Interesting history regarding the concentration camp at Dachau. It didn't start out as a Jewish camp but one for political prisoners. It was eventually used for financial gains and needed cheap labor which led in great part to the use of the Jews for that with little thought to anything but working them to death. Actually, Dachau didn't have a majority of Jews 'in residence' from what I understand. Needless to say, however, it was a sobering experience to walk through the halls with the tortue rooms, stand in the gas chambers, and view where they burned the bodies.
We had an excellent British guide for Dachau. He was good at his subject, sensitive to the subject, but seemed matter of fact. However, he took our group to two other places near Dachau that seldom has visitors and many people do not even know exists. One place is a mass grave for 4,000 Russians murdered towards the end of the war. Believe me, you get a whole new perspective on war and its byproducts when you stand in front of the wall where the Russians were systematically shot down and see the bullet holes. There is a memorial set up there and it is a quiet, peaceful place. The beautiful meadows certainly don't recall the horror that took place there one time. Our guide was visibly moved and just seemed to want us to understand. The next off the beaten path visit was to another mass grave of Italians. I believe there are something like 7,000 buried there. Another memorial is on the property which is maintained by the Italian government. Again, you don't want to make an unnecessary sound in respect of what you are feeling here. Everyone sees Dachau but few get a chance to visit these places.
No comments:
Post a Comment