Lessons of Dachau

Several years ago, as I traveled in Germany, I took time to visit Dachau, the first Nazi Concentration Camp “established” in March of 1933.   Heinrich Himmler, Chief of Police of Munich, referred to Dachau as "the first concentration camp for political prisoners.”

(^ http://www.mazal.org/archive/DACHPHO/Dach02.htm Translation: The Munich Chief of Police, Himmler, has issued the following press announcement: On Wednesday the first concentration camp is to be opened in Dachau with an accommodation for 5000 persons. All Communists and—where necessary—Reichsbanner and Social Democratic functionaries who endanger state security are to be concentrated here, as in the long run it is not possible to keep individual functionaries in the state prisons without overburdening these prisons, and on the other hand these people cannot be released because attempts have shown that they persist in their efforts to agitate and organise as soon as they are released.)

Dachau is located northwest of Munich, Germany in the state of Bavaria.  One of the ironies about this horrific site for me was the contrast of the lush, vibrant countryside which surrounded a place of such atrocities.  I saw the original crematoriums, but the barracks had been rebuilt.  It was very sobering to visit this site, but enlightening as well.  This visit answered a long-standing question for me: How did Hitler move a large nation of seemingly civilized people to such degradation?  One of his key moves was to place approximately 140,000 people who disagreed with him into this camp.  People did stand up to Hitler, and they paid a horrible price.  I am actually inspired by the courage of so many people, but what a loss!

As one might guess, this experience left a lasting impression upon me.

I realize that I am the only one to care for my children, and certainly I do not seek to spend my life considered one “who endanger[s] state security”.  I do not have any desire to go to prison because of my beliefs.  Yet, I would despise myself if I lived life as “normal” while living next to a “concentration camp” as did the residents of Germany near Dachau and other sites.  If Satan and his helpers declare war upon me and all that I believe in, will I run or hide or will I resist him at all opportunities?  How does one stand against evil?  How does ignoring evil diminish it?