Amblog - A (photo)blog through Europe

Natzwiller-Struthof, 3/02/2012:

At the bottom of the hill, we went inside the prison and the crematorium. By this time, I could no longer feel my toes and thought almost constantly about the cold. It really brought it home that simply being in the camp was torture, without even taking into account the constant harassment by the guards and lack of food.

The first photograph shows the outside of the crematorium, distinctly marked by its tall chimney. Natzweiller-Struthof was the smallest central concentration camp and thus only had one oven. Larger camps, like Auschwitz, which I will visit in May, had four crematoria, each with multiple ovens. Most disturbingly, at least for me, was the fact that the oven also warmed the water for the showers, where the prisoners were subject to the guards’ tricks: the water was either too hot or too cold.

The second photograph shows the inside of the crematorium and the bouquet that we brought in remembrance of those who died. I took this picture just as I was leaving the building. When I first entered, I immediately stood to myself and recited the Mourner’s Kaddish as a way of honoring and remembering all those who perished, regardless of religion. I also tried (mostly successfully) not to cry.

The final photograph is of the gas chamber a short distance from the main camp. It is one of the only preserved gas chambers and was also the site of many human experiments. Most disturbingly, the building across the street (not pictured) is a hotel. It was a hotel before the war, used as lodging for the Nazi officers, and then, eventually, converted back to a hotel. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to stay there after learning its history.

The other thing that continues to strike me throughout my time in Germany is the after affects of World War II. In the United States, or at least, in my school districts, we learned about World War II was a terrible thing that we defeated and then it was over. In Germany (and all of Europe), this was not the case. Yes, the war was done, but the ripples extended into almost every part of society.

The doctors who experimented on prisoners at Natzweiller-Struthof were imprisoned, but only until 1955, when Germany joined NATO. They were then released and continued to practice medicine (in peace) until they died in the early 1970s. 

Many (but not all) of the high-ranking Nazi officials were put on trial and imprisoned, but most low-ranking members, including the prison guards, went back to their everyday lives and their families. It was shocking to me that so many people who personally committed such terrible acts could simply walk free, even though I know that it is not physically possible to imprison everyone who participated.

As you can see, I have not finished processing my experience visiting Natzweiller-Struthof. I have not decided how I feel about certain aspects of the camp and the war (and its aftermath). I may continue to write on this topic in the future, even after we have moved onto other activities, since it is still very much relevant to everyday life in Germany and my life as a Jew.