Theresienstadt [tereseenshtat] Terezin, Czechoslovakia

Also known as Terezin November 24, 1941—Established as Jewish Ghetto Germans, Czechs, Dutch, and Danish Jews

Were said to be deported as an effort to resettle Jews in the East German Jews being sent by train to Terezin. Were said to be deported as an effort to resettle Jews in the East Became important propaganda tool Described as a “spa town”

June 1944: Red Cross allowed to inspect camp Turned into positive publicity (propaganda) -- ghetto was beautified: gardens planted, houses painted, barracks renovated -- cultural events staged

Terezin was a temporary stop for Jews The reality: Terezin was a temporary stop for Jews Deported to other ghettos, concentration camps, but usually death camps

Approximately 140,000 Jews sent to Terezin 90,000 sent to near certain death in camps 33,000 died at Terezin

But culture thrived! Artists Writers Teachers Musicians Actors Lectures, concerts, theater performances

And then there were the children… An estimated 15,000 kids School! Painted pictures Wrote poetry

I Never Saw Another Butterfly Collection of poems and drawings by the children of Terezin “We see the daily misery of these uprooted children, as well as their courage and optimism, their hopes and fears.” Reveal the innocence and wonder of youth, but also maturity

These poems and pictures are all that is left of most…

…when Terezin was liberated by Russia on May 8, 1945, only 100 children were found alive