Belzec is not like the other camps that we have visited. The camp is located in German-occupied Poland in proximity to several railway lines. The camp was created for the purpose of implementing Operation Reinhard--which entailed the murder of 2.2 million Jews.
The camp operated from March 17, 1942 to end of December 1942. During that period it is believed that between 430,000 and 500,000 Jews were murdered here - somewhere close to 1,800 every day of operation. There are only two Jews known to have survived this camp - and only one lived long enough to write about their experience here. As a result very little is known about the camp or its operation. What is clear is that it was likely the most efficient “disposal” camp built at that time. A testament to the efficiency of the Nazi regime.
As with many stops on our journey, Elaine (our group leader) is able to share a personal story that breathes life into a location. It is difficult to envision so much terror in a place where nothing remains. A few years ago an enormous memorial and museum were erected at this sight to attempt to educate as well as commemorate the victims. Elaine's grandmother was sent here shortly after giving birth to a child who would have been her aunt.
I find the memorial haunting and fitting for such a location. Victims who were brought to this camp were not sent here to labor--rather simply to be executed. Upon arrival they were marched straight to the gas chambers. Now, that walk is turned into a stunning memorial where the walk down can only be described as oppressive. The pictures cannot even begin to do justice to this location.
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