On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi death camp, was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops. The liberation brought to light the horrific scale of systematic murder carried out by the Nazi regime during World War II.
The Scale of the Tragedy
Auschwitz-Birkenau, encompassing just under 500 acres, became the site of unimaginable suffering and death. Over a period of less than 18 months, more Jews were murdered there than reside in the entire city of San Francisco.
The total number of people killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau reached 1.1 million. Of those, a million were Jews. In total, the Nazis murdered 6,000,000 Jews, representing two-thirds of all Jews in Europe and one-third of the global Jewish population.
The Weight of Language
The term “concentration camp” is often avoided by many Jews, as it was the label used by the Nazis themselves to describe these sites of extermination. The deliberate choice of language reflects a desire to accurately convey the true nature of these places.
The liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau marked the end of an era of systematic persecution, but the consequences of this tragedy continue to resonate today. It is possible that continued remembrance and education could help to foster greater understanding and tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Auschwitz-Birkenau was a Nazi death camp where 1.1 million people were murdered, including one million Jews, through gassing, shooting, beating, starvation, dehydration, torture, sickness, and freezing.
How many Jews were killed during the Holocaust?
The Nazis murdered 6,000,000 Jews, representing two-thirds of all the Jews in Europe and one-third of the entire Jewish population in the world.
When was Auschwitz-Birkenau liberated?
Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by U.S.-allied Soviet troops on January 27, 1945.
How do we ensure that the lessons of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Holocaust are never forgotten?
