Chapter 5 and 6

I felt so sad when reading these chapters. I would want to discuss with students the harsh ways in which the Jews and other prisoners were treated. I would want for them to explain the ways in which we could prevent this from ever happening to another group of people again. The Blumenthals were very disappointed to find that they went from Westerbork to Bergen-Belsen; which they discribe as "hell". They thought that from this camp they would be able to get to Palestine. This was most definetly not the case. This was a major disappointment for them because they now did not have any hope for their families future. I could not believe how terrified the prisoners were to go and have showers once a week because they were not sure if they were really getting showers or if they were walking right to their deaths through the gas chambers. When the Blumenthals left this camp, they were certain that they were getting closer to their deaths. They were completely helpless in the fact that they could not do anything about the disturbing trip. During the train ride hundreds of people died. I cannot imagine what the Blumenthals were going through emotionally wondering if they were going to die on the train or where ever they were heading. At the end of chapter six, there is finally some good news for the Jews; they were liberated 6 and half years after being in camps.