Treblinkafinal 3

Treblinka Death Camp Laura Bradbury

and

Barbara Sanford

Presented by:

The Road to Treblinka:October 1940

The Warsaw Ghetto

In 1596, In 1596, Warsaw became the capital of Poland.Warsaw became the capital of Poland.

Jews lived in Poland since Jews lived in Poland since the 15th century.the 15th century.

By the 19th century, By the 19th century, Warsaw held the largest Warsaw held the largest Jewish population in Jewish population in Europe.Europe.

By the 20th century, it had By the 20th century, it had the 2nd largest population the 2nd largest population in the world in the world (only surpassed by NY)(only surpassed by NY)

November 1939November 1939

The first anti-Jewish decrees were issued.The first anti-Jewish decrees were issued. White armband with blue star of David.White armband with blue star of David. Signs identifying Jewish shops and enterprises.Signs identifying Jewish shops and enterprises. Ban on train traveling.Ban on train traveling. Radios were confiscated.Radios were confiscated.

Boy selling armbands in the Warsaw ghetto Crowded market area of the Warsaw ghetto

The The Judenrat:Judenrat: The Germans created this in place of the traditional Jewish The Germans created this in place of the traditional Jewish

Community Council.Community Council. The Judenrat was the sole official body that the German The Judenrat was the sole official body that the German

authorities dealt with.authorities dealt with. HeadquartersHeadquarters:: Grzybowska Street.Grzybowska Street.

Judenrat Leaders: Judenrat Leaders: Jaszunski, Sztolcman, Milejkowski, Jaszunski, Sztolcman, Milejkowski, Lichtenbaum, Zabludowski, Kobryner, and Lichtenbaum, Zabludowski, Kobryner, and others.others.

Warsaw Judenrat

The Judenrat’s Dilema:The Judenrat’s Dilema:

The Germans demanded lists of deportees for The Germans demanded lists of deportees for Treblinka from the Judenrat.Treblinka from the Judenrat.

If they refused, Germans could select anyone in If they refused, Germans could select anyone in any fashion…any fashion…

““The Council faced problems of conscience and responsibility at The Council faced problems of conscience and responsibility at the same time…There were two alternatives…Either to the same time…There were two alternatives…Either to comply, announce the Gestapo order to the ghetto comply, announce the Gestapo order to the ghetto inhabitants; or openly sabotage the order by disregarding it. inhabitants; or openly sabotage the order by disregarding it. The Council felt that if it followed the first alternative, part of The Council felt that if it followed the first alternative, part of the ghetto might yet be rescued at least for a time. Should, the ghetto might yet be rescued at least for a time. Should, however, the other alternative be chosen, heavy measures of however, the other alternative be chosen, heavy measures of persecution would follow against the entire ghetto, and persecution would follow against the entire ghetto, and possibly its immediate liquidation might result.”possibly its immediate liquidation might result.”

Conditions in the GhettoConditions in the Ghetto Located in impoverished Located in impoverished

part of the city.part of the city.

Dilapidated housing with Dilapidated housing with no electricity or water.no electricity or water.

30% of the population 30% of the population squeezed in 2.4% of the squeezed in 2.4% of the city’s area.city’s area.

Population density: 9.2 Population density: 9.2 people per room.people per room.

128,000 people per 128,000 people per square kilometer.square kilometer.

Inside the Warsaw ghetto

Warsaw and Lodz housed Warsaw and Lodz housed 1/3 of the Polish Jews 1/3 of the Polish Jews under Nazi control.under Nazi control.

Lack of food a major Lack of food a major problem.problem.

Malnutrition and disease Malnutrition and disease rampant.rampant.

“The situation in the Jewish quarter is catastrophic. The corpses of those who have died of starvation lie in the streets. The death rate, 80% from malnutrition, has tripled since February. The only thing that is issued to the Jews is 1.5 lbs of bread per week…” Oberfeldkommandant, May 1941

Warsaw Jews dead from malnutrition and epidemic

Liquidation of the GhettoLiquidation of the Ghetto Immediately after completion of Treblinka the Immediately after completion of Treblinka the Grosse Umsiedlungsaktion Grosse Umsiedlungsaktion

[Great Resettlement Action] started on July 22, 1942.[Great Resettlement Action] started on July 22, 1942. By December 31, 1942, Warsaw became a By December 31, 1942, Warsaw became a SammellagerSammellager (de facto (de facto

concentration camp).concentration camp). Jews were being rounded up for “deportation,” “evacuation,” “relocation,” Jews were being rounded up for “deportation,” “evacuation,” “relocation,”

and “resettlement in the East.”and “resettlement in the East.” The The Aktion ReinhardAktion Reinhard squad oversaw the selection process in Warsaw squad oversaw the selection process in Warsaw

and those who were too old, too young, or mentally and physically and those who were too old, too young, or mentally and physically handicapped were “relocated” to Treblinka.handicapped were “relocated” to Treblinka.

Jews being deported to Treblinka

July 22, 1942:July 22, 1942:German Conditions for the German Conditions for the “Resettlement in the East”“Resettlement in the East”

The main orders for The main orders for “cleaning up” the ghetto “cleaning up” the ghetto were:were:

• All Jews will be All Jews will be resettled to the East, resettled to the East, regardless of age and regardless of age and sex;sex;

• With the exception of:With the exception of:• Jews working for Jews working for

German companies.German companies.

• Jews working for the Jews working for the Judenrat.Judenrat.

• Jewish hospitals’ staff.Jewish hospitals’ staff.

• Members of the Members of the Jewish Order Service.Jewish Order Service.

• Patients of a Jewish Patients of a Jewish hospital on the day of hospital on the day of resettlement.resettlement.Jews were ordered to bring all

valuables: Gold, jewelry, money, etc.

July 24, 1942:July 24, 1942:

German order for 10,000 German order for 10,000 JewsJews

and children for theand children for the “Children’s Transport” “Children’s Transport”

Posters were hung upPosters were hung up

announcing that:announcing that:

Each person who will volunteer for resettlement Each person who will volunteer for resettlement will get 3 kg of bread and 1 kg of marmalade.will get 3 kg of bread and 1 kg of marmalade.

Deportation:Deportation:In July 1942, 64,606 Jews were deported to In July 1942, 64,606 Jews were deported to

Treblinka.Treblinka.

[This number does not include those shot in the streets and in houses [This number does not include those shot in the streets and in houses during the “cleaning” of buildings.] during the “cleaning” of buildings.]

Warsaw after Liquidation Warsaw Jews rounded up for deportation to Treblinka

Daily Statistics about the Deportations from Daily Statistics about the Deportations from Warsaw Ghetto to the Death Camp TreblinkaWarsaw Ghetto to the Death Camp Treblinka

DATEDATE RESETTLEDRESETTLED7/22/427/22/42 625062507/23/427/23/42 720072007/24/427/24/42 740074007/25/427/25/42 735073507/26/427/26/42 640064007/27/427/27/42 632063207/28/427/28/42 502050207/29/427/29/42 548054807/30/427/30/42 643064307/31/427/31/42 67566756

TRANSIT CAMPTRANSIT CAMP TOTALTOTAL-- 6250 6250-- 7200 7200-- 7400 7400-- 7350 7350-- 6400 6400-- 6320 6320-- 5020 5020-- 5480 5480-- 6430 6430-- 6756 6756

LocationLocation Treblinka was located in Treblinka was located in

the northeastern region the northeastern region of the of the GeneralgouvernementGeneralgouvernement..

It was erected at the It was erected at the junction of the junction of the Warsaw-Warsaw-Bialystok Railway Bialystok Railway LineLine, just northwest of , just northwest of Treblinka village and its Treblinka village and its railway halt.railway halt.

This area was heavily This area was heavily wooded and well hidden wooded and well hidden from view.from view.

WarsawBialystok LineWarsawBialystok Line

Branch to TreblinkaBranch to Treblinka

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

FIND ID CARDSFIND ARTICLESMAPSTreblinkaGerman administration of Europe, 1942Extermination camps in occupied Poland, 1942Treblinka environs, spring 1943Treblinka camp, spring 1943

Significance of LocationSignificance of Location

It was easy to branch a track off the Warsaw-Bialystok Railway.It was easy to branch a track off the Warsaw-Bialystok Railway. Jews would be more at ease, believing they were familiar with the rail routes.Jews would be more at ease, believing they were familiar with the rail routes. The Germans also built a fake railway station at Treblinka, with ticket windows, timetables, and The Germans also built a fake railway station at Treblinka, with ticket windows, timetables, and

signs that said “To Warsaw.”signs that said “To Warsaw.” They wanted to lull victims into believing they were at a Transit Camp.They wanted to lull victims into believing they were at a Transit Camp. It became very easy to transport thousands of Jews over the short distance from Warsaw or It became very easy to transport thousands of Jews over the short distance from Warsaw or

Bialystok to Treblinka.Bialystok to Treblinka.

When other When other ghettos ghettos were were closed, all closed, all Jews in Jews in Northen Northen Poland Poland were sent to were sent to Warsaw as Warsaw as part of part of Operation Operation Reinhard. Reinhard. From there From there it was easy it was easy access to access to Treblinka.Treblinka.

Originally, during the summer of 1941, Originally, during the summer of 1941, Treblinka served as a Treblinka served as a Forced Labor CampForced Labor Camp..

Treblinka was constructed in a densely wooded area in order to Treblinka was constructed in a densely wooded area in order to naturally conceal the camp.naturally conceal the camp.

• It was a penal camp and held 1000-1200 Polish/Jewish It was a penal camp and held 1000-1200 Polish/Jewish detainees for forced labor.detainees for forced labor.

Main Gate of Treblinka

Early May, 1942:Early May, 1942:The SS Team Arrives!The SS Team Arrives!

Camp Architect:Camp Architect:SS ObersturmfüherSS Obersturmfüher, , Richard Thomalla.Richard Thomalla.

By late May/early JuneConstruction of the Death Camp

begins

Created 3 zones:Created 3 zones:• WohnlagerWohnlager [Living area] [Living area]

• AuffanglagerAuffanglager [Reception] [Reception] • Tolenlager Tolenlager [Extermination][Extermination]

Treblinka II:Treblinka II:

AnAnAktion ReinhardAktion Reinhard

Death CampDeath Camp

[Extermination of the Polish [Extermination of the Polish Jews]Jews]

Opens July 1942Opens July 1942

VictimsVictims

Majority=Polish Jews from WarsawMajority=Polish Jews from Warsaw Others: 7,000 SlovakiaOthers: 7,000 Slovakia

4,000 Greece4,000 Greece

7,000 Macedonia Portion of 7,000 Macedonia Portion of BulgariaBulgaria

2,000 Gypsies2,000 Gypsies

Treblinka High Command:Treblinka High Command:Christian WirthChristian Wirth

Inspector of all Inspector of all Aktion Reinhard Aktion Reinhard death death camps.camps.

• SS-SturmbannfüherSS-Sturmbannfüher• SS Number: 345-464SS Number: 345-464

•Wirth was inspector and commander of Belzec, Sobibor and Treblinka.

• It was Wirth who developed the system of the extermination at these camps.

•He introduced a reign of terror at his Aktion Reinhard camps, and was so cruel, he became known as “Christian the Terrible” by his subordinates.

•His killing system enabled the murder of tens of thousands of Jews every day in the three death camps under his jurisdiction.

1.1. Main EntranceMain Entrance

2.2. Commandant’s living quartersCommandant’s living quarters

3.3. Ukranian guards’ living quartersUkranian guards’ living quarters

4.4. ZooZoo

5.5. Service buildings for SSService buildings for SS

6.6. Barracks for domestic staffBarracks for domestic staff

7.7. Building for sorting gold and valuablesBuilding for sorting gold and valuables

8.8. SS living quartersSS living quarters

9.9. Service storage buildingsService storage buildings

10.10. Stables and livestock areaStables and livestock area

11.11. Barracks for Kapos, women prisonersBarracks for Kapos, women prisoners

12.12. Barracks for male prisonersBarracks for male prisoners

13.13. LatrineLatrine

14.14. Assembly area for prisoners (roll call)Assembly area for prisoners (roll call)

15.15. Entrances to reception areaEntrances to reception area

16.16. Entrance for guardsEntrance for guards

17. Station platform17. Station platform18. Storehouse for victims’ property18. Storehouse for victims’ property19. Burial pits19. Burial pits20. Executioin site [disguised as a 20. Executioin site [disguised as a

hospital]hospital]21. Reception square [sorting area]21. Reception square [sorting area]22. Latrine22. Latrine23. Cremation pyres23. Cremation pyres24. Deportation area24. Deportation area25. Barracks where women undressed, 25. Barracks where women undressed,

surrendered their valuables, and surrendered their valuables, and had head shavedhad head shaved

26. Barracks where men undressed26. Barracks where men undressed27. Approach to the gas chambers27. Approach to the gas chambers28. Ten new gas chambers28. Ten new gas chambers29. Three old gas chambers29. Three old gas chambers30. Cremation pyres30. Cremation pyres31. Barracks for prisoners31. Barracks for prisoners

August 1942August 1942

Franz Stangl, former Franz Stangl, former commander of the Sobibor commander of the Sobibor death camp, became death camp, became commander of Treblinka.commander of Treblinka.

He received an official He received an official commendation for being commendation for being the “best camp the “best camp commander in Poland.” commander in Poland.”

He oversaw the entire He oversaw the entire camp system;camp system; from arrival from arrival to cremation.to cremation.

ArrivalArrival

SS squads received prisoners with clubs and whips on a platform SS squads received prisoners with clubs and whips on a platform when deportations arrived.when deportations arrived.Willy MätzigWilly Mätzig [a book-keeper and accountant] told them that [a book-keeper and accountant] told them that “they “they were a resettlement transport, that they would be given a were a resettlement transport, that they would be given a bath and that they would receive new clothes. They were also bath and that they would receive new clothes. They were also instructed to maintain quiet and discipline. They were told instructed to maintain quiet and discipline. They were told they would continue their journey the following day.”they would continue their journey the following day.”

Willy Mätzig

Sorting the Sick from the StrongSorting the Sick from the Strong

After departing the train, new arrivals were taken to a reception area.After departing the train, new arrivals were taken to a reception area.

Ill or weak arrivals, unaccompanied children, and injured persons Ill or weak arrivals, unaccompanied children, and injured persons were led to the were led to the LazarettLazarett [a small execution site]. [a small execution site].

Victims’ belongings were brought to two sorting barracks.Victims’ belongings were brought to two sorting barracks.

All others were brought to a fenced in area called All others were brought to a fenced in area called EntkleidungsplatzEntkleidungsplatz [Undressing Square][Undressing Square]

SelectionSelection

Hermann MichelHermann Michel sorted the sick sorted the sick from the strong.from the strong.

He wore a white overcoat in He wore a white overcoat in order to appear like a doctor.order to appear like a doctor.

He welcomed arriving victims He welcomed arriving victims and told the Jews they had and told the Jews they had arrived at a arrived at a Labor campLabor camp..

Michel told those selected as Michel told those selected as “strong” that in order to have “strong” that in order to have proper hygienic conditions, they proper hygienic conditions, they had to be disinfected and had to had to be disinfected and had to shower.shower.

Hermann Michel

Sorting yard

Sorting BarracksSorting Barracks 'Sortierungsplatz' 'Sortierungsplatz'

While the arrivals were being sorted and brought to the While the arrivals were being sorted and brought to the Lazarett or theLazarett or the “Disinfecting Chambers,” their belongings “Disinfecting Chambers,” their belongings were brought to the Sorting Barracks.were brought to the Sorting Barracks.

There, officers such as There, officers such as Max BreeMax Bree, supervised Jewish workers , supervised Jewish workers who were made to sort valuables and other belongings.who were made to sort valuables and other belongings.

Laponder depiction of Sorting Area Peters depiction of Sorting Barracks

The LazarettThe LazarettWilli MentzWilli Mentz was was assigned to assigned to supervise the supervise the Lazarett. His Lazarett. His victims, those victims, those deemed sick by deemed sick by Hermann Hermann Michel, were Michel, were seated together seated together in front of a in front of a large, fiery mass large, fiery mass grave. They grave. They were shot and were shot and pushed into the pushed into the fires.fires.

One of Mentz’s greatest killers was Paul Bredow, known by the Jews as “Gunman.” It is believed that he single-handedly murdered thousands of Jews.

Similar mass grave at Bergen-Belson

Undressing StationsUndressing Stations

Franz Suchomel

Healthy men and women were separated and then officers, such as Franz Suchomel, would make them undress and women’s hair was cut off.

The victims’ clothes would be gathered and then, once naked, the groups would be led to their next destination.

The TubeThe TubeA camouflaged, fenced-in path, known as the "tube," led from the Undressing Stations to the gas chamber entrance, located in the killing area. Victims were forced to run naked along this path to the gas chambers, deceptively labeled as showers.

Gas Gas ChambChamb

ersersHeinrich Matthes was the chief officer of Camp II and the Gas Chambers. He had his Sonderkomando convince the victims to enter the “shower area,” the chamber doors were sealed, and an engine installed outside the building pumped carbon monoxide into the gas chambers, killing everyone inside.

Destruction of the corpsesDestruction of the corpses

Herbert Floss was the cremation expert for the Aktion Reinhard. He was commander of camp II in Treblinka.

“The cremation took place in such a way that railway lines and concrete blocks were placed together. The corpses were piled on these rails. Brushwood was put under the rails. The wood was doused with petrol. In that way not only the newly accumulated corpses were cremated, but also those taken out from the graves.” ~Heinrich Matthes

Cremation at Treblinka

August 28th, 1942August 28th, 1942

Aktion Reinhard Headquarters, led by Christian Aktion Reinhard Headquarters, led by Christian Wirth, intervenes to reorganize Treblinka.Wirth, intervenes to reorganize Treblinka.

REASONS:

1. Chaotic situation

2. Overstocked

3. No more room to unload

4. Too many corpses

SOLUTION:

•Suspension of transports

•Clear corpses

•Have Jews still at camp clean up the bodies

UprisingUprising

Similar to SobiborSimilar to Sobibor August 2, 1943August 2, 1943 Of 850 at the camp:Of 850 at the camp:

100 captured alive in the camp100 captured alive in the camp 350-400 Killed inside camp of near fences350-400 Killed inside camp of near fences 350-400 Escaped350-400 Escaped

Half were killed in the first 24 hoursHalf were killed in the first 24 hours Of the 200 that survived, 100 escaped successfullyOf the 200 that survived, 100 escaped successfully

The camp only ran for 1 year…The camp only ran for 1 year…

By fall 1943, evacuation of the camp began.By fall 1943, evacuation of the camp began. Orders were given to destroy the camp so Orders were given to destroy the camp so

that the were that the were NO TRACES OF EXISTENCENO TRACES OF EXISTENCE.. A farm was built to cover up where the camp A farm was built to cover up where the camp

was.was. Officers gave it to a Ukrainian farmer to run Officers gave it to a Ukrainian farmer to run

for an income.for an income. Total victims was approximately 800,000Total victims was approximately 800,000

Destruction of TreblinkaDestruction of Treblinka

Treblinka survivors

1945 photo by Russian and Polish investigators after destruction

Mass graves that had been covered up. Photo taken 1945

Gas chamber remains

Human remains

Daily LifeDaily Life OrchestraOrchestra Boxing MatchesBoxing Matches ““The Anthem of Treblinka”The Anthem of Treblinka” PlaysPlays Art:Art:

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Untitled Art by Maryl Winningham

Until Dec 1942, prisoners could help Until Dec 1942, prisoners could help themselves to the food brought in by themselves to the food brought in by transportees, once stopped starvation.transportees, once stopped starvation. 6 cooked potatoes w/peel6 cooked potatoes w/peel Slice of bread for the morningSlice of bread for the morning

TreblinkaTreblinkaTodayToday

All photos from Treblinka Memorial’s site:

http://fcit.usf.edu/Holocaust/RESOURCE/GALLERY/TREBLINK.HTM

Entrance toEntrance toTreblinka MemorialTreblinka Memorial

Memorial Plaque at EntranceMemorial Plaque at Entrance

Edge of trail path

Edge of train platform

Location of former tracks

Symbolic railroad ties

Station view to center monument

Path from station to monument

Stones representing countries deported to the camp

17,000 stones represented the lost Jewish communities

Center Monument

“Never Again” in six languages

BibliographyBibliography

BooksBooks

Arad, Yitzhak. Arad, Yitzhak. Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka: The Operation Reinhard Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka: The Operation Reinhard Death CampsDeath Camps. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1987.. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 1987.

Hilberg, Raul. Hilberg, Raul. Perpetrators, Victims, Bystanders: The Jewish Perpetrators, Victims, Bystanders: The Jewish Catastrophe, 1933-1945Catastrophe, 1933-1945. NY: Harper Collins, 1992.. NY: Harper Collins, 1992.

Wiernik, Yankel. Wiernik, Yankel. A Year in TreblinkaA Year in Treblinka. NY: American Representation . NY: American Representation of of the Jewish Workers’ Union of Poland, 1945.the Jewish Workers’ Union of Poland, 1945.

Willenberg, Samuel. Willenberg, Samuel. Surviving TreblinkaSurviving Treblinka. NY: Basil Blackwell, 1989.. NY: Basil Blackwell, 1989.

ArticlesArticles

Kugelmass, Jack. “Bloody Memories: Encountering the Past in Kugelmass, Jack. “Bloody Memories: Encountering the Past in Contemporary Poland.” Cultural Anthropology. Volume 10, No. 3 Contemporary Poland.” Cultural Anthropology. Volume 10, No. 3 (August 1995): 279-301.(August 1995): 279-301.

Kulisiewicz, Aleksander. “Polish Camp Songs, 1933-1945.” Modern Kulisiewicz, Aleksander. “Polish Camp Songs, 1933-1945.” Modern Language Studies. Volume 16, No. 1 (Winter 1986): 3-9. Database Language Studies. Volume 16, No. 1 (Winter 1986): 3-9. Database on-line Salem State College, JSTOR; accessed June 10, 2008.on-line Salem State College, JSTOR; accessed June 10, 2008.

WebsitesWebsites

DeathCamps.orgDeathCamps.org. 10 Jun. 2008. Treblinka. . 10 Jun. 2008. Treblinka. www.deathcamps.org/treblinka/www.deathcamps.org/treblinka/

Jewish Virtual Library.orgJewish Virtual Library.org. 10 Jun. 2008. Treblinka.. 10 Jun. 2008. Treblinka.www.Jewishvirtuallibrary.org/Jsource/Holocaust/Treblinkatoc.htmlwww.Jewishvirtuallibrary.org/Jsource/Holocaust/Treblinkatoc.html

Niss, Caven Keller. “Treblinka.” Niss, Caven Keller. “Treblinka.” JewishGen: An Affiliate of the Museum of JewishGen: An Affiliate of the Museum of Jewish HeritageJewish Heritage. 10 Jun. 2008.. 10 Jun. 2008.www.Jewishgen.org/ForgottenCamps/Camps/TreblinkaEng.htmlwww.Jewishgen.org/ForgottenCamps/Camps/TreblinkaEng.html

Nizkor.orgNizkor.org. 10 Jun. 2008. “Treblinka.” . 10 Jun. 2008. “Treblinka.” www.nizkor.org/hweb/camps/aktion-reinhard/treblinkawww.nizkor.org/hweb/camps/aktion-reinhard/treblinka

PBS.orgPBS.org. 10 Jun. 2008. “Treblinka.” . 10 Jun. 2008. “Treblinka.” www.PBS.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shtetl/treblinkawww.PBS.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shtetl/treblinka//