In Pics | Holocaust: Unseen ghastly images of Nazis' Kristallnacht pogrom

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas compared Israeli action against his people to '50 holocausts' during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz later described the comments as 'outrageous' and 'disgusting'. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Palestine President compares Israeli action to holocaust

Call it poetic justice to even the scales after decades as a European Jew has reportedly become the owner of a wristwatch that once belonged to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler for a whopping amount of $1.

Call it poetic justice to even the scales after decades as a European Jew has reportedly become the owner of a wristwatch that once belonged to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler for a whopping amount of $1.1 million. Maryland-based Alexander Historical Auctions, a company that specialises in historically significant items conducted the auction of the Nazi memorabilia amid pressure from all quarters, including the European Jewish Association. However, not many could have predicted that a European Jew will become the owner of the controversial watch. As reported by WION, the Third-Reich leader most certainly received the gold Andreas Huber reversible wristwatch on April 20, 1933, his 44th birthday. Furthermore, the wristwatch contains three dates: Hitler's birthday (20/4/89), the day he was named Germany's chancellor (30/1/33), and the day the Nazi party won the election (5/3/33). When the news of the auction hit the newsstands, several individuals and organisations objected to the idea of selling Nazi memorabilia. “Europe suffered egregiously because of the perverted and murderous ideology of the Nazi party. Millions died to preserve the values of freedom that we take for granted today, including almost half a million Americans. Our continent is littered with memorial mass graves and the sites of death camps.’’ the European Jew Association wrote in an open letter. Read More: Hitler's watch bearing his initials to be auctioned might fetch $4 million Hitler and his anti-Semitic views Adolf Hitler ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945 with an iron fist. In a quest to create the perfect Aryan race, Hitler started the holocaust of Jews. It is reported that during his tenure, Hitler massacred over 11 million people, of which six million were Jews. Hitler loathed Jews ever since Germany lost the first world war. As he climbed the political ladder, his hate for Jews continued to rise. Once Hitler became the Chancellor, he pushed his vile anti-Semitic ideas vehemently amongst the masses. He made the ordinary Germans believe that the genocide of Jews was the right way for Germany to achieve its full socioeconomic potential. Thus, it is rather astonishing that a Jew has become the owner of a watch that has the Nazi Hakenkreuz symbol on it (it is not called Swastika). Meanwhile, the auction house continues to maintain that it was the right decision to sell the Nazi item as it was the real in-your-face proof that Hitler and the Nazis lived, and also persecuted tens of millions of people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Do you know who bought Adolf Hitler's watch? A European Jew

A prominent Jewish community organisation on Tuesday (July 26) voiced alarm and concern over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's remarks against creating " peoples of mixes race". The 59-year-old ultra-conservative prime minister said this during a speech in Romania. Orban was speaking in Romania's Transylvania region, which has a large Hungarian community. During his speech, he criticised mixing with 'non-Europeans".

International Auschwitz Committee, which counts several Holocaust survivors as its members, said Orban's speech was "stupid and dangerous". The committee further called on the EU to continue to distance itself from "Orban's racist undertones and to make it clear to the world that Mr. Orban has no future in Europe." 
&nbsp; 
Christoph Heubner, vice-president of the organisation, said that Orban's speech reminded Holocaust survivors "of the dark times of their own exclusion and persecution". He was quoted by AFP.

Heubner called specifically on Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to make a stand when he hosts Orban on an official visit to Vienna on Thursday.

"We do not want to become peoples of mixed-race," Orban said on Saturday.

Orban is known for his anti-migrant policy. In past, he has made similar remarks.

Hungarian government appeared to be in damage control mode as Zoltan Kovacs, the governemnt spokesperson, said that Orban's speech was 'misinterpreted' by those who "clearly don't understand the difference between the mixing of different ethnic groups that all originate in the Judeo-Christian cultural sphere, and the mixing of peoples from different civilisations"

Orban also appeared to make allusion to Nazi gas chambers during speech connecting it to European Union's plan to reduce European gas demand by 15 per cent.

"I do not see how it will be enforced -– although, as I understand it, the past shows us German know-how on that," he said.

Jewish community in Hungary has also criticised Orban's speech.

"There is only one race on this Planet: the Homo Sapiens Sapiens," chief rabbi Robert Frolich wrote on Facebook.

Zsuzsa Hegedus, Orban's advisor has handed in her resignation over what she termed was his "shameful position". She called the speech "a pure Nazi text," according to news outlet HVG.

In response, Orban stressed "his government's policy of zero tolerance when it comes to anti-Semitism and racism", according to a letter that was made public.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A prominent Jewish community organisation on Tuesday (July 26) voiced alarm and concern over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's remarks against creating " peoples of mixes race".

A prominent Jewish community organisation on Tuesday (July 26) voiced alarm and concern over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's remarks against creating " peoples of mixes race". The 59-year-old ultra-conservative prime minister said this during a speech in Romania. Orban was speaking in Romania's Transylvania region, which has a large Hungarian community. During his speech, he criticised mixing with 'non-Europeans". International Auschwitz Committee, which counts several Holocaust survivors as its members, said Orban's speech was "stupid and dangerous". The committee further called on the EU to continue to distance itself from "Orban's racist undertones and to make it clear to the world that Mr. Orban has no future in Europe." Christoph Heubner, vice-president of the organisation, said that Orban's speech reminded Holocaust survivors "of the dark times of their own exclusion and persecution". He was quoted by AFP. Heubner called specifically on Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer to make a stand when he hosts Orban on an official visit to Vienna on Thursday. "We do not want to become peoples of mixed-race," Orban said on Saturday. Orban is known for his anti-migrant policy. In past, he has made similar remarks. Hungarian government appeared to be in damage control mode as Zoltan Kovacs, the governemnt spokesperson, said that Orban's speech was 'misinterpreted' by those who "clearly don't understand the difference between the mixing of different ethnic groups that all originate in the Judeo-Christian cultural sphere, and the mixing of peoples from different civilisations" Orban also appeared to make allusion to Nazi gas chambers during speech connecting it to European Union's plan to reduce European gas demand by 15 per cent. "I do not see how it will be enforced -– although, as I understand it, the past shows us German know-how on that," he said. Jewish community in Hungary has also criticised Orban's speech. "There is only one race on this Planet: the Homo Sapiens Sapiens," chief rabbi Robert Frolich wrote on Facebook. Zsuzsa Hegedus, Orban's advisor has handed in her resignation over what she termed was his "shameful position". She called the speech "a pure Nazi text," according to news outlet HVG. In response, Orban stressed "his government's policy of zero tolerance when it comes to anti-Semitism and racism", according to a letter that was made public. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Holocaust survivors criticise Hungary's Orban over race remarks

In Poland, a mass grave with human ashes equivalent to around 8,000 people has been discovered near a former Nazi concentration camp. On Wednesday, the country's Institute of National Remembrance, which looks into atrocities done during the Nazi occupation of Poland and the communist era, said that the remains were discovered close to the Soldau concentration camp, now known as Dzialdowo, north of Warsaw. As per an AFP report, Investigator Tomasz Jankowski said that the sombre finding of about 17.5 tonnes (15,800 kilogrammes) of human ashes supports the assertion that at least 8,000 individuals died there.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The story of the Holocaust

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Reportedly, the grim estimate is based on the weight of the remains. Two kilogrammes are considered to be roughly equivalent to one human body.

The camp was constructed by Nazi Germany during its occupation of Poland in World War II. It was used as a transit point, a site of imprisonment, and a location for execution for Jews, political opponents, and members of the Polish political elite.

While the exact toll of the deaths of inmates at Soldau has never been determined, but estimates place it around 30,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/four-dolls-from-nazi-concentration-camp-fetch-ps5625-in-auction-492419">Four dolls from Nazi concentration camp fetch £5,625 in auction</a>

The majority of the deceased in the mass grave "were probably assassinated around 1939 and mostly belonged to the Polish elites," according to Jankowski.

In order to destroy any evidence of war crimes, Nazi authorities ordered Jewish prisoners to burn the remains in 1944.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-russias-camps-resemble-nazi-concentration-camps-487844">Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russia's camps 'resemble Nazi concentration camps'</a>

Genetics specialist Andrzej Ossowski from the Pomeranian Medical University told AFP that samples from the ashes had been retrieved and will be examined in a laboratory.

He continued, "We can carry out DNA analysis, which will allow us to find out more about the identity of the victims," citing similar studies in the old Nazi concentration camps of Sobibor and Treblinka.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Poland, a mass grave with human ashes equivalent to around 8,000 people has been discovered near a former Nazi concentration camp. On Wednesday, the country's Institute of National Remembrance, which looks into atrocities done during the Nazi occupation of Poland and the communist era, said that the remains were discovered close to the Soldau concentration camp, now known as Dzialdowo, north of Warsaw.

In Poland, a mass grave with human ashes equivalent to around 8,000 people has been discovered near a former Nazi concentration camp. On Wednesday, the country's Institute of National Remembrance, which looks into atrocities done during the Nazi occupation of Poland and the communist era, said that the remains were discovered close to the Soldau concentration camp, now known as Dzialdowo, north of Warsaw. As per an AFP report, Investigator Tomasz Jankowski said that the sombre finding of about 17.5 tonnes (15,800 kilogrammes) of human ashes supports the assertion that at least 8,000 individuals died there. Watch | Gravitas: The story of the Holocaust Reportedly, the grim estimate is based on the weight of the remains. Two kilogrammes are considered to be roughly equivalent to one human body. The camp was constructed by Nazi Germany during its occupation of Poland in World War II. It was used as a transit point, a site of imprisonment, and a location for execution for Jews, political opponents, and members of the Polish political elite. While the exact toll of the deaths of inmates at Soldau has never been determined, but estimates place it around 30,000. Also read | Four dolls from Nazi concentration camp fetch £5,625 in auction The majority of the deceased in the mass grave "were probably assassinated around 1939 and mostly belonged to the Polish elites," according to Jankowski. In order to destroy any evidence of war crimes, Nazi authorities ordered Jewish prisoners to burn the remains in 1944. Also read | Ukraine war: Zelensky says Russia's camps 'resemble Nazi concentration camps' Genetics specialist Andrzej Ossowski from the Pomeranian Medical University told AFP that samples from the ashes had been retrieved and will be examined in a laboratory. He continued, "We can carry out DNA analysis, which will allow us to find out more about the identity of the victims," citing similar studies in the old Nazi concentration camps of Sobibor and Treblinka. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mass grave with remains of 8,000 discovered at a former Nazi Germany camp in Poland

Joe Biden is off to a "meme start" on his first visit to Israel during his Middle-East trip. The US President made another error in a speech in Israel, saying "honour of Holocaust" rather than "horror." Additionally, he mispronounces the name of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Museum. His "mistakes" have caused a Twitter meme frenzy.&nbsp;

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Biden leaves crowd in STUNNED silence during official Israel visit after telling them to “keep alive the honor of the Holocaust” after his brain BREAKS 
 
<a href="https://t.co/xS6FFOtf0x">pic.twitter.com/xS6FFOtf0x</a>
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bennyjohnson/status/1547301533645262850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"We'll continue to advance Israel's integration into the region," Biden said after Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome while underscoring Washington's "bone deep" connection to the Jewish state.&nbsp;

"I'm proud to say that our relationship with the state of Israel is deeper and stronger in my view than it's ever been. With this visit, we're strengthening our connections even further," the president said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-ranked-second-worst-place-in-world-to-move-by-immigrants-survey-497332">New Zealand ranked second-worst place in world to move by immigrants: Survey</a>

On Wednesday, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden began a Middle East tour in Israel. As they prepare to take on their shared enemy, Iran, both parties committed to further integrating the Jewish state in the area. Biden, whose first overseas trip as president will also take him to Saudi Arabia, pledged his full support for Israel, which has recently established ties with a number of Arab nations and seeks to do the same with Riyadh.

"We'll continue to advance Israel's integration into the region," Biden said after Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome while underscoring Washington's "bone deep" connection to the Jewish state, as reported by AFP. "I'm proud to say that our relationship with the state of Israel is deeper and stronger in my view than it's ever been. With this visit, we're strengthening our connections even further," the president said.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Joe Biden is off to a "meme start" on his first visit to Israel during his Middle-East trip. The US President made another error in a speech in Israel, saying "honour of Holocaust" rather than "horror.

Joe Biden is off to a "meme start" on his first visit to Israel during his Middle-East trip. The US President made another error in a speech in Israel, saying "honour of Holocaust" rather than "horror." Additionally, he mispronounces the name of the Jerusalem Holocaust Memorial Museum. His "mistakes" have caused a Twitter meme frenzy. Biden leaves crowd in STUNNED silence during official Israel visit after telling them to “keep alive the honor of the Holocaust” after his brain BREAKS pic.twitter.com/xS6FFOtf0x — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 13, 2022 × "We'll continue to advance Israel's integration into the region," Biden said after Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome while underscoring Washington's "bone deep" connection to the Jewish state. "I'm proud to say that our relationship with the state of Israel is deeper and stronger in my view than it's ever been. With this visit, we're strengthening our connections even further," the president said. Also Read: New Zealand ranked second-worst place in world to move by immigrants: Survey On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden began a Middle East tour in Israel. As they prepare to take on their shared enemy, Iran, both parties committed to further integrating the Jewish state in the area. Biden, whose first overseas trip as president will also take him to Saudi Arabia, pledged his full support for Israel, which has recently established ties with a number of Arab nations and seeks to do the same with Riyadh. "We'll continue to advance Israel's integration into the region," Biden said after Air Force One touched down at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv to a red-carpet welcome while underscoring Washington's "bone deep" connection to the Jewish state, as reported by AFP. "I'm proud to say that our relationship with the state of Israel is deeper and stronger in my view than it's ever been. With this visit, we're strengthening our connections even further," the president said. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch| Slip of tongue? Biden asks to keep alive 'honour' of holocaust during Israel visit

The Vatican said it will release thousands of letters addressed to Pope Pius XII by the Jewish people in Europe during World War-II seeking help and requesting information to find family members held in Nazi concentration camps.

The Vatican said Pope Francis had requested they be accessible to everyone. It consists of a total of 170 volumes or nearly 40,000 files, the Vatican informed with 70 per cent of the total material to initially available.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/holocaust-remembrance-day-a-look-at-israels-hidden-memorial-193167">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial&nbsp;</a>

It "gathers the requests for help sent to Pope Pius XII by Jewish people after the beginning of Nazi and fascist persecution," the Vatican said in a statement.&nbsp;

It has been open for scholars since 2020 as the Vatican said it would "allow the descendants of those who asked for help to find traces of their loved ones from any part of the world".

Watch:&nbsp;Holocaust survivor Bernard Krutz finds lost cousin after 73 years

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Pope Francis who became pontiff in 2013 has been pushing for more transparency in historical dealings of the Church as he allowed the controversial World War-II era to open for public discussion. Pope Pius XII has been accussed by critics of not doing enough&nbsp;as Hitler's Germany began systematically killing Jews during the Holocaust.

The documents include all kinds of requests made by Jews across Europe including seeking&nbsp;visas and&nbsp;asylum,&nbsp;information about family members who were deported by the Nazis, reunifying families, obtaining liberation from detention and transfers from one concentration camp to another.

The letter sent to Pope Pius XII by Jewish people includes both the baptized and the non-baptized after the beginning of Nazi and fascist persecution. The Vatican said the fate of many asking for help is unknown.

"Each of these requests constituted a case which, once processed, was destined for storage in a documentary series entitled “Ebrei” &nbsp;(Jews)," the Vatican said in a statement.&nbsp;

The requests would arrive at the Secretariat of State, where diplomatic channels would try to provide all the help possible, taking into account the complexity of the political situation in the global context, the Vatican informed.

"This special list of names was given the name, “Pacelli’s list", (Pope Pius XII), echoing the well-known “Schindler’s list”.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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The Vatican said it will release thousands of letters addressed to Pope Pius XII by the Jewish people in Europe during World War-II seeking help and requesting information to find family members held in Nazi concentration camps.

The Vatican said it will release thousands of letters addressed to Pope Pius XII by the Jewish people in Europe during World War-II seeking help and requesting information to find family members held in Nazi concentration camps. The Vatican said Pope Francis had requested they be accessible to everyone. It consists of a total of 170 volumes or nearly 40,000 files, the Vatican informed with 70 per cent of the total material to initially available. Also Read in Pics: Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial It "gathers the requests for help sent to Pope Pius XII by Jewish people after the beginning of Nazi and fascist persecution," the Vatican said in a statement. It has been open for scholars since 2020 as the Vatican said it would "allow the descendants of those who asked for help to find traces of their loved ones from any part of the world". Watch: Holocaust survivor Bernard Krutz finds lost cousin after 73 years Pope Francis who became pontiff in 2013 has been pushing for more transparency in historical dealings of the Church as he allowed the controversial World War-II era to open for public discussion. Pope Pius XII has been accussed by critics of not doing enough as Hitler's Germany began systematically killing Jews during the Holocaust. The documents include all kinds of requests made by Jews across Europe including seeking visas and asylum, information about family members who were deported by the Nazis, reunifying families, obtaining liberation from detention and transfers from one concentration camp to another. The letter sent to Pope Pius XII by Jewish people includes both the baptized and the non-baptized after the beginning of Nazi and fascist persecution. The Vatican said the fate of many asking for help is unknown. "Each of these requests constituted a case which, once processed, was destined for storage in a documentary series entitled “Ebrei” (Jews)," the Vatican said in a statement. The requests would arrive at the Secretariat of State, where diplomatic channels would try to provide all the help possible, taking into account the complexity of the political situation in the global context, the Vatican informed. "This special list of names was given the name, “Pacelli’s list", (Pope Pius XII), echoing the well-known “Schindler’s list”. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE:

Vatican to publish letters from Jews to Pope Pius XII during World War-II

Are you a fan of the popular series 'Stranger Things' and planning to get a tattoo like one of its characters Eleven? You might just be glorifying a part of holocaust history. Part one of season 4 of 'Stranger Things' was released a few days back amid much fanfare. Loyal fans of the series have been praising the show and it has given rise to a new trend.&nbsp; 
 
It seems many fans are queuing up and getting number slips tattooed on their wrist just like Eleven has on the show. Ironically, the tattoo significance is quite dark and fans somehow seem to be missing the point.&nbsp;

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0⃣0⃣1⃣ 🚨 0⃣1⃣1⃣ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrangerThings4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrangerThings4</a> <a href="https://t.co/9LBILcFx8L">pic.twitter.com/9LBILcFx8L</a>
— Stranger Things 4 (@StrangerNews11) <a href="https://twitter.com/StrangerNews11/status/1530987352218296320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A Twitter thread has explained how getting numbers tattooed on one's wrist like the show is problematic and a glorification of the holocaust. In reality, these numbers were typically tattooed on Jews who were sent to concentration camps during Hitler's regime in Germany during the World War II.

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heres an informational thread on why getting a tattoo like this is really bad and the history behind it 
 
tw// talking about the holocaust so mentions of violent things and genocide and just hatred and bigotry in general <a href="https://t.co/YvJESTV3XL">pic.twitter.com/YvJESTV3XL</a>
— emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapphicsvoid/status/1531715615982907392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The numbers were used to strip the individuals of their basic right to have a name and an identity and was an attempt to dehumanise them. It was merely a power show to prove to Jews that they did not own anything, not even their names.&nbsp; 
 
Even in the Netflix show, Eleven is stripped of her name (Janice), her freedom, and even her hair. She was given a number and only considered a test subject for Dr Brenner.

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in the holocaust, upon arriving at a concentration/death/work camp, you would get a tattoo like this. it was a process not only so that the nazi could keep track and records of people, but also to dehumanize people. they no longer had a name because- <a href="https://t.co/SxJNWDWzNR">pic.twitter.com/SxJNWDWzNR</a>
— emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapphicsvoid/status/1531715911207424000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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they werent deemed significant enough TO have one. they were instead referred to as a number only. it was also used to identify dead bodies for their records. there were different numbering sequences that meant different things such as specific ethnic groups <a href="https://t.co/x18mb1azJZ">pic.twitter.com/x18mb1azJZ</a>
— emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapphicsvoid/status/1531716419011760130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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those who were sent immediately to the gas chambers upon arrival didn't receive a number. at the beginning, the numbers were sewn onto the uniforms, but later were tattooed like this on the arm or wrist. more than 400,000 prisoner serial numbers were assigned <a href="https://t.co/DPPcBvpRgp">pic.twitter.com/DPPcBvpRgp</a>
— emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapphicsvoid/status/1531716994558328832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The thread also explained that those who were brought to the Auschwitz concentration camp were not deemed significant enough to have a name. “It was also used to identify dead bodies for their records. There was different number sequencing that meant different things such as specific ethnic groups."&nbsp;

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the tattooing procedure itself was very inhumane and incredibly painful as well. hopefully i didnt get any information wrong in this thread since i made it quickly since i need to study but i will put some sources below and some reccomendations of holocaust education media <a href="https://t.co/HY6gTfv63c">pic.twitter.com/HY6gTfv63c</a>
— emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sapphicsvoid/status/1531718984147513344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While fans may have been wanting to pay an ode to their favourite show, one can't look past the disturbing history behind it.&nbsp; 
 
'Stranger Things 4' is now streaming on Netflix.&nbsp;

Are you a fan of the popular series 'Stranger Things' and planning to get a tattoo like one of its characters Eleven? You might just be glorifying a part of holocaust history.

Are you a fan of the popular series 'Stranger Things' and planning to get a tattoo like one of its characters Eleven? You might just be glorifying a part of holocaust history. Part one of season 4 of 'Stranger Things' was released a few days back amid much fanfare. Loyal fans of the series have been praising the show and it has given rise to a new trend. It seems many fans are queuing up and getting number slips tattooed on their wrist just like Eleven has on the show. Ironically, the tattoo significance is quite dark and fans somehow seem to be missing the point. 0⃣0⃣1⃣ 🚨 0⃣1⃣1⃣ #StrangerThings4 pic.twitter.com/9LBILcFx8L — Stranger Things 4 (@StrangerNews11) May 29, 2022 × A Twitter thread has explained how getting numbers tattooed on one's wrist like the show is problematic and a glorification of the holocaust. In reality, these numbers were typically tattooed on Jews who were sent to concentration camps during Hitler's regime in Germany during the World War II. heres an informational thread on why getting a tattoo like this is really bad and the history behind it tw// talking about the holocaust so mentions of violent things and genocide and just hatred and bigotry in general pic.twitter.com/YvJESTV3XL — emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) May 31, 2022 × The numbers were used to strip the individuals of their basic right to have a name and an identity and was an attempt to dehumanise them. It was merely a power show to prove to Jews that they did not own anything, not even their names. Even in the Netflix show, Eleven is stripped of her name (Janice), her freedom, and even her hair. She was given a number and only considered a test subject for Dr Brenner. in the holocaust, upon arriving at a concentration/death/work camp, you would get a tattoo like this. it was a process not only so that the nazi could keep track and records of people, but also to dehumanize people. they no longer had a name because- pic.twitter.com/SxJNWDWzNR — emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) May 31, 2022 × they werent deemed significant enough TO have one. they were instead referred to as a number only. it was also used to identify dead bodies for their records. there were different numbering sequences that meant different things such as specific ethnic groups pic.twitter.com/x18mb1azJZ — emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) May 31, 2022 × those who were sent immediately to the gas chambers upon arrival didn't receive a number. at the beginning, the numbers were sewn onto the uniforms, but later were tattooed like this on the arm or wrist. more than 400,000 prisoner serial numbers were assigned pic.twitter.com/DPPcBvpRgp — emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) May 31, 2022 × The thread also explained that those who were brought to the Auschwitz concentration camp were not deemed significant enough to have a name. “It was also used to identify dead bodies for their records. There was different number sequencing that meant different things such as specific ethnic groups." the tattooing procedure itself was very inhumane and incredibly painful as well. hopefully i didnt get any information wrong in this thread since i made it quickly since i need to study but i will put some sources below and some reccomendations of holocaust education media pic.twitter.com/HY6gTfv63c — emily • 23 days (@sapphicsvoid) May 31, 2022 × While fans may have been wanting to pay an ode to their favourite show, one can't look past the disturbing history behind it. 'Stranger Things 4' is now streaming on Netflix.

Planning to get a tattoo like Eleven from 'Stranger Things'? You might be glorifying a dark part of history 

Russian invasion: Ukrainian Holocaust survivors find shelter in Israel

The Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict updates: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday (March 21) said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday (March 18) by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials foundation said in a statement: "It is with dismay that we have to report the violent death of Boris Romantschenko in the war in Ukraine." ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea The statement cited information from his son and granddaughter. It revealed that Romantschenko died at home after his building was bombed in the heavily shelled eastern city. Yulia Romanchenko, who is Boris' granddaughter, told CNN that she "learned about the shelling of Saltivka residential district on March 18 from social networks". "I asked locals if they knew anything about my grandfather's house. They sent me a video of a burning house. I found out about this after the curfew and therefore I could not go there immediately," Yulia added. The foundation described Romantschenko as "a close friend" and further stated that he was committed to educating others about the horrors of the Nazi era. ALSO READ | Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon Romantschenko had been vice president of the Buchenwald-Dora International Committee. Romantschenko was born into a family of farmers in Bondari, near the Ukrainian city of Sumy, on January 20, 1926. Although he was not Jewish, he was taken by German soldiers when he was 16 years old and deported to the German city of Dortmund in 1942 to work as a forced labourer, as part of Nazi intimidation tactics against the Ukrainian population at the time. A failed escape attempt landed him in the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in 1943. He also spent time in the camps of Peenemuende, where he was forced to help build V2 rockets, and in Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen. "This is what they call the 'operation of denazification'. The whole world sees Russia's cruelty," said the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's widely disbelieved claim that ridding Ukraine of Nazis was one reason for Moscow's invasion. The Buchenwald Memorial said Romantschenko's death "shows how dangerous the war in Ukraine is, also for concentration camp survivors". WATCH | Gravitas: Russia using "Aleppo Playbook" In Ukraine? ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 20) addressed Isreali parliament and urged the Jewish nation to abandon neutrality and support Ukraine which is being invaded by Russia.&nbsp;

Zelensky, who himself is Jewish, has already addressed legislatures of the US, the UK and Germany.&nbsp;

In remarks that at several points compared Russian aggression to the Holocaust, Zelensky said that "Ukraine made the choice to save Jews 80 years ago."&nbsp;

"Now it's time for Israel to make its choice."

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has walked a careful diplomatic line since Russia launched its invasion on February 24.

Stressing Israel's strong ties to Moscow and Kyiv, Bennett has sought to preserve delicate security cooperation with Russia, which has troops in Syria, across Israel's northern border.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-risk-of-attack-from-belarus-on-western-volyn-region-of-ukraine-says-presidential-office-464023">High risk of attack from Belarus on western Volyn region of Ukraine, says presidential office</a>

Bennett has held regular phone calls with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a three-hour meeting with Putin at the Kremlin on March 5.

While Ukrainian officials have voiced appreciation for Bennett's mediation efforts, Zelensky on Sunday implied that this too had proven to be a misstep.

"We can mediate between states but not between good and evil," the Ukrainian leader said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 20) addressed Isreali parliament and urged the Jewish nation to abandon neutrality and support Ukraine which is being invaded by Russia.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 20) addressed Isreali parliament and urged the Jewish nation to abandon neutrality and support Ukraine which is being invaded by Russia. Zelensky, who himself is Jewish, has already addressed legislatures of the US, the UK and Germany. In remarks that at several points compared Russian aggression to the Holocaust, Zelensky said that "Ukraine made the choice to save Jews 80 years ago." "Now it's time for Israel to make its choice." × Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has walked a careful diplomatic line since Russia launched its invasion on February 24. Stressing Israel's strong ties to Moscow and Kyiv, Bennett has sought to preserve delicate security cooperation with Russia, which has troops in Syria, across Israel's northern border. Also Read | High risk of attack from Belarus on western Volyn region of Ukraine, says presidential office Bennett has held regular phone calls with Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, including a three-hour meeting with Putin at the Kremlin on March 5. While Ukrainian officials have voiced appreciation for Bennett's mediation efforts, Zelensky on Sunday implied that this too had proven to be a misstep. "We can mediate between states but not between good and evil," the Ukrainian leader said. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky addresses Israel parliament, compares Russian invasion to Holocaust

Jewish groups and institutions around the world condemned a strike in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the area of the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, where tens of thousands of Jews were killed by the Nazis in a two-day massacre during World War II.

It was not clear to what extent the memorial was damaged by the strike. The memorial is close to Kyiv’s main radio and television tower, which was hit by a projectile. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said at least five people were killed in the area.

Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, also alluded to the site’s history, saying on Twitter, “What is the point of saying ‘never again’ for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar?”

On Facebook, the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center said that Russian forces had struck the site but did not describe whether there was damage.

Natan Sharansky, chair of the memorial’s advisory board and a former Soviet dissident, said in the statement that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had sought “to distort and manipulate the Holocaust to justify an illegal invasion of a sovereign democratic country” and called the move “utterly abhorrent.”

Sharansky added, “It is symbolic that he starts attacking Kyiv by bombing the site of the Babyn Yar, the biggest of Nazi massacre.”

In remarks last week, Putin said the Russian military operation would aim for the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine,” and called Ukraine’s leaders “neo-Nazis.”

More than 33,000 Jews were killed at the site over a two-day period, according to historians. In addition, mass shootings, including of Roma, also known as Gypsies, and Soviet prisoners of war took place there throughout the war.

Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum in Israel, called for the site to be preserved, saying it had “irreplaceable value for research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust.”

“Rather than being subjected to blatant violence, sacred sites like Babi Yar must be protected,” Yad Vashem said in a statement.

Yair Lapid, Israel’s foreign minister, said on Twitter that the country would help with repairing damage to the memorial.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said it was outraged at “the damage inflicted on the Babyn Yar memorial by Russia’s attack today.” The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a British charity, said it was “horrified” to learn of the strike.

“I’m beyond devastated,” said Karyn Grossman Gershon, CEO of Project Kesher, a nonprofit that aims to build Jewish community by empowering women leaders.

The massacre at Babyn Yar, also known as Babi Yar, took place in late September 1941. Soon after the German army entered Kyiv, the city’s Jews were told to gather near a train station in order to be resettled. Crowds were forced to undress and gather in a ravine, where they were shot. The Nazis wiped out nearly the entire Jewish population of Kyiv over the course of the war.

Last year, on the 80th anniversary, Zelenskyy unveiled a modern art installation at the site. Peter Hayes, a professor emeritus of Holocaust studies at Northwestern University, said that it only started to become a more formally recognized landmark since Ukrainian independence in 1991.

“The Soviets for a long time did not want to acknowledge that the victims were almost exclusively Jewish, and rather kept referring to it as a place where Soviet citizens had been massacred and so forth,” he said.

Jewish groups and institutions around the world condemned a strike in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the area of the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, where tens of thousands of Jews were killed by the Nazis in a two-day massacre during World War II.

Jewish groups and institutions around the world condemned a strike in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the area of the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, where tens of thousands of Jews were killed by the Nazis in a two-day massacre during World War II. It was not clear to what extent the memorial was damaged by the strike. The memorial is close to Kyiv’s main radio and television tower, which was hit by a projectile. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said at least five people were killed in the area. Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, also alluded to the site’s history, saying on Twitter, “What is the point of saying ‘never again’ for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar?” On Facebook, the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center said that Russian forces had struck the site but did not describe whether there was damage. Natan Sharansky, chair of the memorial’s advisory board and a former Soviet dissident, said in the statement that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had sought “to distort and manipulate the Holocaust to justify an illegal invasion of a sovereign democratic country” and called the move “utterly abhorrent.” Sharansky added, “It is symbolic that he starts attacking Kyiv by bombing the site of the Babyn Yar, the biggest of Nazi massacre.” In remarks last week, Putin said the Russian military operation would aim for the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine,” and called Ukraine’s leaders “neo-Nazis.” More than 33,000 Jews were killed at the site over a two-day period, according to historians. In addition, mass shootings, including of Roma, also known as Gypsies, and Soviet prisoners of war took place there throughout the war. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum in Israel, called for the site to be preserved, saying it had “irreplaceable value for research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust.” “Rather than being subjected to blatant violence, sacred sites like Babi Yar must be protected,” Yad Vashem said in a statement. Yair Lapid, Israel’s foreign minister, said on Twitter that the country would help with repairing damage to the memorial. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said it was outraged at “the damage inflicted on the Babyn Yar memorial by Russia’s attack today.” The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a British charity, said it was “horrified” to learn of the strike. “I’m beyond devastated,” said Karyn Grossman Gershon, CEO of Project Kesher, a nonprofit that aims to build Jewish community by empowering women leaders. The massacre at Babyn Yar, also known as Babi Yar, took place in late September 1941. Soon after the German army entered Kyiv, the city’s Jews were told to gather near a train station in order to be resettled. Crowds were forced to undress and gather in a ravine, where they were shot. The Nazis wiped out nearly the entire Jewish population of Kyiv over the course of the war. Last year, on the 80th anniversary, Zelenskyy unveiled a modern art installation at the site. Peter Hayes, a professor emeritus of Holocaust studies at Northwestern University, said that it only started to become a more formally recognized landmark since Ukrainian independence in 1991. “The Soviets for a long time did not want to acknowledge that the victims were almost exclusively Jewish, and rather kept referring to it as a place where Soviet citizens had been massacred and so forth,” he said.

Jewish groups condemn strike near Babyn Yar holocaust memorial

At 98, Lily Ebert is perhaps the oldest user of the video-sharing social network app, TikTok.

However, unlike many influencers who post trivial videos on cars, life lessons and heartbreaks, Ebert uses the platform to describe the horrors of the Holocaust.

And the viewers receive&nbsp;her&nbsp;videos with love and appreciation. A clip of Ebert showing her identification number tattoo got more than 20 million views.

Ebert’s tattoo has the number—A-10572—on her forearm. “We were not humans. We were only a number,” she said in her video.

Soon, many of her brief clips went viral. And now, she boasts of more than 1.6 million followers.

Ebert was only 20 when her family was taken from their hometown in Hungary to Auschwitz-Birkenau—one of the largest Nazi death camps.

Her mother, younger brother and younger sister were immediately taken to the gas chambers and killed. Ebert was sent to work in the camp where she spent four horrifying months.

“People would say four months isn’t so long,” she can be heard as saying in one of her videos.

“But let me tell you something. Even four minutes was too long.”

Ebert wanted her story to be heard, but didn’t know how to do it.

It was her 18-year-old great-grandson, Dov Forman, who came up with the idea of creating a TikTok account during the 2020 lockdowns.

“I said to my great-grandmother, ‘If they can go viral for dancing, why can't we go viral for sharing these really important messages?’” Forman told CBS news.

Ebert and Forman, who live in London, have authored a book called "Lily's Promise," with a foreword by Prince Charles.

They have even met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street, the CBS reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

At 98, Lily Ebert is perhaps the oldest user of the video-sharing social network app, TikTok. However, unlike many influencers who post trivial videos on cars, life lessons and heartbreaks, Ebert uses the platform to describe the horrors of the Holocaust.

At 98, Lily Ebert is perhaps the oldest user of the video-sharing social network app, TikTok. However, unlike many influencers who post trivial videos on cars, life lessons and heartbreaks, Ebert uses the platform to describe the horrors of the Holocaust. And the viewers receive her videos with love and appreciation. A clip of Ebert showing her identification number tattoo got more than 20 million views. Ebert’s tattoo has the number—A-10572—on her forearm. “We were not humans. We were only a number,” she said in her video. Soon, many of her brief clips went viral. And now, she boasts of more than 1.6 million followers. Ebert was only 20 when her family was taken from their hometown in Hungary to Auschwitz-Birkenau—one of the largest Nazi death camps. Her mother, younger brother and younger sister were immediately taken to the gas chambers and killed. Ebert was sent to work in the camp where she spent four horrifying months. “People would say four months isn’t so long,” she can be heard as saying in one of her videos. “But let me tell you something. Even four minutes was too long.” Ebert wanted her story to be heard, but didn’t know how to do it. It was her 18-year-old great-grandson, Dov Forman, who came up with the idea of creating a TikTok account during the 2020 lockdowns. “I said to my great-grandmother, ‘If they can go viral for dancing, why can't we go viral for sharing these really important messages?’” Forman told CBS news. Ebert and Forman, who live in London, have authored a book called "Lily's Promise," with a foreword by Prince Charles. They have even met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street, the CBS reported. (With inputs from agencies)

This 98-year-old Holocaust survivor uses TikTok to tell her story—and she’s a sensation

The earth outside the tiny village of Treblinka, in eastern Poland, still bears traces of the death camp the Nazis built there in 1942. Close to 925,000 Jews were slaughtered at Treblinka, making it the second-largest Jewish killing field in the world after Auschwitz. On a sad, wet day in November, I wandered close to where Germans had burned the bodies of those murdered in the gas chambers nearby. At my feet on the damp ground, among the pebbles, I saw tiny white specks. They were small pieces of bones that still rise to the surface of the tainted earth of Treblinka after the rain.

The ashes there tell one of the many stories of the murdered Jews of Europe. But recently, Poland’s government has been working to redirect the narrative. That same day in November, I saw Magdalena Gawin, the Polish deputy minister of Culture and National Heritage at the time, speak at the Treblinka train station flanked by a Polish Army honor guard, a Roman Catholic bishop and other distinguished guests, including Yehoshua Ellis, an American-born rabbi. They were assembled in Treblinka, a couple of miles away from the former death camp of the same name, to unveil a monument honoring Jan Maletka, a 21-year-old Polish railroad worker. Mr. Maletka, Polish researchers say, was shot in 1942 by the Nazis for giving water to the Jews as they waited in locked cattle cars idling outside the camp.

At the ceremony that day, Ms. Gawin spoke of death and sacrifice. “It is estimated that 900,000 Jews died in Treblinka,” she said. “At the same time, we meet here to commemorate the death of one man, 900,000 Jews and one man.”

The scene that unfolded last November in Treblinka is one of the most vivid examples of a dangerous new threat that is spreading rapidly today in Eastern Europe: Holocaust distortion. A false equivalence of victimization is but one hallmark of the new Polish historical revisionism. Another hallmark is a state-sponsored effort that downplays antisemitic terror at the hands of the Poles, though such incidents are well documented in the historical record.

To better explain how this distortion works, consider this: Of the more than 900,000 Jews who arrived in Treblinka, fewer than 100 survived the war. Jewish survivor testimonies of Treblinka are harrowing: Many remembered extreme thirst; they also recalled groups of Polish railway workers and Polish youths who stood close to the cattle cars ready to hand over water — in exchange for gold or cash. In their oral histories and written accounts, survivors described how they were met not with compassion, but with greed: Jankiel Wiernik, a carpenter and cabinet maker, recalled how terribly hot the day he arrived in Treblinka was. From the train he saw Polish locals selling water to desperate Jews. Abram Jakub Krzepicki remembered that people in the wagon were dying of thirst. He described terrible scenes of Jews pleading with the workers, handing over fistfuls of money for a mere half cup of water.

None of this is to necessarily undermine the story of Jan Maletka and what is said to be the quiet act that cost his life. There are no eyewitnesses left, so we will never know whether Mr. Maletka acted out of empathy for the dying Jews or not. But this huge memorialization effort obscures the full story. It is essential to understand that Mr. Maletka’s actions occurred within the broader experience of exploitation and murder. To identify and shift focus to Mr. Maletka serves not only to elevate a heartwarming story about a young man but also to marginalize the hundreds of thousands of mostly unnamed Jewish victims. Indeed, the sign on the monument devotes equal spaces to the Polish railway worker and the Jews who perished in Treblinka.

Markers to Poles killed by Nazis for rescuing Jews have been proliferating in the Polish countryside for several years now. The effect of these memorials to Polish national virtue is a new historical narrative that depicts the rescue of the Jews as a default position of Polish society during the Holocaust. The Polish government denies it is engaging in Holocaust distortion, but these stone monuments play into a distortion of the historical narrative. In my work as a historian of the Holocaust, I have come to call these efforts “memory patches” — stories intended to paper over the tragic legacy in which some Poles denounced or turned over to the Gestapo Jewish fellow citizens who were seeking shelter in wartime Poland.

Take the testimony of Adam Starkopf, who escaped the Warsaw ghetto with his wife, Pela, and their young daughter. Mr. Starkopf described in his memoir “Will to Live” being woken in the night in the town of Sadowne, where the couple were hiding in plain sight because Mr. Starkopf looked “Aryan” enough to pass as a Pole. A group of Polish villagers, he wrote, invited him into their plan to hunt down, rob and then turn over to the Gestapo a group of Jews who had escaped from a cattle car. “Just think — all these Jews lying on the ground, ready for the taking! It’s a windfall!,” Mr. Starkopf recalled his neighbors saying to him. “We’ll take their clothes, clean out their pockets and on top of that we’ll get a reward from the Germans for bringing them in.” (Mr. Starkopf declined to participate.)

The Polish narrative of wartime heroism and valor is espoused by Poland’s nationalistic government, led by the right-wing Law and Justice Party. In 2019 Ms. Gawin initiated “Called by Name,” a program intended to commemorate Poles who died rescuing Jews. “Called by Name” lives under the auspices of the government-funded Pilecki Institute, itself dedicated to commemorating Poles “who were murdered for providing aid and assistance to Jews during the Second World War.” In the vicinity of Treblinka in the past several years, the Pilecki Institute has erected no fewer than 10 other monuments to celebrate brave Poles who died giving assistance to Jews.

As if to underscore how integrated the government is with this effort, Magdalena Gawin, the minister who oversaw the Treblinka memorial, is now the director of the Pilecki Institute. The institute’s former director, Wojciech Kozlowski, has denied that the institute’s work is politically driven. “We are not in any way interested in promulgating any sort of ‘alternative narrative’ or in pursuing any kind of political agenda,” he told The Times of Israel in 2020.

Poland’s efforts to reframe history reflect a trend proliferating in other European countries to obfuscate the history of the Holocaust. In France, the far right has made efforts to whitewash the record of the Vichy government, which collaborated with the Nazis. In Hungary and Croatia, local complicity and collaboration during the war is downplayed, shifting the blame for the Jewish catastrophe entirely onto the German occupiers. What makes the Polish example so distinctive is the apparent scale of state official involvement in redirecting the narrative.

In all these cases, pushing blame for the destruction of Jewish communities entirely onto Nazi occupiers obfuscates the larger context of Holocaust horror and the very real problems of collaboration, bystanderism and local antisemitism that helped run the machine of the Holocaust.

Indeed, in Poland some of the commemorative markers have even been erected in places such as the town of Sadowne, where Mr. Starkopf described listening to the sound of Jews “being dragged through the snow to barns and stables” after his conversation with his neighbors. Thus the marker serves to deflect attention from atrocities committed by locals and to reframe their role in history. This commemorative drive allows the nationalists to present themselves as primarily defenders of the idea of historical innocence of the nation.

To be sure, efforts to shift the historical narrative in Poland did not begin with the Law and Order Party. Older markers, some erected by municipalities and local organizations, can be found in the former Warsaw ghetto, in the Plaszow concentration camp (depicted in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List”) and near the site of the 1946 Kielce pogrom, where a Polish mob murdered scores of Jewish survivors who returned to the city after the war.

In the former Warsaw ghetto — where about 80,000 Jews died of starvation or disease and from which more than 300,000 were transported to their deaths at Treblinka — tourists encounter not only memorials to Jewish trauma but also a street named after a brave Polish woman who saved Jewish children. There is also a statue of a Polish underground courier who tried to alert the indifferent Western Allies to the continuing genocide and a marker commemorating an organization to save Jews and a roundabout bearing the name of the “Righteous Among the Nations,” to name but a few.

Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust archive and museum, has long honored righteous gentiles who saved or in some way protected Jews. Over 7,000 of those righteous gentiles were in Poland, more than in any other country. And Poland suffered greatly at the hands of the occupiers; in a population of 35 million, Nazis murdered an estimated 1.9 million non-Jewish Polish civilians. There is a way to honor them and to underscore how a population under siege can still act with valor. But that effort cannot come at the expense of remembering the Jewish victims of the war, a large majority of whom did not survive the era.

Poland’s Jewish population numbered well over three million before the war. At the end of the war, some 380,000 Polish Jews had survived, most of whom had fled in 1939 into the former Soviet Union. By 1950, only about 45,000 Jews were left living in Poland.

The current effort to erect dozens of monuments to Polish heroes in places of Jewish terror appears to be changing the teaching and understanding of history in Poland. Even Auschwitz, perhaps the most visible symbol of the genocide, has not been spared. According to a national poll published in 2020, nearly half of Poles today think that Auschwitz is most of all a place of Polish suffering. Thus Auschwitz — which is also a museum funded by the Polish government devoted to the memory of nearly one million Jews who lost their lives in the gas chambers of Birkenau — has emerged, to a certain extent, as a place of Polish suffering as much as a Jewish one.

As a historian, I myself have encountered this new and dangerous trend. In 2021 I was accused of slandering the memory of a long-deceased Polish village mayor. The claim was based on a footnote in “Night Without End,” a book that I co-edited. In the text, a Holocaust survivor is quoted recalling an incident in which the mayor of his village alerted the Nazis to the whereabouts of a group of Jews, resulting in their death. The mayor’s niece, assisted by an NGO that receives government funding, took us into Warsaw’s District Court to defend the name of her uncle. We were dismayed by the ruling, in which the judge, Ewa Jonczyk, asked us to apologize.

“We can assume that ascribing to Poles the crimes of the Holocaust committed by the Third Reich can be construed as harmful and detrimental to the sense of identity and of national pride,” the judge said last February. “Attributing to the Polish nation the responsibility for the Holocaust, for the killing of Jews during World War II and for the confiscation of their property touches upon the sphere of the national heritage and, consequently, as completely untrue and harmful, can significantly impact one’s feeling of own national dignity, destroying the justified — based on facts — belief that Poland was the victim of war operations initiated and conducted by the Germans.”

Fortunately the ruling was overturned, but the chill was felt among scholars inside and outside Poland.

It seemed to me that the real objective of the lawsuit was not to rescue a man’s name or alter his reputation, but to frighten scholars of the Holocaust, to instill Poland’s pervasive atmosphere of fear into an entire discipline and to make students and educators think twice before choosing topics that would challenge the government-sponsored version of history. The idea of a right to national pride, advanced in court, is an ambiguous and legally undefined sentiment that effectively means any member of the Polish nation has the right to sue historians whose findings offend them.

Meanwhile, Holocaust survivors are dying every day. There are few left to protest the new revisionism.

The assault on the value of Jewish survivor testimony and the legal attack on our knowledge of the past are signs that the memory of the Holocaust is under threat not only by the deaths of survivors, but also by the willful choices of the present generation. The more time distances us from the event, the more heated the exchanges become, and the more forceful the attacks on the memory of the Shoah.

The earth outside the tiny village of Treblinka, in eastern Poland, still bears traces of the death camp the Nazis built there in 1942. Close to 925,000 Jews were slaughtered at Treblinka, making it the second-largest Jewish killing field in the world after Auschwitz.

The earth outside the tiny village of Treblinka, in eastern Poland, still bears traces of the death camp the Nazis built there in 1942. Close to 925,000 Jews were slaughtered at Treblinka, making it the second-largest Jewish killing field in the world after Auschwitz. On a sad, wet day in November, I wandered close to where Germans had burned the bodies of those murdered in the gas chambers nearby. At my feet on the damp ground, among the pebbles, I saw tiny white specks. They were small pieces of bones that still rise to the surface of the tainted earth of Treblinka after the rain. The ashes there tell one of the many stories of the murdered Jews of Europe. But recently, Poland’s government has been working to redirect the narrative. That same day in November, I saw Magdalena Gawin, the Polish deputy minister of Culture and National Heritage at the time, speak at the Treblinka train station flanked by a Polish Army honor guard, a Roman Catholic bishop and other distinguished guests, including Yehoshua Ellis, an American-born rabbi. They were assembled in Treblinka, a couple of miles away from the former death camp of the same name, to unveil a monument honoring Jan Maletka, a 21-year-old Polish railroad worker. Mr. Maletka, Polish researchers say, was shot in 1942 by the Nazis for giving water to the Jews as they waited in locked cattle cars idling outside the camp. At the ceremony that day, Ms. Gawin spoke of death and sacrifice. “It is estimated that 900,000 Jews died in Treblinka,” she said. “At the same time, we meet here to commemorate the death of one man, 900,000 Jews and one man.” The scene that unfolded last November in Treblinka is one of the most vivid examples of a dangerous new threat that is spreading rapidly today in Eastern Europe: Holocaust distortion. A false equivalence of victimization is but one hallmark of the new Polish historical revisionism. Another hallmark is a state-sponsored effort that downplays antisemitic terror at the hands of the Poles, though such incidents are well documented in the historical record. To better explain how this distortion works, consider this: Of the more than 900,000 Jews who arrived in Treblinka, fewer than 100 survived the war. Jewish survivor testimonies of Treblinka are harrowing: Many remembered extreme thirst; they also recalled groups of Polish railway workers and Polish youths who stood close to the cattle cars ready to hand over water — in exchange for gold or cash. In their oral histories and written accounts, survivors described how they were met not with compassion, but with greed: Jankiel Wiernik, a carpenter and cabinet maker, recalled how terribly hot the day he arrived in Treblinka was. From the train he saw Polish locals selling water to desperate Jews. Abram Jakub Krzepicki remembered that people in the wagon were dying of thirst. He described terrible scenes of Jews pleading with the workers, handing over fistfuls of money for a mere half cup of water. None of this is to necessarily undermine the story of Jan Maletka and what is said to be the quiet act that cost his life. There are no eyewitnesses left, so we will never know whether Mr. Maletka acted out of empathy for the dying Jews or not. But this huge memorialization effort obscures the full story. It is essential to understand that Mr. Maletka’s actions occurred within the broader experience of exploitation and murder. To identify and shift focus to Mr. Maletka serves not only to elevate a heartwarming story about a young man but also to marginalize the hundreds of thousands of mostly unnamed Jewish victims. Indeed, the sign on the monument devotes equal spaces to the Polish railway worker and the Jews who perished in Treblinka. Markers to Poles killed by Nazis for rescuing Jews have been proliferating in the Polish countryside for several years now. The effect of these memorials to Polish national virtue is a new historical narrative that depicts the rescue of the Jews as a default position of Polish society during the Holocaust. The Polish government denies it is engaging in Holocaust distortion, but these stone monuments play into a distortion of the historical narrative. In my work as a historian of the Holocaust, I have come to call these efforts “memory patches” — stories intended to paper over the tragic legacy in which some Poles denounced or turned over to the Gestapo Jewish fellow citizens who were seeking shelter in wartime Poland. Take the testimony of Adam Starkopf, who escaped the Warsaw ghetto with his wife, Pela, and their young daughter. Mr. Starkopf described in his memoir “Will to Live” being woken in the night in the town of Sadowne, where the couple were hiding in plain sight because Mr. Starkopf looked “Aryan” enough to pass as a Pole. A group of Polish villagers, he wrote, invited him into their plan to hunt down, rob and then turn over to the Gestapo a group of Jews who had escaped from a cattle car. “Just think — all these Jews lying on the ground, ready for the taking! It’s a windfall!,” Mr. Starkopf recalled his neighbors saying to him. “We’ll take their clothes, clean out their pockets and on top of that we’ll get a reward from the Germans for bringing them in.” (Mr. Starkopf declined to participate.) The Polish narrative of wartime heroism and valor is espoused by Poland’s nationalistic government, led by the right-wing Law and Justice Party. In 2019 Ms. Gawin initiated “Called by Name,” a program intended to commemorate Poles who died rescuing Jews. “Called by Name” lives under the auspices of the government-funded Pilecki Institute, itself dedicated to commemorating Poles “who were murdered for providing aid and assistance to Jews during the Second World War.” In the vicinity of Treblinka in the past several years, the Pilecki Institute has erected no fewer than 10 other monuments to celebrate brave Poles who died giving assistance to Jews. As if to underscore how integrated the government is with this effort, Magdalena Gawin, the minister who oversaw the Treblinka memorial, is now the director of the Pilecki Institute. The institute’s former director, Wojciech Kozlowski, has denied that the institute’s work is politically driven. “We are not in any way interested in promulgating any sort of ‘alternative narrative’ or in pursuing any kind of political agenda,” he told The Times of Israel in 2020. Poland’s efforts to reframe history reflect a trend proliferating in other European countries to obfuscate the history of the Holocaust. In France, the far right has made efforts to whitewash the record of the Vichy government, which collaborated with the Nazis. In Hungary and Croatia, local complicity and collaboration during the war is downplayed, shifting the blame for the Jewish catastrophe entirely onto the German occupiers. What makes the Polish example so distinctive is the apparent scale of state official involvement in redirecting the narrative. In all these cases, pushing blame for the destruction of Jewish communities entirely onto Nazi occupiers obfuscates the larger context of Holocaust horror and the very real problems of collaboration, bystanderism and local antisemitism that helped run the machine of the Holocaust. Indeed, in Poland some of the commemorative markers have even been erected in places such as the town of Sadowne, where Mr. Starkopf described listening to the sound of Jews “being dragged through the snow to barns and stables” after his conversation with his neighbors. Thus the marker serves to deflect attention from atrocities committed by locals and to reframe their role in history. This commemorative drive allows the nationalists to present themselves as primarily defenders of the idea of historical innocence of the nation. To be sure, efforts to shift the historical narrative in Poland did not begin with the Law and Order Party. Older markers, some erected by municipalities and local organizations, can be found in the former Warsaw ghetto, in the Plaszow concentration camp (depicted in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List”) and near the site of the 1946 Kielce pogrom, where a Polish mob murdered scores of Jewish survivors who returned to the city after the war. In the former Warsaw ghetto — where about 80,000 Jews died of starvation or disease and from which more than 300,000 were transported to their deaths at Treblinka — tourists encounter not only memorials to Jewish trauma but also a street named after a brave Polish woman who saved Jewish children. There is also a statue of a Polish underground courier who tried to alert the indifferent Western Allies to the continuing genocide and a marker commemorating an organization to save Jews and a roundabout bearing the name of the “Righteous Among the Nations,” to name but a few. Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust archive and museum, has long honored righteous gentiles who saved or in some way protected Jews. Over 7,000 of those righteous gentiles were in Poland, more than in any other country. And Poland suffered greatly at the hands of the occupiers; in a population of 35 million, Nazis murdered an estimated 1.9 million non-Jewish Polish civilians. There is a way to honor them and to underscore how a population under siege can still act with valor. But that effort cannot come at the expense of remembering the Jewish victims of the war, a large majority of whom did not survive the era. Poland’s Jewish population numbered well over three million before the war. At the end of the war, some 380,000 Polish Jews had survived, most of whom had fled in 1939 into the former Soviet Union. By 1950, only about 45,000 Jews were left living in Poland. The current effort to erect dozens of monuments to Polish heroes in places of Jewish terror appears to be changing the teaching and understanding of history in Poland. Even Auschwitz, perhaps the most visible symbol of the genocide, has not been spared. According to a national poll published in 2020, nearly half of Poles today think that Auschwitz is most of all a place of Polish suffering. Thus Auschwitz — which is also a museum funded by the Polish government devoted to the memory of nearly one million Jews who lost their lives in the gas chambers of Birkenau — has emerged, to a certain extent, as a place of Polish suffering as much as a Jewish one. As a historian, I myself have encountered this new and dangerous trend. In 2021 I was accused of slandering the memory of a long-deceased Polish village mayor. The claim was based on a footnote in “Night Without End,” a book that I co-edited. In the text, a Holocaust survivor is quoted recalling an incident in which the mayor of his village alerted the Nazis to the whereabouts of a group of Jews, resulting in their death. The mayor’s niece, assisted by an NGO that receives government funding, took us into Warsaw’s District Court to defend the name of her uncle. We were dismayed by the ruling, in which the judge, Ewa Jonczyk, asked us to apologize. “We can assume that ascribing to Poles the crimes of the Holocaust committed by the Third Reich can be construed as harmful and detrimental to the sense of identity and of national pride,” the judge said last February. “Attributing to the Polish nation the responsibility for the Holocaust, for the killing of Jews during World War II and for the confiscation of their property touches upon the sphere of the national heritage and, consequently, as completely untrue and harmful, can significantly impact one’s feeling of own national dignity, destroying the justified — based on facts — belief that Poland was the victim of war operations initiated and conducted by the Germans.” Fortunately the ruling was overturned, but the chill was felt among scholars inside and outside Poland. It seemed to me that the real objective of the lawsuit was not to rescue a man’s name or alter his reputation, but to frighten scholars of the Holocaust, to instill Poland’s pervasive atmosphere of fear into an entire discipline and to make students and educators think twice before choosing topics that would challenge the government-sponsored version of history. The idea of a right to national pride, advanced in court, is an ambiguous and legally undefined sentiment that effectively means any member of the Polish nation has the right to sue historians whose findings offend them. Meanwhile, Holocaust survivors are dying every day. There are few left to protest the new revisionism. The assault on the value of Jewish survivor testimony and the legal attack on our knowledge of the past are signs that the memory of the Holocaust is under threat not only by the deaths of survivors, but also by the willful choices of the present generation. The more time distances us from the event, the more heated the exchanges become, and the more forceful the attacks on the memory of the Shoah.

Poland is distorting how we remember the Holocaust

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the world remembered millions of people, over six million of them, who were killed at the hands of the Nazi German regime in Europe during the second world war.

Holocaust memorial day: World commemorates victims

January 27 is marked as a Holocaust Remembrance Day across the globe. A day to honour and remember 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis in World War 2. The day marks the liberation of the Auschwitz prisoners by the soviet army in 1945.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust

January 27 is celebrated as a Holocaust Remembrance Day across the globe. A day to honour and remember 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis in World War 2. The day marks the liberation of the Auschwitz prisoners by the soviet army in 1945.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in Holocaust

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman.

Director of school, Lee Parkison claimed that “There is some rough, objectionable language in this book." 
Parkison further said that after consulting with the attorney, it has been concluded that "the best way to fix or handle the language in this book was to redact it..to get rid of the eight curse words and the picture of the woman that was objected to.”

Board member, Jonathan Pierce said that the book did not meet his "standard."

Not every board member was in support of banning the book. An instructional supervisor and former history teacher Julie Goodin, and the federal programs supervisor Melasawn Knight backed the novel’s inclusion in the curriculum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mysterious-radio-waves-from-space-object-are-aliens-calling-448016">Also read |&nbsp;Mysterious radio waves from space object. Are aliens calling?</a>

Knight, in a report by The Guardian, is quoted as saying, "I think any time you are teaching something from history, people did hang from trees, people did commit suicide and people were killed, over six million were murdered. I think the author is portraying that because it is a true story about his father that lived through that."

The move comes at a time when most conservative groups across the US are taking initiatives to ban books that are focussed on works that address race, LGBTQ issues or marginalised communities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman.

Maus, which is a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel about the holocaust, has been banned by a Tennessee school board in the US. This happened after a total of 10 board members unanimously agreed in favour of removing the novel from the curriculum, citing its use of phrases like “God Damn” and the image of a nude woman. Director of school, Lee Parkison claimed that “There is some rough, objectionable language in this book." Parkison further said that after consulting with the attorney, it has been concluded that "the best way to fix or handle the language in this book was to redact it..to get rid of the eight curse words and the picture of the woman that was objected to.” Board member, Jonathan Pierce said that the book did not meet his "standard." Not every board member was in support of banning the book. An instructional supervisor and former history teacher Julie Goodin, and the federal programs supervisor Melasawn Knight backed the novel’s inclusion in the curriculum. Also read | Mysterious radio waves from space object. Are aliens calling? Knight, in a report by The Guardian, is quoted as saying, "I think any time you are teaching something from history, people did hang from trees, people did commit suicide and people were killed, over six million were murdered. I think the author is portraying that because it is a true story about his father that lived through that." The move comes at a time when most conservative groups across the US are taking initiatives to ban books that are focussed on works that address race, LGBTQ issues or marginalised communities. (With inputs from agencies)

This is why a US-based school board has banned Pulitzer prize-winning Holocaust novel

Naor Gilon, Israel's envoy to India, has said "there is no anti-Semitism in India; this phrase doesn't just exist" as both sides begin official celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

Anti-Semitism, or discrimination against Jews, has been seen in many parts of the world.

The top Israeli diplomat in India explained, "Jews have lived in India for over 2000 years in total equality and peacefully, and as someone who arrived after serving quite an extensive period in Europe, I was very much surprised at how much love and appreciation there is in India towards Israel."

On January 29th, 1992, India and Israel established full diplomatic relations, and this year both sides will commemorate 30 years of ties to give further impetus to this rapidly evolving engagement.

At a virtual event on Monday, a commemorative logo was launched.

The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30, depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.

Calling relations between India and Israel "exceptional," Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon said, "relationships did not start just 30 years ago" and "more than 900 Indian soldiers are buried in the land of Israel, those who fought during the First World War as part of the British Indian army, to liberate the area which later became Israel."

He recalled how, in the bed room of David Ben-Gurion, a picture of Gandhi was present, and he saw "Gandhi and India as a sister liberation movement".

David Ben-Gurion was the founding father and first prime minister of Israel.

The role of the Indian soldiers during the 1918 battle of Haifa has been well documented. During the 2018 visit of the then Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the name of Delhi's Teen Murti Chowk was formally rechristened as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in his honor.

The 3 statues at the chowk in the heart of Central Delhi belong to the Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Mysore lancers who were part of the British India forces that helped win the battle of Haifa.

Sanjeev Singla, the Indian envoy to Israel, was also present at the event, and he highlighted how "our two peoples are connected by civilizational bonds that go beyond trade and economic ties.The Jewish people have thrived in India for centuries and, in fact, enriched the composite culture of India. Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar saved the lives of several Jewish children during World War II by providing them with shelter and taking care of them."

The Indian envoy said the large India-Jewish community forms an "organic link and bridge that continues to grow" between the two sides. There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel who are Israeli passport holders. The majority of them are from Maharashtra (Bene Israelis), and relatively smaller numbers are from Kerala (Cochini Jews) and Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews). In recent years, some Indian Jews from the North-Eastern states of India (Bnei Menashe) have been immigrating to Israel.

2022 marks 5 years of strategic partnership which was established during the visit of PM Modi.

He said, "2022 provides us an opportunity to not only look back and take account of the bilateral achievements of the past 30 years, but also the last 5 years when the relationship was put on a qualitatively high trajectory."

As part of the 30-year celebrations, several high-level visits are planned, including one by the new Israeli PM, Naftali Bennett. Both Indian PM Modi and the new Israeli PM met last year, on the sidelines of the Glasgow summit. EAM Jaishankar had also visited the country last year.

Naor Gilon, Israel's envoy to India, has said "there is no anti-Semitism in India; this phrase doesn't just exist" as both sides begin official celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

Naor Gilon, Israel's envoy to India, has said "there is no anti-Semitism in India; this phrase doesn't just exist" as both sides begin official celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago. Anti-Semitism, or discrimination against Jews, has been seen in many parts of the world. The top Israeli diplomat in India explained, "Jews have lived in India for over 2000 years in total equality and peacefully, and as someone who arrived after serving quite an extensive period in Europe, I was very much surprised at how much love and appreciation there is in India towards Israel." On January 29th, 1992, India and Israel established full diplomatic relations, and this year both sides will commemorate 30 years of ties to give further impetus to this rapidly evolving engagement. At a virtual event on Monday, a commemorative logo was launched. The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30, depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. Calling relations between India and Israel "exceptional," Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon said, "relationships did not start just 30 years ago" and "more than 900 Indian soldiers are buried in the land of Israel, those who fought during the First World War as part of the British Indian army, to liberate the area which later became Israel." He recalled how, in the bed room of David Ben-Gurion, a picture of Gandhi was present, and he saw "Gandhi and India as a sister liberation movement". David Ben-Gurion was the founding father and first prime minister of Israel. The role of the Indian soldiers during the 1918 battle of Haifa has been well documented. During the 2018 visit of the then Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the name of Delhi's Teen Murti Chowk was formally rechristened as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in his honor. The 3 statues at the chowk in the heart of Central Delhi belong to the Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Mysore lancers who were part of the British India forces that helped win the battle of Haifa. Sanjeev Singla, the Indian envoy to Israel, was also present at the event, and he highlighted how "our two peoples are connected by civilizational bonds that go beyond trade and economic ties.The Jewish people have thrived in India for centuries and, in fact, enriched the composite culture of India. Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar saved the lives of several Jewish children during World War II by providing them with shelter and taking care of them." The Indian envoy said the large India-Jewish community forms an "organic link and bridge that continues to grow" between the two sides. There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel who are Israeli passport holders. The majority of them are from Maharashtra (Bene Israelis), and relatively smaller numbers are from Kerala (Cochini Jews) and Kolkata (Baghdadi Jews). In recent years, some Indian Jews from the North-Eastern states of India (Bnei Menashe) have been immigrating to Israel. 2022 marks 5 years of strategic partnership which was established during the visit of PM Modi. He said, "2022 provides us an opportunity to not only look back and take account of the bilateral achievements of the past 30 years, but also the last 5 years when the relationship was put on a qualitatively high trajectory." As part of the 30-year celebrations, several high-level visits are planned, including one by the new Israeli PM, Naftali Bennett. Both Indian PM Modi and the new Israeli PM met last year, on the sidelines of the Glasgow summit. EAM Jaishankar had also visited the country last year.

No anti-semitism in India, says Israel's Envoy to India Naor Gilon

The mysteries around the betrayal of Anne Frank, might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis. Frank, who died aged 15, was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish heritage and emerged as one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust. Anne and her sister died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Anne became popular posthumously with the 1947 publication of 'The Diary of a Young Girl'. She documented her life while in hiding from 1942 to 1944. The diary became one of the most haunting accounts of the Holocaust.

Was Anne Frank betrayed? How Nazis found her hiding place in 1944

The conspiracies and mysteries around one of the most famous incidents of World War II , namely the betrayal of Anne Frank, &nbsp;might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis.&nbsp;

Frank, who died aged 15, was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish heritage and emerged as one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust.&nbsp;

Her name became popular posthumously with the 1947 publication of 'The Diary of a Young Girl' in which she documented her life while in hiding from 1942 to 1944.&nbsp;

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<h2>The diary</h2>

Frank started diary entries in an autograph book she received as a gift, which was bound with red-and-white checkered cloth with a small lock on the front.&nbsp;

In the diary, she listed many of the restrictions placed upon the lives of the Dutch Jewish population. She also wrote about her wish to publish a book about her time in the 'Secret Annex'. After the war, her father Otto Frank fulfilled her wish.

Since then, Anne Frank's diary has been translated into more than 70 languages, becoming one of the most haunting accounts of the Holocaust, selling some 30 million copies.

<h2>The betrayal</h2>

In 1944, Anne and seven other Jews were discovered by the Nazis on August 4, after they had hidden for nearly two years in a secret place above a canal-side warehouse in Amsterdam.&nbsp;

The secret hiding place became known as the Achterhuis, which was translated into "Secret Annex" in English editions of the diary.&nbsp;

After they were found, all were deported and reportedly Anne died in the Bergen Belsen camp at age 15.

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<h2>The investigation</h2>

A team that included retired US FBI agent Vincent Pankoke and around 20 historians, criminologists and data specialists led an investigation.&nbsp;

The probe revealed that a Jewish figure named Arnold van den Bergh might have revealed the Franks' hiding place in Amsterdam to the Nazis in a bid to save his own family. &nbsp;

However, some other experts emphasised that the evidence against him was not conclusive.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researcher-finds-fresh-proof-that-nazis-held-fake-auctions-to-disguise-theft-441827">Researcher finds fresh proof that Nazis held fake auctions to disguise theft</a>

<h2>The clue</h2>

According to a new book about the investigation, the evidence comes from modern data-crunching techniques combined with a long-lost, anonymous note sent to Anne's father Otto naming Van den Bergh.&nbsp;

The Anne Frank House museum said it was "impressed" by the evidence in the book being published on Tuesday by Canadian author Rosemary Sullivan, but that further investigation was needed.

Anne's father told detectives in 1964 that he had received a note shortly after the war naming Van den Bergh as the betrayer of his family, and of several other people. A copy made by Frank of the note was found by the team in a police officer's archives.

(With inputs from agencies)

The conspiracies and mysteries around one of the most famous incidents of World War II , namely the betrayal of Anne Frank, might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis.

The conspiracies and mysteries around one of the most famous incidents of World War II , namely the betrayal of Anne Frank, might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis. Frank, who died aged 15, was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish heritage and emerged as one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust. Her name became popular posthumously with the 1947 publication of 'The Diary of a Young Girl' in which she documented her life while in hiding from 1942 to 1944. ALSO READ | Old letters of couple reveal underground network set up to help Jewish families escape Nazi rule The diary Frank started diary entries in an autograph book she received as a gift, which was bound with red-and-white checkered cloth with a small lock on the front. In the diary, she listed many of the restrictions placed upon the lives of the Dutch Jewish population. She also wrote about her wish to publish a book about her time in the 'Secret Annex'. After the war, her father Otto Frank fulfilled her wish. Since then, Anne Frank's diary has been translated into more than 70 languages, becoming one of the most haunting accounts of the Holocaust, selling some 30 million copies. The betrayal In 1944, Anne and seven other Jews were discovered by the Nazis on August 4, after they had hidden for nearly two years in a secret place above a canal-side warehouse in Amsterdam. The secret hiding place became known as the Achterhuis, which was translated into "Secret Annex" in English editions of the diary. After they were found, all were deported and reportedly Anne died in the Bergen Belsen camp at age 15. ALSO READ | Swiss museum orders experts to review Nazi-era art collection The investigation A team that included retired US FBI agent Vincent Pankoke and around 20 historians, criminologists and data specialists led an investigation. The probe revealed that a Jewish figure named Arnold van den Bergh might have revealed the Franks' hiding place in Amsterdam to the Nazis in a bid to save his own family. However, some other experts emphasised that the evidence against him was not conclusive. ALSO READ | Researcher finds fresh proof that Nazis held fake auctions to disguise theft The clue According to a new book about the investigation, the evidence comes from modern data-crunching techniques combined with a long-lost, anonymous note sent to Anne's father Otto naming Van den Bergh. The Anne Frank House museum said it was "impressed" by the evidence in the book being published on Tuesday by Canadian author Rosemary Sullivan, but that further investigation was needed. Anne's father told detectives in 1964 that he had received a note shortly after the war naming Van den Bergh as the betrayer of his family, and of several other people. A copy made by Frank of the note was found by the team in a police officer's archives. (With inputs from agencies)

Who betrayed Anne Frank to the Nazis? Surprise suspect 'identified' after 77 years

A court in Holland has banned a right-wing political leader from comparing coronavirus restrictions to the Holocaust on social media. The ban came after legal action by World War 2 survivors and Jewish organisations. Thierry Baudet, the MP who drew court's ire heads the populist Forum for Democracy Party.

He had said on Twitter that "the unvaccinated are the new Jews, those who look away from the exclusions are the new Nazis".

He also posted side-by-side a photo of a young Dutch boy prevented from attending a festive St Nicholas party and one of a Jewish boy from a Polish ghetto before his deportation during World War II.

Baudet, 38, must delete the relevant social media posts within 48 hours and can no longer use pictures of the Holocaust in debates over Dutch health restrictions, local media reported.

He risks incurring a daily fine of 25,000 euros ($28,000) for breaking the court order.

A judge ruled against Baudet for "pointlessly offending Holocaust victims and their relatives".

"The right to freedom of expression is not unlimited for a representative of the people," Dutch press agency ANP quoted the judge as saying. 
Baudet had also shared a photo of the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany with the comment: "How is it POSSIBLE to not see how history is repeating itself."

Four Jewish World War II survivors, Dutch Jewish organisations and an anti-Semitism monitoring group had initiated proceedings.

"Incomprehensible, crazy ruling. We are angry and ready to fight. And of course, we will appeal," Baudet wrote on Twitter afterwards.

Baudet, who is well-known for his opposition to Covid-19 vaccinations and health measures, received a warning from Twitter in March 2021, one week before legislative elections.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A court in Holland has banned a right-wing political leader from comparing coronavirus restrictions to the Holocaust on social media. The ban came after legal action by World War 2 survivors and Jewish organisations.

A court in Holland has banned a right-wing political leader from comparing coronavirus restrictions to the Holocaust on social media. The ban came after legal action by World War 2 survivors and Jewish organisations. Thierry Baudet, the MP who drew court's ire heads the populist Forum for Democracy Party. He had said on Twitter that "the unvaccinated are the new Jews, those who look away from the exclusions are the new Nazis". He also posted side-by-side a photo of a young Dutch boy prevented from attending a festive St Nicholas party and one of a Jewish boy from a Polish ghetto before his deportation during World War II. Baudet, 38, must delete the relevant social media posts within 48 hours and can no longer use pictures of the Holocaust in debates over Dutch health restrictions, local media reported. He risks incurring a daily fine of 25,000 euros ($28,000) for breaking the court order. A judge ruled against Baudet for "pointlessly offending Holocaust victims and their relatives". "The right to freedom of expression is not unlimited for a representative of the people," Dutch press agency ANP quoted the judge as saying. Baudet had also shared a photo of the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany with the comment: "How is it POSSIBLE to not see how history is repeating itself." Four Jewish World War II survivors, Dutch Jewish organisations and an anti-Semitism monitoring group had initiated proceedings. "Incomprehensible, crazy ruling. We are angry and ready to fight. And of course, we will appeal," Baudet wrote on Twitter afterwards. Baudet, who is well-known for his opposition to Covid-19 vaccinations and health measures, received a warning from Twitter in March 2021, one week before legislative elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Court punishes Dutch MP for comparing Covid restrictions to Holocaust

Bernard Krutz, holocaust survivor who was hidden as a toddler during the war and was then adopted by a Polish Jewish family after the war, didn’t remember his parents or his family name. However, DNA testing helped him find his cousin. Watch this miraculous story of this holocaust survivor.

Holocaust survivor Bernard Krutz finds lost cousin after 73 years

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred".

"The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement," Bennett said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law."

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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this morning: 
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An investigation has been opened into the "suspected spraying of swastikas on the walls of two synagogues in the city of Bnei Brak", the local police said.

"The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law and we will settle accounts with them," Bennett said. "Ahead of the Hebrew month of Elul, the people of Israel must unite in love for one another."

Members of the congregation had found swastikas sprayed on two doors of the synagogue on Saturday morning, Rabbi Asher Landau said. In addition to the paintings, condoms were fitted on the door handles.

<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7reN1TX0AE-iT_?format=jpg&amp;name=large" />

(Image credit: Twitter)

In addition to this, photos of a teenage girl who was murdered by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish assailant in 2015 were also scattered on the floor.

A similar scene was also reported at another synagogue in the same neighbourhood, Landau said.

"It's a terrible feeling. A feeling of grief," Landau told news agency AFP.

He also added that all members of his congregation were either Holocaust survivors or descendants of the survivors.

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak. Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred".

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak. Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred". "The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement," Bennett said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law." Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this morning: "The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement.https://t.co/eUvKgjghYH — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 1, 2021 × An investigation has been opened into the "suspected spraying of swastikas on the walls of two synagogues in the city of Bnei Brak", the local police said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law and we will settle accounts with them," Bennett said. "Ahead of the Hebrew month of Elul, the people of Israel must unite in love for one another." Members of the congregation had found swastikas sprayed on two doors of the synagogue on Saturday morning, Rabbi Asher Landau said. In addition to the paintings, condoms were fitted on the door handles. (Image credit: Twitter) In addition to this, photos of a teenage girl who was murdered by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish assailant in 2015 were also scattered on the floor. A similar scene was also reported at another synagogue in the same neighbourhood, Landau said. "It's a terrible feeling. A feeling of grief," Landau told news agency AFP. He also added that all members of his congregation were either Holocaust survivors or descendants of the survivors.

'Grave act of hatred': Israel PM denounces painting of swastikas on synagogues

On the&nbsp;eve&nbsp;of the Tokyo&nbsp;Games, organisers&nbsp;fired&nbsp;the&nbsp;director&nbsp;of the&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;joke&nbsp;he made about the&nbsp;Holocaust, while media reported former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a staunch advocate for the Tokyo&nbsp;Games, would skip the showpiece&nbsp;event.

The news is the latest in a series of embarrassments for Tokyo organisers that have sparked outrage and comes just days after a well known musician was forced to step down as composer for the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;after old reports of his bullying and abusive behaviour surfaced.

Earlier this year, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee resigned after making sexist remarks and Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;creative head followed after he made derogatory comments about a popular Japanese female entertainer.

Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;fired&nbsp;Kentaro Kobayashi on Thursday&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;joke&nbsp;he made about the&nbsp;Holocaust&nbsp;as part of his comedy act in the 1990s that recently resurfaced in domestic media.

"I offer my deep apology for causing trouble and worry for many people concerned as well as Tokyo residents and Japanese people when the&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;is almost upon us," said a sombre Seiko Hashimoto, who heads the organising committee.

Earlier, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, an international Jewish human rights organisation, released a statement saying Kobayashi's association with the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;would "insult the memory" of the six million Jewish people who perished in the&nbsp;Holocaust.

Kobayashi apologised for his past comments in a statement.

Former PM Abe, who famously dressed up as the titular plumber from video game Super Mario at the Rio&nbsp;Games&nbsp;to represent Japan, played an outsized role in attracting the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to Tokyo.

At the time of the bid, Abe and his supporters hoped the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;would parallel the 1964 Tokyo&nbsp;Games&nbsp;heralding the nation's revival after decades of economic stagnation and also mark its recovery from a devastating nuclear and natural disaster in 2011.

But the spectacle of last-minute personnel changes, the resurfacing of past abusive comments and the looming presence of the pandemic threatened to turn the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;into a "PR disaster," said Bob Pickard, a veteran PR executive at Signal Leadership Communication.

"Tokyo 2020 was supposed to be a global platform for the launch of a new Japan facing an international future with confidence. Instead, what we see here is the legacy of the old Japan's insular attitudes mired in past prejudices and dated stereotypes," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-canada-australia-to-assemble-with-10-percent-of-team-at-opening-ceremony-399612">Also read |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics: Canada, Australia to assemble with 10 percent of team at opening ceremony</a>

NHK said Abe decided against attending the&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;after the Japanese government declared a state of emergency and virus restrictions&nbsp;over&nbsp;Tokyo. Abe's office could not immediately be reached on Thursday, a public holiday in Japan.

The&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;on Friday is set to be a subdued affair, with just 950 people - including only around 15 global leaders - set to attend. Spectators have been barred from most Olympic&nbsp;events as COVID-19 cases surge in the capital.

First Lady Jill Biden lands in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon for the&nbsp;Games'&nbsp;opening&nbsp;ceremony, raising expectations she might also use her attendance to discuss vaccines with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Biden has been travelling across the United States urging more people to get inoculated.

Only a third of Japanese have had at least one dose of the vaccine, fuelling public concerns that the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;could become a super-spreader&nbsp;event.

In a recent poll, 68% of respondents expressed doubt about the ability of Olympic organisers to control coronavirus infections, with 55% saying they opposed the&nbsp;Games&nbsp;going ahead.

Already 87 Olympic-related personnel, including athletes, have tested positive for COVID-19, forcing athlete withdrawals and pushing teammates to isolate.

In light of new cases reported in the Olympic village, the US gymnastics team moved into a hotel, a coach said in a Twitter exchange earlier this week.

Olympic organisers referred Reuters questions on the topic to the US team.

Olympics&nbsp;competition has already begun, with the Japanese women's softball team getting the hosts off to a winning start on Wednesday.

Between matches in rural Fukushima, which was devastated by the 2011 nuclear disaster, softball players were on the lookout for a brown bear which had been spotted this week.

"I'm kind of disappointed I didn't get to see it," US pitcher Monica Abbott said.

On the eve of the Tokyo Games, organisers fired the director of the opening ceremony over a joke he made about the Holocaust, while media reported former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a staunch advocate for the Tokyo Games, would skip the showpiece event.

On the eve of the Tokyo Games, organisers fired the director of the opening ceremony over a joke he made about the Holocaust, while media reported former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a staunch advocate for the Tokyo Games, would skip the showpiece event. The news is the latest in a series of embarrassments for Tokyo organisers that have sparked outrage and comes just days after a well known musician was forced to step down as composer for the ceremony after old reports of his bullying and abusive behaviour surfaced. Earlier this year, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee resigned after making sexist remarks and Tokyo Olympics creative head followed after he made derogatory comments about a popular Japanese female entertainer. Tokyo Games organisers fired Kentaro Kobayashi on Thursday over a joke he made about the Holocaust as part of his comedy act in the 1990s that recently resurfaced in domestic media. "I offer my deep apology for causing trouble and worry for many people concerned as well as Tokyo residents and Japanese people when the opening ceremony is almost upon us," said a sombre Seiko Hashimoto, who heads the organising committee. Earlier, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, an international Jewish human rights organisation, released a statement saying Kobayashi's association with the Olympics would "insult the memory" of the six million Jewish people who perished in the Holocaust. Kobayashi apologised for his past comments in a statement. Former PM Abe, who famously dressed up as the titular plumber from video game Super Mario at the Rio Games to represent Japan, played an outsized role in attracting the Olympics to Tokyo. At the time of the bid, Abe and his supporters hoped the Olympics would parallel the 1964 Tokyo Games heralding the nation's revival after decades of economic stagnation and also mark its recovery from a devastating nuclear and natural disaster in 2011. But the spectacle of last-minute personnel changes, the resurfacing of past abusive comments and the looming presence of the pandemic threatened to turn the Olympics into a "PR disaster," said Bob Pickard, a veteran PR executive at Signal Leadership Communication. "Tokyo 2020 was supposed to be a global platform for the launch of a new Japan facing an international future with confidence. Instead, what we see here is the legacy of the old Japan's insular attitudes mired in past prejudices and dated stereotypes," he said. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: Canada, Australia to assemble with 10 percent of team at opening ceremony NHK said Abe decided against attending the ceremony after the Japanese government declared a state of emergency and virus restrictions over Tokyo. Abe's office could not immediately be reached on Thursday, a public holiday in Japan. The opening ceremony on Friday is set to be a subdued affair, with just 950 people - including only around 15 global leaders - set to attend. Spectators have been barred from most Olympic events as COVID-19 cases surge in the capital. First Lady Jill Biden lands in Tokyo on Thursday afternoon for the Games' opening ceremony, raising expectations she might also use her attendance to discuss vaccines with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Biden has been travelling across the United States urging more people to get inoculated. Only a third of Japanese have had at least one dose of the vaccine, fuelling public concerns that the Olympics could become a super-spreader event. In a recent poll, 68% of respondents expressed doubt about the ability of Olympic organisers to control coronavirus infections, with 55% saying they opposed the Games going ahead. Already 87 Olympic-related personnel, including athletes, have tested positive for COVID-19, forcing athlete withdrawals and pushing teammates to isolate. In light of new cases reported in the Olympic village, the US gymnastics team moved into a hotel, a coach said in a Twitter exchange earlier this week. Olympic organisers referred Reuters questions on the topic to the US team. Olympics competition has already begun, with the Japanese women's softball team getting the hosts off to a winning start on Wednesday. Between matches in rural Fukushima, which was devastated by the 2011 nuclear disaster, softball players were on the lookout for a brown bear which had been spotted this week. "I'm kind of disappointed I didn't get to see it," US pitcher Monica Abbott said.

Olympics-Opening ceremony director fired over Holocaust joke on Games eve

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust.

According to Japanese media sites, in a screenplay for his comedy performance in 1998, Kobayashi made light of the Nazis' mass murder of 6 million Jews, stating, "Let's play Holocaust."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-two-olympic-athletes-test-positive-for-covid-19-say-organisers-399588">Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two Olympic athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers</a> 
 
Kobayashi's remarks drew immediate condemnation, especially from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which criticised what it called anti-Semitic humour by the comedian.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kick-it-right-back-at-them-japan-pm-denies-being-pressurised-to-hold-tokyo-2020-399483">Also read | 'Kick it right back at them': Japan PM denies being pressurised to hold Tokyo 2020</a>

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing that Kentaro Kobayashi had been dismissed because of past comments that made fun of a tragedy.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began.

Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust.

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust. According to Japanese media sites, in a screenplay for his comedy performance in 1998, Kobayashi made light of the Nazis' mass murder of 6 million Jews, stating, "Let's play Holocaust." Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two Olympic athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers Kobayashi's remarks drew immediate condemnation, especially from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which criticised what it called anti-Semitic humour by the comedian. Also read | 'Kick it right back at them': Japan PM denies being pressurised to hold Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing that Kentaro Kobayashi had been dismissed because of past comments that made fun of a tragedy. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began. Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8. (With inputs from agencies)

Director of Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony ousted over past comments on Holocaust

Sidestepping a roaring waterfall and stumbling over rocks, an Austrian amateur theatre group re-enacts the treacherous Alpine escape of thousands of Jews seeking a new home after the Holocaust.

Surrounded by Austria's snow-capped peaks, two dozen spectators hike alongside lay actors who perform scenes based on the real experiences of as many as 8,000 Holocaust survivors who traversed the Alps to reach the Italian harbour of Genoa, where they hoped to board ships to Palestine in 1947.

"The special thing about the play is that you experience it and you get an idea of what people went through back then," says actor Celine Nerbl of the Pinzgau region group Teatro Caprile, which has been staging the theatre hike in summer.&nbsp;

After the end of World War II, thousands remained stuck in camps for displaced Holocaust survivors in countries such as Austria, with little hope of starting a new life while anti-Semitism remained so deeply entrenched.

The Jewish flight aid organisation Bricha smuggled groups of as many as 200 people on trucks via the camp "Givat Avoda", which translates to "Hill of Labour", in the Austrian town of Saalfelden, to Krimml from where they had to continue by foot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/17-years-after-founding-virgin-galactic-branson-bound-for-space-397306">Also read |&nbsp;17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space</a>

It is here that the re-enactment begins, and it is an emotional, eight-hour-long hike for participants.

"You can feel yourself in there," says Austrian Marion Mikenda, a local who participated in the guided trek with her father.

The only route

"Nobody wanted them, even after the war, so they had to flee," says historian Rudolf Leo, who grew up in Salzburg province and who remembers his mother telling him about the 1947 Jewish exodus.

Back then, British allied forces prevented Jews from fleeing to British-controlled Palestine, making the back country mountain pass of Krimml their only escape route.&nbsp;

"I always thought she was wrong about the year," Leo says of his mother's memories. "But, no, she was completely right."

Physical exertion helps the audience imagine what the refugees experienced, says author and director Andreas Kosek.

He set the scenes along the original path: in a dense spruce forest, a lush meadow where cows graze, and inside a hut which, at an elevation of over 1,600 metres (5,250 feet), had offered the Jewish refugees shelter and a meal.

"I was here with people who said 'We never imagined there were mountains this steep'," says Celine Nerbl's husband Hans, who accompanies the group as a hiking guide.

The main difference is that today's hikers are well-equipped and travel by day.

In 1947, the Jewish refugees were at times forced to hike in complete darkness, some carrying their children and hoping not to be spotted.&nbsp;

Reviving history&nbsp;

The history of the displaced persons' camp and the escape of Holocaust survivors had long been forgotten, but they are slowly being resurrected in Austria. In 2007, the Alpine Peace Crossing association was founded to &nbsp;commemorate the post-war exodus with an annual hike.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen participated in the hike in 2017, and while it could only be held virtually due to the pandemic last year, hundreds of people once again followed in the Holocaust survivors' footsteps this summer.

Thinking of what happened back then, Hans says he sees a lot of parallels to refugees migrating today.&nbsp;

"The reasons for flight have stayed the same, and so has the attitude of countries who don't want to take anyone in," he says.

As for the hikes, actor Nerbl says descendants of survivors have even travelled by plane from Israel to Austria.&nbsp;

"They want to walk with us, and that's often very, very moving," she notes, adding that she remembers the son of two survivors who broke down and cried.

His parents, he told Nerbl, had made the journey with the few belongings they could carry -- and the hope for a new life.

Sidestepping a roaring waterfall and stumbling over rocks, an Austrian amateur theatre group re-enacts the treacherous Alpine escape of thousands of Jews seeking a new home after the Holocaust.

Sidestepping a roaring waterfall and stumbling over rocks, an Austrian amateur theatre group re-enacts the treacherous Alpine escape of thousands of Jews seeking a new home after the Holocaust. Surrounded by Austria's snow-capped peaks, two dozen spectators hike alongside lay actors who perform scenes based on the real experiences of as many as 8,000 Holocaust survivors who traversed the Alps to reach the Italian harbour of Genoa, where they hoped to board ships to Palestine in 1947. "The special thing about the play is that you experience it and you get an idea of what people went through back then," says actor Celine Nerbl of the Pinzgau region group Teatro Caprile, which has been staging the theatre hike in summer. After the end of World War II, thousands remained stuck in camps for displaced Holocaust survivors in countries such as Austria, with little hope of starting a new life while anti-Semitism remained so deeply entrenched. The Jewish flight aid organisation Bricha smuggled groups of as many as 200 people on trucks via the camp "Givat Avoda", which translates to "Hill of Labour", in the Austrian town of Saalfelden, to Krimml from where they had to continue by foot. Also read | 17 years after founding Virgin Galactic, Branson bound for space It is here that the re-enactment begins, and it is an emotional, eight-hour-long hike for participants. "You can feel yourself in there," says Austrian Marion Mikenda, a local who participated in the guided trek with her father. The only route "Nobody wanted them, even after the war, so they had to flee," says historian Rudolf Leo, who grew up in Salzburg province and who remembers his mother telling him about the 1947 Jewish exodus. Back then, British allied forces prevented Jews from fleeing to British-controlled Palestine, making the back country mountain pass of Krimml their only escape route. "I always thought she was wrong about the year," Leo says of his mother's memories. "But, no, she was completely right." Physical exertion helps the audience imagine what the refugees experienced, says author and director Andreas Kosek. He set the scenes along the original path: in a dense spruce forest, a lush meadow where cows graze, and inside a hut which, at an elevation of over 1,600 metres (5,250 feet), had offered the Jewish refugees shelter and a meal. "I was here with people who said 'We never imagined there were mountains this steep'," says Celine Nerbl's husband Hans, who accompanies the group as a hiking guide. The main difference is that today's hikers are well-equipped and travel by day. In 1947, the Jewish refugees were at times forced to hike in complete darkness, some carrying their children and hoping not to be spotted. Reviving history The history of the displaced persons' camp and the escape of Holocaust survivors had long been forgotten, but they are slowly being resurrected in Austria. In 2007, the Alpine Peace Crossing association was founded to commemorate the post-war exodus with an annual hike. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen participated in the hike in 2017, and while it could only be held virtually due to the pandemic last year, hundreds of people once again followed in the Holocaust survivors' footsteps this summer. Thinking of what happened back then, Hans says he sees a lot of parallels to refugees migrating today. "The reasons for flight have stayed the same, and so has the attitude of countries who don't want to take anyone in," he says. As for the hikes, actor Nerbl says descendants of survivors have even travelled by plane from Israel to Austria. "They want to walk with us, and that's often very, very moving," she notes, adding that she remembers the son of two survivors who broke down and cried. His parents, he told Nerbl, had made the journey with the few belongings they could carry -- and the hope for a new life.

In the Austrian Alps, post-Holocaust escape is re-enacted

During his Independence Day speech to the armed forces of the former Soviet republic, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, said that Jews 'controlled the world' and managed to force the world to remember the Holocaust.

According to the news report published in Haaretz, Lukashenko said that "the Jews managed to force the world to remember the Holocaust. The entire world grovels before them and gives in to them. They are afraid to say a single word out of place,".

"We are tolerant and likeable. We left things alone until it got to the point where others started attacking us and the memory of our efforts," he added.

He suggested that Belarus should do more to bring the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe into international awareness. 
 
Watch | WION Edit: The lessons from the Holocaust

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-the-lessons-from-the-holocaust-276361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Israel govt said the comments were "unacceptable" and summoned the chargé d’affaires at the Belarus embassy in Israel for a meeting to discuss the incident.

During the Holocaust, 90% of Belarus' Jewish community — 800,000 individuals — were killed.

The topic of local collaboration with the occupying Germans has been a source of fierce controversy in Belarus, as it has been in other countries in the region, including Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Latvia.

Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and is the target of US and EU sanctions, delivered the remarks at a memorial service for Soviet troops who died in World War II on July 3, Belarus Independence Day.

(With inputs from agencies)

During his Independence Day speech to the armed forces of the former Soviet republic, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, said that Jews 'controlled the world' and managed to force the world to remember the Holocaust.

During his Independence Day speech to the armed forces of the former Soviet republic, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, said that Jews 'controlled the world' and managed to force the world to remember the Holocaust. According to the news report published in Haaretz, Lukashenko said that "the Jews managed to force the world to remember the Holocaust. The entire world grovels before them and gives in to them. They are afraid to say a single word out of place,". "We are tolerant and likeable. We left things alone until it got to the point where others started attacking us and the memory of our efforts," he added. He suggested that Belarus should do more to bring the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe into international awareness. Watch | WION Edit: The lessons from the Holocaust The Israel govt said the comments were "unacceptable" and summoned the chargé d’affaires at the Belarus embassy in Israel for a meeting to discuss the incident. During the Holocaust, 90% of Belarus' Jewish community — 800,000 individuals — were killed. The topic of local collaboration with the occupying Germans has been a source of fierce controversy in Belarus, as it has been in other countries in the region, including Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Latvia. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and is the target of US and EU sanctions, delivered the remarks at a memorial service for Soviet troops who died in World War II on July 3, Belarus Independence Day. (With inputs from agencies)

World bows to Jews, says Belarusian President Lukashenko in anti-Semitic outburst

The Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene has apologised for equating the mandatory wearing of safety masks in the US House of Representatives to the horrors of the Holocaust.&nbsp;

“I’m truly sorry for offending people with remarks about the Holocaust,” Taylor Greene told reporters outside the Capitol on Monday, saying she had visited Washington’s US Holocaust Memorial Museum earlier in the day. “There’s no comparison and there never will be.“

Greene opened her news conference saying: "I just always want to remind everyone I'm very much a normal person." 
 
Watch | WION Edit: The lessons from the Holocaust

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-the-lessons-from-the-holocaust-276361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She said she had gone to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum earlier on Monday. She also mentioned that when she was 19, she went to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, where the Nazis massacred over 1 million Jews.&nbsp;

Earlier on May 23, Greene had slammed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on mandatory mask issue saying, “This woman [Pelosi] is mentally ill. You know, we can look back in a time in history where people were told to wear a gold star, and they were treated as second-class citizens — so much so that they were put in trains and taken to gas chambers in Nazi Germany and this is exactly the type of abuse that Nancy Pelosi is talking about.”

Her comments had also been denounced by Republican congressional leaders.

During World War II, the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was a genocide of European Jews.

Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its allies murdered around six million Jews in German-occupied Europe, accounting for roughly two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene has apologised for equating the mandatory wearing of safety masks in the US House of Representatives to the horrors of the Holocaust.

The Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene has apologised for equating the mandatory wearing of safety masks in the US House of Representatives to the horrors of the Holocaust. “I’m truly sorry for offending people with remarks about the Holocaust,” Taylor Greene told reporters outside the Capitol on Monday, saying she had visited Washington’s US Holocaust Memorial Museum earlier in the day. “There’s no comparison and there never will be.“ Greene opened her news conference saying: "I just always want to remind everyone I'm very much a normal person." Watch | WION Edit: The lessons from the Holocaust She said she had gone to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum earlier on Monday. She also mentioned that when she was 19, she went to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, where the Nazis massacred over 1 million Jews. Earlier on May 23, Greene had slammed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on mandatory mask issue saying, “This woman [Pelosi] is mentally ill. You know, we can look back in a time in history where people were told to wear a gold star, and they were treated as second-class citizens — so much so that they were put in trains and taken to gas chambers in Nazi Germany and this is exactly the type of abuse that Nancy Pelosi is talking about.” Her comments had also been denounced by Republican congressional leaders. During World War II, the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was a genocide of European Jews. Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its allies murdered around six million Jews in German-occupied Europe, accounting for roughly two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene compares COVID-19 masks to Holocaust, apologises

Roman Polanski revisits the "horror" of his Holocaust childhood in a new documentary that premiered Sunday in the controversial Oscar-winning director's Polish hometown of Krakow.

The film follows Polanski as he roams the city with his lifelong friend and fellow Holocaust survivor, photographer Ryszard Horowitz, whom he met inside the wartime Jewish ghetto. &nbsp;

The documentary is about "memory, confrontations with the past, transience, trauma, fate," said Mateusz Kudla, who directed and produced the movie with Anna Kokoszka-Romer.&nbsp;

"Through these two characters who were lucky, who survived, we also wanted to show the tragedy of all those residents of the Krakow Ghetto who never made it out," he told AFP.&nbsp;

In one scene of "Polanski, Horowitz. Hometown", which opened this year's Krakow Film Festival, Polanski recalls seeing a Nazi German officer shoot an elderly woman in the back, the blood spluttering out like water from a drinking fountain.

"Terrified, I ran through the gate behind me... I hid behind these stairs," says Polanski, who was only six years old when World War II began.

"That was my first encounter with the horror," he tells a grim-looking Horowitz.

Horowitz, who was among those helped by German industrialist Oskar Schindler, rolls up his sleeve in another scene to reveal the number inked onto his forearm when he arrived, aged five, at the Nazi death camp Auschwitz.&nbsp;

"Sometimes I'll randomly glance at it and think it can't be true, it must be some kind of stupid joke. Is it possible that I was there and that I survived?" Horowitz says.&nbsp;

The filmmakers also captured the moment a visibly moved Polanski met the grandson of Stefania and Jan Buchala, the Polish Catholic peasants who hid him from the Nazis.&nbsp;

Last year, Israel honoured the late couple with the Yad Vashem title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for those who helped save Jews during World War II.

The film makes no mention of the multiple sexual assault accusations against Polanski, who is persona non grata in Hollywood and cannot return to the United States for fear of arrest.

"That wasn't our focus, nor was it our intention to defend or accuse anyone. This film is about a whole other chapter in Roman Polanski's life," Kokoszka-Romer told AFP.&nbsp;

Kudla asks viewers to consider the possibility that "perhaps in this case Polanski did the right thing by giving (Holocaust) testimony to prevent history from repeating itself."

The filmmakers expect the documentary to be available eventually online or on streaming platforms. &nbsp;

Roman Polanski revisits the "horror" of his Holocaust childhood in a new documentary that premiered Sunday in the controversial Oscar-winning director's Polish hometown of Krakow.

Roman Polanski revisits the "horror" of his Holocaust childhood in a new documentary that premiered Sunday in the controversial Oscar-winning director's Polish hometown of Krakow. The film follows Polanski as he roams the city with his lifelong friend and fellow Holocaust survivor, photographer Ryszard Horowitz, whom he met inside the wartime Jewish ghetto. The documentary is about "memory, confrontations with the past, transience, trauma, fate," said Mateusz Kudla, who directed and produced the movie with Anna Kokoszka-Romer. "Through these two characters who were lucky, who survived, we also wanted to show the tragedy of all those residents of the Krakow Ghetto who never made it out," he told AFP. In one scene of "Polanski, Horowitz. Hometown", which opened this year's Krakow Film Festival, Polanski recalls seeing a Nazi German officer shoot an elderly woman in the back, the blood spluttering out like water from a drinking fountain. "Terrified, I ran through the gate behind me... I hid behind these stairs," says Polanski, who was only six years old when World War II began. "That was my first encounter with the horror," he tells a grim-looking Horowitz. Horowitz, who was among those helped by German industrialist Oskar Schindler, rolls up his sleeve in another scene to reveal the number inked onto his forearm when he arrived, aged five, at the Nazi death camp Auschwitz. "Sometimes I'll randomly glance at it and think it can't be true, it must be some kind of stupid joke. Is it possible that I was there and that I survived?" Horowitz says. The filmmakers also captured the moment a visibly moved Polanski met the grandson of Stefania and Jan Buchala, the Polish Catholic peasants who hid him from the Nazis. Last year, Israel honoured the late couple with the Yad Vashem title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for those who helped save Jews during World War II. The film makes no mention of the multiple sexual assault accusations against Polanski, who is persona non grata in Hollywood and cannot return to the United States for fear of arrest. "That wasn't our focus, nor was it our intention to defend or accuse anyone. This film is about a whole other chapter in Roman Polanski's life," Kokoszka-Romer told AFP. Kudla asks viewers to consider the possibility that "perhaps in this case Polanski did the right thing by giving (Holocaust) testimony to prevent history from repeating itself." The filmmakers expect the documentary to be available eventually online or on streaming platforms.

Roman Polanski revisits Holocaust boyhood in new film

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