Poland

As Jews, it is hard not to be biased when visiting Poland. It was the epicenter of the Nazi regime with both the SS and Hitler's headquarters located in Warwaw. With every unfriendly face, we couldn't help but question that person's (or their family's) involvement or turning of face during the Holocaust. The scars of both WWII and the Soviet occupation are visible everywhere, especially in the demolished city of Warsaw. What exists today are permanent reminders in the form of Soviet housing blocks and Socialist monuments.

Coming to Poland and visiting places like Auschwitz has made tangible the Nazi Regime's history and master plan. Seeing the "cockpit" of their genocide and the little remaining Jewish culture has made clear to us how efficient and successfult the Nazi's were. The Jewish life that we have encountered is nothing but a glimmer of the life that once existed. Nonetheless, what remains is a testament to strength and endurance. Beautiful, modern-day Krakow reminds us that there is more to a country's identity than the war's they were a part of.

Watch how you go and never forget...

Ian and Greg

Tower of Science & Culture in Warsaw, Stalin's gift to Soviet Poland...

Warsaw "Old Town" that was rebuilt after the War...

Communist-era buildings still stand...

Pawiak Prison Memorial...

Market Square, Krakow...

Gratuitous Madonna shot...

Wawel Castle...

Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter...
Remuh Synagogue, still used today...

Remuh Cemetery...

Tempel Synagogue...

Auschwitz...

The Jewish workers who made this sign turned the "B" upside down as a sign of revolt...

The "Death Wall" where thousands of executions took place...

Crematorium...