Essay Database

Madame Schachter’s Point of View We were being lined up and stuffed into a boxcar of 80 people. The air and food are scarce. All the heat was unbearable. Lying down was out of the question, and we were only able to sit by deciding to take turns. It has been days since we had stopped last. Saving rations was our rule. We would save for tomorrow because tomorrow might be worse. I’m here …

…As the trained stopped, everyone saw the huge flames gushing out of the tall chimney. I became silent again and sat in my corner. Instantly the doors were opened. Officers held electric torches and truncheons and began to strike out everyone right and left shouting “Everybody get out! Everyone out of the wagon! Quickly!” We all jumped out, me with my son holding my hand. We had arrived at Birkenau, the reception center of Auschwitz.