Showcase 14

Plan of the Treblinka extermination camp from a report “The Extinction of Jewish Warsaw,” 15.11.1942

1.

“Now the multitude of Jews was standing at the second gate of this hell and they were separated: men to the right, women and children to the left. Families tried to say goodbye to each other, but the tormentors had no time: ‘Faster, faster!’, Wives were torn away from their husbands, children from their fathers, mothers from their sons, and most had no chance even for one last hug, look, or kiss. ‘Schneller, schneller!’ Because time didn’t stand still, the busy season is underway, and more trains were on their way, awaiting their turn…”

Abram Jakub Krzepicki, ‘A Man has escaped from Treblinka .. Conversations with the Relurnee’, Testimony, afler December 26, 1942

2.

“‘I want to say goodbye to daddy!’ a little boy of about eight cried. He had come here with his father, and he didn’t want to undress before saying goodbye to him, The father stood at the other side of the door and could not go to him anymore. He was being watched by one guard and his son by another, But a miracle happened, A Ukrainian corporal who was on duty in the barrack was somehow moved. He understood the Polish words and he complied with the child’s request. He took the boy outside to his father, who picked him up in his arms, kissed his downy cheeks and then set him back down on the ground, Pacified, the little delinquent returned to the barrack with the Ukrainian and got undressed, His last wish had been carried out,”

Abram Jakub Krzepicki, ‘A Man has escaped from Treblinka .. Conversations with the Returnee’, Testimony, after December 26, 1942

3.

“The Treblinka phenomenon must be not only described, but also understood. It’s difficult to take up the task. My throat tightens. I am about to immerse myself in those poisoned, perhaps gas-saturated fumes, in those murderous vapours, in which so many of my loved ones, so many of others’ dearest have perished. I weep with all my heart over even the most trifling thief from Krochmalna Street and the worst thug of narrow Mila Street. For they too were limbs of the living organism, the wonderfully rich play of light and shadow known as Warsaw Jewry.”

Abram Jakub Krzepicki, ‘A Man has escaped from Treblinka .. Conversations withthe Returnee’, Testimony, after December 26, 1912