Lessons from Auschwitz Ambassador

On the 1st of March, I travelled to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, as a part of the Lessons from Auschwitz programme. My Great Grandmother often shared stories and memories of her time during the war and as sixth form student studying A level history, I felt really strongly that when an opportunity arose to apply to become an ambassador for the Lessons from Auschwitz programme, I had a moral obligation to apply. 

I wanted to find out more and also ensure I share knowledge with others, so the world does not forget the terrible things that occurred. I was selected as one of two students to go to Poland and visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as the surrounding city of Oświęcim (Auschwitz in German). 

Growing up I remember vividly, being told of the impact that the Holocaust had not just on my family, but the Jewish population as a whole, consequently causing this programme to be one that I feel passionately about. The programme aims to humanise both the victims and collaborators of the Holocaust, as a way to truly understand the events that took place. The organisation itself defines the Holocaust as the murder of approximately six million Jewish men, women and children by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War.

Prior to the trip, I had a series of webinars and online modules, that generated an understanding of what life was like for the Jewish population before the war. During this, I looked at various case studies of families, across Europe, whose lives were ripped apart at the hands of the Nazi regime. One story, in particular that stood out to me, was that of Berta Rosenhein, who was only sixteen when the war started. As someone who is only a year or so older than this, it really hit home, how horrific the events were that Jews were subject to, even by those so young.

I left the from Stanstead airport very early on the 1st of March, slightly nervous of what the day would bring, but also honoured to be attending. It was a cold day, and as we got closer to Auschwitz, I recall the goose bumps on my arms and contemplating how must my ancestors felt when they were under force being taken to the concentration camp. Many of the people being taken to concentration camps, would have had no idea at what horrors they would be faced with, but were under the belief that they would be starting a new life. This was seen by the number of pictures and belongings that still remain at Auschwitz, after they were seized by the Nazis upon arrival to the camp. These have now been made into a memorial, that acts as a very visual reminder of the sheer number of people affected, but most importantly ensuring they are viewed in a much more personal manner. This was something that the programme, weighed heavily on, as it is so important to not forget that even though six million people is lot, individually each of them should never be forgotten.

My experience was carefully organised, with time for reflection, historical knowledge to be shared and quiet time to consider what our ancestors experienced. I have read a lot in history about the Holocaust, but there were some moments that really emotionally hit me and cannot be truly understood through literature. In particular the Book of Names, was incredibly moving, as the sheer size of it, once again emphasised the number of people whose lives were taken. For me, one of the things that will always stick with me, is that these are all the names that have been able to be gathered, with many remaining unknown.

At the memorial, the Rabbi who came on the trip said Kaddish and blew the Shofar, which was something I felt very proud and grateful to be a part of. Following this, we went outside and lit candles, next to some plaques to recognise the different languages spoken by the people held at the camp. This area looked out onto the area that had been used as a station within the camp, ultimately leading many to the last few moments of their lives. It was here that the Rabbi told us, of the way in which many were able to maintain their faith throughout their time at the camp, and the ways people managed to smuggle Torahs in with them. People would give up the small amounts of food they were given, in order to spend just a few brief moments with the Torah, something that makes me very proud to look back on. 

Above all, this opportunity brought to light the atrocities experienced by so many, and therefore how important kindness and acceptance is to society. Even today, there are countries around the world, in which persecution against minority groups is still prevalent, and I feel it is crucial to learn about the Holocaust in order to prevent these from continuing.