To survive even among the dead.
140-Character-Claim:
Captives in oppressive situations survive because they conform to harsh and extreme conditions that they are forced to face (Subordinate Clause).
(124 Characters)
Essay:
“I knew I was diseased from filth and neglect, but I thought that this existence was normal,” states Holocaust survivor Lili Silberman. Captives in oppressive situations survive because they conform to harsh and extreme conditions that they are forced to face. Such as in “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, where Buck, the ferine and pertinacious main character, drives on in harsh weather conditions with little food or warmth, so did these survivors.
There are certain things in life too disturbing and horrifying than many would want to hear, but for the sake of honoring those who have passed, recognizing the facts is necessary. According to “The Holocaust” online article by Jennifer Rosenberg, the Holocaust began in 1933 when Adolf Hitler was in control of Germany. The term “Holocaust’s” literal meaning is “sacrifice by fire,” which was how the Nazis plan of persecution was carried out. An “estimated 11 million people” were killed during “this large massacre.” According to Rosenberg, the most widely group of targeted victims were the Jews. Around two thirds of those murdered were European Jews. But what about the other third? Most people consider the Holocaust being centered only on killing the Jews. While that’s true and they held the majority, other people groups were also victims including: homosexuals, gypsies, Jehovah’s Witness, disabled, and anyone who “resented the Nazis.”
Throughout the midst of turmoil and disaster, very few lived to tell about their tragic experiences. One of the survivors is Jeannine Burk, who added her story to the “Holocaust Survivors” online website. She was not sent directly through the death camps because she was kept hidden from the Nazis by a woman whose name still remains anonymous. She states she will “never be able to thank her in a public way.” Another article, “Children of the Holocaust” by Lili Siverman, who actually went through the torture, gave a detailed description of their physical condition. She said they would “[have] worms” from moldy bread, and lice and scalp infection from never bathing. She “never saw a toothbrush, a handkerchief, or toilet paper.” She blistered from frostbite and lack of clothing in below zero temperatures. Having been so young when she was taken away, the “existence (of disease and neglect) [seemed] normal.” Burk believed many “survivors [felt] guilty about surviving.” Questions haunted her about why she remained alive, while so many of her people had been sacrificed.
Overcoming this tragedy would be one of the hardest steps. It is unbelievable that anyone would even have to go through this kind of wantonness. Silberman stated “how lucky [she] was, far luckier than most.” As I was reading her story I paused and contemplated on that thought; that she was “lucky?” Even though her life was spared, can you imagine living with that experience forever embedded in your memory? Through many tears and the “unexpected kindness of strangers,” Lili Silberman can forgive even though the tragedy will never be forgotten. Despite the belief of Silberman, Jeannine Burk has a different opinion; she blames the Germans for their “unacceptable” passiveness and rejecting taking responsibility for their actions. She “cannot forgive” them “until they can own up to it.” While both ways of accepting or dealing with tragedy seem completely opposite, sometimes coping with difficult situations can only be carried out a certain way. Even though forgiving and forgetting is best, it’s hardly possible for some. Sometimes all you can manage is to find peace among the storm.
Therefore, I challenge you to face difficulties headstrong. Always be mindful of how blessed you are. Of course, life is going to be hard because no one can escape tragedy, but remember to stay strong and never give in. Be the best individual possible and continually strive to make something of yourself. With that attitude, anything worthwhile can be obtainable.
Works Cited
Burk, Jeannine. "Survivor Stories." Holocaust Survivors. Holocaust Survivors, 2012. Web. 16
May 2012.
Rosenberg, Jennifer. "The Holocaust." About.com. About.com, 2012. Web. 16 May 2012.
Silberman, Lili. "Children of the Holocaust." ADL. N.p., 2001. Web. 16 May 2012.
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