1. Theresienstadt
[tereseenshtat]
Terezin, Czechoslovakia

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

3. 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”

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

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

9. 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

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

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