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Published: August 8th 2012
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Today was another busy day for the group, and perhaps the most mentally and emotionally taxing one as well. We began our day by meeting our guides, Monika and Joachim, at Harburg station at 8:30am. We proceeded as a group to Neuegamme Concentration Camp. Prior to and during World War Two, the Nazi regime set up a vast system of labor camps around Germany and Nazi controlled countries. Some were dedicated “extermination” camps, where the sole intent was to murder those who were shipped there. Others, like Neuegamme, were “work camps”. Those sent here were typically prisoners of war from Russia, resistance fighters from occupied countries like France and Norway, or others deemed socially unwelcome people (those considered lazy, unwilling to work, or even those who refused to give the Nazi salute). One could even be accused by their own neighbor. Those living near persons who were taken to concentration camps often wrote letters to the government requesting to take ownership of houses or belongings left behind.
At Neuegamme, the prisoners were grouped into several work details including the brickworks, and the munitions factory. Many were “loaned out” to local companies to provide needed labor during the war. Many of
Neuegamme
Each rock pile is where a prisoners barracks once stood. the companies were just as brutal in their treatment of the prisoners as the SS who ran the main camp at Neuegamme. The work was brutal and by war’s end, it had turned into a pseudo extermination camp as the goal was to literally work the prisoners to death. This became known as “extermination through labor". Over 50,000 people died at Neuegamme over the course of its existence.
Some of the companies across Germany that utilized this labor source include BMW, Siemens, Diamler- Benz, Volkswagon (of course, as it was to be Hitler’s “peoples car”), and even Ford (there was a plant in Cologne).
Our students treated the tour with the solemn respect that it deserved. They listened intently to our guide, asked quality questions and really seemed to grasp the depth of the message being presented to them. We watched a video detailing the camp, participated in a search and share group activity and then made our way through the primary source documents and artifacts in the main museum. The subject matter was intense and difficult for anyone, but I am proud of how our kids handled themselves here!
Once back on the bus, still letting
the visit sink in, we were off to the Rathaus to tour Hamburg’s impressive city hall building. A quick break for lunch and it was off on another, be it more jovial tour. We got to see the incredible and priceless meeting rooms, citizen’s parliamentary chambers, and the great hall in this magnificent building. Mahogany ceilings, rare onyx pillars, marble staircases and fireplaces, countless original works of art and 2.5 ton chandeliers hanging from the ceiling highlighted this incredible place. It was really a sight to behold.
On to the Alster for the next stop on our big day. We were treated to a lake cruise on the inner and outer Alster. It was nice to be able to sit and relax for sure! The perspective when on the water is so much different than when on land. It was a fun experience for all!
Our last stop was pure fun! On to the park to run around and let the kids be rewarded for their great efforts throughout the day. Planten und Blumen was the perfect place to let that happen. The kids were off and running as soon as we got there. When the pizzas arrived
though, they returned as if called by some magical force. A good pizza dinner and it was time to call it a day.
It really is difficult to fathom how there are only a couple of days left in this exchange! There are a lot of mixed emotions right now. On one hand, a lot of the kids are truly exhausted by all the activities that we have partaken in here and the lure of one’s own bed, seeing family and friends as well as getting back to what is normal and familiar looks really good. On the other, the realization that something so special and unique is about to end is difficult to bear. I know we have kids at every spot on the spectrum. Some are not even close to ready to head home, and I am starting to wonder how I am going to get them on the plane! Regardless, we are going to make the most of these last two days. There are still some great memories to be created here!
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