 27 November 2011

Auschwitz


During my residential trip in Krakow, Poland my college friends and I visited the concentration camp Auschwitz. First we visited Auschwitz | where we were given a really informative guided tour on the  tragedies and horrors that took place there. I was devastated to learn how many children were murdered and that an estimated 6 million people were killed during the holocaust as I was unaware of this before I went. We then proceeded to Auschwitz ||, also known as Birkenau, which we were told by our guide was built as the Nazi's wanted a bigger extermination camp to torture more victims. The camp opened on October 7th 1941, growing in size over time it had over 300 buildings and could hold unto 200,000 prisoners. The size of this camp was enormous which was absolutely heartbreaking to see. We were shown the blown up gas chambers and the memorial dedicated to so many innocent victims of the holocaust.  It was really difficult to discover what really took place in the concentration camps but i'm glad I visited Auschwitz as I think it is vital that we are educated in such a major part of history so that it is not forgotten and ignored. The trip made me very thankful for what I have today, especially my family and friends and I hope that other people can see this too. 









I found this video on youtube when I returned home from Krakow, Poland. As I was really touched from the visit to the concentration camp Auschwitz I couldn't help but research more into it. I found this particular video incredibly inspiring and touching because of Eline Hoekstra Dresden's courage and bravery. I was amazed at how she fearlessly stood up to the Nazi soldiers and how she still has the strength to tell her story to others today being as elderly as she is and for this I really admire her. I think its really important for others to hear stories like Eline's as its so honest and real and I think it's a brilliant idea of showing the youth of today how to appreciate what they have and how to value each others friendships. 


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