[Kate!]

Today is the Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Not that it's cause for celebration obviously, one of the most terrible events in History, thought I'd acknowledge it.

[Niamh.]

No not a celebration but it should definitely be remembered . RIP to all those who lost their lives and suffered

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by *Kate*

Today is the anniversary of The Holocaust.

Not that it's cause for celebration obviously, one of the most terrible events in History.

No it is International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Holocaust is the Jewish genocide during the 2nd world war, there is no date anniversary as such.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Catweazel

No it is International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Holocaust is the Jewish genocide during the 2nd world war, there is no date anniversary as such.

I'm sure that's what she meant........

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

I'm sure that's what she meant........

Its important when dealing with serious historical events that accuracy always is to the fore.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Catweazel

Its important when dealing with serious historical events that accuracy always is to the fore.

Super

[Kate!]

Originally Posted by Catweazel

Its important when dealing with serious historical events that accuracy always is to the fore.

OP amended.

Never Forget.

[Z]

Did you know it's compulsory for all German school children to go visit a concentration camp at least once in their time at school? It's a shame it's not more realistic for all school children in Europe to go see one... I went to see Sachsenhausen in Oranienburg just outside of Berlin back in 2012, I wouldn't say it was an enjoyable experience because it left me feeling very empty and a bit overwhelmed for the rest of the day but it was certainly worthwhile and the most memorable part of that trip to Berlin, despite everything I'd ever heard about the Holocaust, nothing makes it sink in like going to see a concentration camp. You're standing there and you realise that this really happened, where you are standing, hundreds of thousands of people were slaughtered. Just awful... I didn't cry, surprisingly, I thought I would - it was actually much worse than that, I just didn't feel happy again for the next 24 hours at least, dinner was a solemn affair and the whole journey back to where we lived was just quiet and a bit depressing.

Anyway, bit of a ramble there... never forget what happened in World War II, time is catching up on the survivors of that terrible war and soon there won't be any survivors of that time period left...

[Livia]

Remembering the six million, and all those who've suffered since.

Zichrono Livracha.

[arista]

Yes Hitler and his men
went Evil.

[Kazanne]

That's really thoughtful Kate,and we should all remember the horror that unfolded there.

[InOne]

I was watching a programme about Israel and everyone stopped their cars and what they were doing when a horn sounded and just stood silent for a minute, quite a powerful thing to see.

R.I.P all those who lost their lives and suffered.

[Ammi]

[Z]

Thought I'd share some photos I took at Sachsenhausen in case anyone was interested...

Spoiler:

[Jake.]

Thank you Greg, I've always been interested (hope that doesn't sound sick or anything) to visit that type of place, and it sounds like your experience was memorable to say the least

[Kazanne]

Thanks for sharing those Zee,it looks quite a dismal place,but how interesting to visit history like that.

[Z]

1st picture is obviously the gate
2nd picture is the guard tower where they watched over the prisoners
3rd picture is of the monument built by the Soviet Union after they liberated the camp to remember all of the Soviet political prisoners which is pretty controversial
4th picture is one of the few remaining blocks where prisoners were kept; the black wall protected by that perspex is the result of an arson attack by Neo Nazis which is shocking...
5th picture is of the toilets
6th picture is one of the sleeping areas, the roof is marked with bullet holes
7th picture is where prisoners had to wash
8th picture is a memorial monument, thought it was very poignant with the flag of Israel draped over it
9th picture is a shooting pit, they would lead people (usually captured soldiers) down there and shoot them all from above until they were all dead
10th picture is perhaps the most shocking of all, that''s what remains of the ovens they used... appalling

[Jake.]

Ah, thanks for the descriptions Greg, makes it feel even more real just by looking at the pictures

[Z]

I'd really recommend going one day if you ever get the chance, we went in a tour group and the train from Berlin to Oranienburg didn't take very long... they took us on the walk that the prisoners would have taken from the train station to the concentration camp; when you see just how close it is to the train station and how the local people claimed to have no idea what was going on, you immediately doubt that they had no idea... just unbelievable

[Jake.]

I'd love to, not sure how because nobody I know would be really interested but hopefully one day,,

[Z]

Originally Posted by Jake.

I'd love to, not sure how because nobody I know would be really interested but hopefully one day,,

You just need to get some people to go with you to Berlin for a long weekend or even a full week and then slip it into the conversation as something you could do while you're there... but I wouldn't have anything fun planned for afterwards because I guarantee you'll feel miserable for the rest of the day haha

[Jake.]

Originally Posted by Zee

You just need to get some people to go with you to Berlin for a long weekend or even a full week and then slip it into the conversation as something you could do while you're there... but I wouldn't have anything fun planned for afterwards because I guarantee you'll feel miserable for the rest of the day haha

Hmm yeah that's not a bad idea actually, but as you said, if I do I'll make sure that the thing planned after isn't too much 'fun' lol

[Z]

I love Berlin, I could go there again and again... would happily live there if there was a good opportunity waiting for me there, there's only like 3 million people there

[Jake.]

Only 3 million?

[Z]

Yeah it's nowhere near as many people as you'd think! 3.4 million apparently, just double checked