The Holocaust Museum

     One of the most horrific acts of inhumanity in the history of the world is the Holocaust. The Nazi's persecution of Jews and many other non-aryan groups. Here in Houston we have our very own Holocaust museum. I spent a day there and was very moved. I have watched a few documentaries and read quite a bit on the Holocaust but I still learned some new things from my visit. Antisemitism was a pretty common view of people in Europe long before WW1. Jews were expelled from countries if they did not convert to Christianity: England in 1290, France in 1306, and Spain in 1492. I was surprised to find this out. But it makes sense, because like they say in the museum, "If antisemitism wasn't already so widespread and accepted then Hitler never would have been able to get away with his actions for so long." A couple other interesting events of earlier antisemitism I learned about: Italy in 1215, Jews must mark their clothing with a badge and Switzerland in 1434, Jews may not obtain academic degrees.
     Once the Hitler and the Nazis took over it wasn't just the undesirable groups that got sent to the concentration camps. Any suspected political opponents were sent there as well. Hitler didn't want any opposition to his rule and new laws. On May 10th, 1933, the 100th day of Nazi rule, there was a mass book burning of all Blacklist books. In Berlin alone 25, 000 books were burned. The books burned were not only those of German authors but American ones such as Ernest Hemingway and Helen Keller as well. This was how the Nazi could work their mind control. Children's books were written with Nazi propaganda, teaching them at a young age to hate.
     Also in 1933 Nazis started mass sterilization of people sick with hereditary diseases and those handicapped of the body or mind. By 1939 they had started the "Euthanasia Program" where they would just kill the handicapped and sick. If they weren't killed then they were used for experiments. The Nazis really were exterminating Jews. In the year of 1942 alone 2.7 million Jews were murdered. The museum also sheds light on the  victims of the Holocaust other than Jews and the handicap. Groups such as homosexuals, gypsies, soviet POWs, and Jehovah Witnesses.
     The museum is put together very nicely. There is a steady flow that takes you through the timeline. There are many artifacts on display which was very exciting to see. There are also many many pictures some that can have a profound effect on a person. As I was walking through I noticed that I heard a lot of sniffling. Soon I too was sniffling. By the time I was only half way through I was crying and didn't stop until I left. 
     Going to this museum was a profound experience and one I will treasure. I think everyone should take the time to visit it. It really can remind you of the world we live in. People talk about the Holocaust like it is some unbelievable thing that could never happen again, but the truth is genocide is still going on today. That is another thing they open your eyes to at this museum.  Once you leave the main exhibit they have an area with books and pamphlets on the inhumane acts going on in the world today. Everyone needs to take the time to check this museum out to be educated and reminded of the world we live in.