Today we visited Terezín Memorial, which holds many decades of history in the Czech Republic. It was initially designed as a fortress for protection during times of war, but it later became known for its role during World War II as a Nazi ghetto and concentration camp. We started at the Small Fortress (entrance depicted above), which acted as a prison mainly for political figures, and saw the unfathomable living conditions the prisoners endured.
From there, we visited the Large Fortress, which currently resembles a small town and still has families living there today. It was inspirational to see that although people were suffering and constantly threatened, they still stayed true to their beliefs, as shown by the hidden prayer room that was kept secret. The artwork and music were the most moving parts of the tour for me. These art pieces were created by children and other prisoners and depicted what the experience was like through their eyes. The music and theater performances were used as forms of expression and hope during an incredibly dark time.
Visiting Terezín provided a powerful and emotional perspective on the suffering, resilience, and history connected to the Czech people and the Holocaust.
Swanson School of Engineering 