The Horror of Holocaust

~I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when I do not feel it. I believe in God, even when He is silent.~

I just came across this quote today.  Members of the US unit of the 45th Infantry Division found it carved into a wall at the end of WWII. There is some discrepancy as to whether it was found on the wall of a basement where a Jewish family was hiding out during the Holocaust or whether it was on the wall of a concentration camp. Either way, the point is the same. -- They trusted God. Period.

I have a great fascination with the period of time between 1930 and 1945, especially dealing with the Holocaust. I just can't understand how something so incredibly horrible could happen and good people just stood by (literally) and let it happen.  Although we would like to think that all Germans during this horrific time were people who were evil to the very core of their beings, the fact is many of them were just average people.- Many of them were "good" people. How could such people hate, mistreat, and kill (even if not doing it themselves, they allowed others to do so) innocent people by the thousands. Astounding.

People like Corrie Ten Boom inspire me. Through the strength she had in Christ, she was able to love the guards who mistreated her (and essentially killed her sister) in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp located near Berlin, Germany. She was actually able to love them - not just be submissive to them. She was able to forgive them as she had been forgiven. Again, astounding. 

You can read more about Corrie and her family at Corrie Ten Boom. To get the complete story of her trial and perseverance in Christ, I recommend her books The Hiding Place and A Tramp for the Lord. 

A few of my favorite movies on the subject of the Holocaust are:

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" (German with English subtitles)-This would be a good one for older children (age 10+?) to watch. A Jewish boy and a Nazi officer's son become friends. (Warning for those with children - it does end sadly and it may contain some nudity at the end - I can't remember. I suggest parents preview this first.)

"Jakob the Liar" (starring Robin Williams - probably the greatest role he ever played in a movie. imho)

"Schindler's List" -Not for young children. Based on the true story of how one man tries to save the lives of many Jews. Realistically portrays life during the holocaust.

"A Woman in Berlin" (German with English subtitles) - this has mature themes, it is the story of a German officer's wife and how she and others like her were treated by the Russian troops who came to liberate the Jews - an interesting movie that shows there was cruelty all around.

"The Pianist" starring Adrien Brody -Exceptionally well-done movie about how a Jewish pianist survived the Holocaust.

"The Island on Bird Street" - An 11 yr. old boy survives on his own in Nazi occupied Poland. Based on a true story.

(Note: I had intended this post to be very short. Just the quote at the top of the page. Can you tell this is a subject I am passionate about? ~smile)