Buchenwald

Established in 1937 primarily for political prisoners and "asocials," Buchenwald sits atop Ettersberg just a few miles from Weimar. Buchenwald was one of the largest camps on German soil, with well over 100 satellite camps. Approximately 240,000 prisoners passed through these camps, 19% of whom died by execution, starvation, or exposure. In 1945 many Jews, including Elie Wiesel, arrived in Buchenwald after surviving death marches from Auschwitz. On April 11, 1945 members of the camp's resistance overwhelmed the few remaining members of the SS and gained control of the camp before the liberating forces arrived on the same day. Today Buchenwald is devoted to the education of German youth.

The pictures below were taken on June 30, 2000.

Memorial to the Sinti and Roma (Gypsies). Approximately a quarter of a million Gypsies were killed by the Nazi in a racially motivated approach with some disturbing similarities to the destruction of the Jews. Increasing attention is being given the fate of the Gypsies, and monuments have been erected in their memory at a number of the camps.

Interior of the main Buchenwald museum. This large museum is one aspect of Buchenwald's role as an educational center for youth. This focus is an attempt to counter the ideology of nationalism and hatred that animated the Hitler Youth, a group founded in nearby Weimar.

Crematorium

Near the camp is a large memorial complex on the exposed southern slope of Ettersberg. In front of the massive bell tower is a sculpture by Fritz Cremer commemorating the "self-liberation" of the camp.

More Images of Buchenwald