The Holocaust

Jews were dehumanized as they were forced out of their homes: “The same day, the Hungarian police burst into every Jewish home in town: a Jew was henceforth forbidden to own gold, jewelry, or any valuables. Everything had to be handed over to the authorities, under penalty of death.” (Night 11) They were not allowed to take anything valuable with them; they were poor. Also, The Jews were forced to endure treacherous conditions: “Lying down was out of the question…after two days of traveling, we began to be tortured by thirst” (Night 21). The Jews suffered from lack of air and water as at least 80 people were tortured in one cattle car. Most importantly, when the Jews were being counted from the cattle cars, if one was missing, they would all be shot like dogs: “If anyone is missing, you’ll all be shot, like dogs…” (Night 22) The Jews who were human beings were graded the same level as animals. The dehumanization of Jews led to the ‘Final Solution’.  

Adolf Hitler came close to executing his final solution when he started to deport Jews from all over Europe: “Get up, sir, get up! You must ready yourself for the journey. Tomorrow you will be expelled, you and your family, you and all the other Jews. Where to? Please don’t ask me, sir, don’t ask questions. God alone could answer you. For heaven’s sake get up…” (Night 15) The Jews were unaware of what was happening and no one would tell them that they were being deported to a ‘death camp’ referred to as concentration camp. Also, he sent Jews to the concentration camps: “Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith for ever…” (Night 34) Hitler created fear in Jews on the first day they arrived to the camp as they would have to work or they would be sent to the crematoriums. Most Importantly, Hitler sent Jews (children, elders) who were unable to work, were sent to the crematoriums, where they were burned: “Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky…” (Night 34) The execution of Jews had started from the first day of the camp as the elderly and children were unable to work. The determination of survival pushed Jews to the most basic human instinct.