Deportations from Theresienstadtīeginning in 1942, SS authorities deported Jews from Theresienstadt to other ghettos, concentration camps, and killing centers in Nazi-occupied eastern Europe. ![]() Once the visit was over, the Germans resumed deportations from Theresienstadt, which did not end until October 1944. The Nazis staged social and cultural events for the visiting dignitaries. The Germans intensified deportations from the ghetto shortly before the visit, and the ghetto itself was "beautified." Gardens were planted, houses painted, and barracks renovated. Succumbing to pressure following the deportation of Danish Jews to Theresienstadt, the Germans permitted the International Red Cross to visit in June 1944. The ghetto was in reality a collection center for deportations to ghettos and killing centers in Nazi-occupied eastern Europe. The deportations to Theresienstadt were, however, part of the Nazi strategy of deception. In Nazi propaganda, Theresienstadt was cynically described as a " spa town" where elderly German Jews could "retire" in safety. Since it seemed implausible that elderly Jews could be used for forced labor, the Nazis used the Theresienstadt ghetto to hide the nature of the deportations. ![]() The publicly stated purpose for the deportation of the Jews from Germany was their "resettlement to the east," where they would be compelled to perform forced labor. Theresienstadt served an important propaganda function for the Germans. In its function as a tool of deception, Theresienstadt was unique. It had recognizable features of both ghettos and concentration camps. Theresienstadt served as a “settlement,” an assembly camp, and a concentration camp. It was expected that the poor conditions there would hasten the deaths of many deportees, until the SS and police could deport the survivors to killing centers in the East.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |