Blog #6 – One Survivor Remembers

The most powerful scene for me was when Gerda was separated from her family. It was very moving to see how families were ripped apart so easily. It also showed me how little respect the Nazis had for Jews and their families. I think the message of the scene is that family is so important and should never be taken for granted.

The Nazis dehumanized the Jews in many ways. Some of the horrors that Gerda endured were the lack of food given to her and the slave work she had to perform on a daily basis. Other events that Gerda didn’t endure was shaving their hair off and marking them with a numbered tattoo like cattle. Gerda overcame these horrible things done to her by dreaming up her fantasy life. During her near death march she was daydreaming of a banquet she was to have and what glitter dress she would wear. Gerda believed that if you did not do this that you did not have a chance at life at all.

If I were taken away from my family like Gerda, I would also think about spending a normal day with my family. I would think about everything I took for granted. I think the biggest regret I would have was taking my family for granted. It is so hard to think about being taken away from your family.  It seems like something that is not possible. I think Gerda also thought this before she was taken from her family.

I think if something like the Holocaust ever occurred again, Muslims, gays, and lesbians could be a target.  Since 9/11, many Americans view of Muslims has changed. However, most views are wrong. The people that we should hate are actually a very small percent of all Muslims.  To prevent Muslims being targeted people need to become educated on what real Muslims are like. They need to learn they are not bad. I also think that those who are gay and lesbian could be targeted because they are still a minority.  Even though they are becoming more accepted into the community there is still a chance that they could be discriminated against in such a way. To prevent this, people need to learn the facts and realize everyone is the same.

The two heroes I see in this film are Gerda and her father.  Gerda was a sign of hope to her fellow Jews while in the camp.  She was always a strong person. Gerda rarely thought of death and when she did she always thought of her promise to her father, to stay alive. She followed through with her promise. She is now a living symbol of resilience and is able to share her stories for the world to hear and to see. I think her father is also anther hero in this story because he also went through the entire process.  I infer he was even a hero during his death. Even though we did not learn much about him, we know now that he was very close to his daughter. Gerda’s father was killed in Auschwitz.  Gerda always had respect for her father and they will someday be reunited for them to share their wonderful and horrific stories.