Studying the Holocaust with Yad Vashem | A Collection of Materials on the Liberation
Holocaust Survivors’ First Moments of Liberation
As World War II neared its end, the German forces were retreating from multiple fronts, marking a pivotal moment for Holocaust survivors. During the final stages of the war, the Nazis continued to commit atrocities, including the murder of Jewish forced laborers who remained in ghettos converted into labor camps. Those who survived these final stages were either deported to extermination centers, such as Chelmno and Auschwitz, or forced on death marches to labor and concentration camps within the Reich. Tragically, many perished due to starvation, exhaustion, or execution.
This educational collection offers a profound examination of the moments of liberation for these survivors, highlighting the immense suffering and resilience experienced in the wake of the Holocaust. It provides resources for deepening understanding of these harrowing events, ensuring the memory of those lost and the heroism of survivors is honored on Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day.