My great grandmother died in Tereisenstadt. I grew up being told that it was a ghetto and not a death camp so perhaps her final days were not as awful. Images from Tereisenstadt suggest that myth was wrong. The suffering that elderly, scared woman must have experienced was very real and very awful. Tereisenstadt was a place to die not live. It had cramped conditions, no beds, lack of food, lack of sanitation, and awful abuse from the guards.
This is how my great grandmother died -- treated like vermin in her last sick days.
This is happening, in America, RIGHT NOW to innocent CHILDREN. In America. RIGHT NOW. Read this buzzfeed article. If you aren't shocked and distressed, something is very wrong.
I was always shocked that people in Germany did nothing as my family and so many others were first isolated, then tortured, then murdered. How were there so many “good Germans” as they were called who just shook their heads and went on with their lives.
Now I get it. We see the images. We cast blame. We spread blame. We ignore. We go one with our lives. Shame on us.
Let’s change that.
Do Something:
If you can, DONATE:
KIND (Kids In Need of Defense): The organization provides legal representation to migrant children and lobbies to ensure their rights are protected.
Donate here.
Contact your elected officials.
Other ideas?
post them in the comments so that we can all engage.