Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore a harrowing and often overlooked aspect of the Holocaust—the death marches in the final months of World War II. Today’s account is from John Fink, a German Jewish youth who survived one such march from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen. As the Germans faced defeat, they evacuated concentration camps to prevent Allied liberation, forcing tens of thousands of weakened prisoners to march in brutal winter conditions. Those who could not keep up were mercilessly killed, leaving roads strewn with bodies. These marches were among the final atrocities of the Holocaust, as the Nazis tried to conceal their crimes while exerting total control.

While the Holocaust is often remembered as the Nazis’ attempt to exterminate European Jewry, it's crucial to acknowledge the suffering of millions of non-Jewish victims as well. Ethnic Poles, Romani people, Soviet POWs, and others endured immense suffering under Nazi occupation, particularly in Poland, the epicenter of this cruelty. During the occupation, as many as 3 million Polish Jews and 3 million ethnic Poles were murdered, making Poland one of the hardest-hit populations. The death marches included both Jewish and non-Jewish prisoners, underscoring the widespread devastation inflicted by the Nazis.

John Fink’s survival amidst this brutality highlights the complexity of Nazi actions in the Holocaust’s closing stages. Despite being able to kill many weakened prisoners, the Nazis instead drove them across occupied Europe, raising questions about their motives—whether to exploit labor, maintain bargaining power, or destroy evidence. These lesser-known horrors remind us that remembering the full scope of victims, both Jewish and non-Jewish, is essential to understanding the Holocaust’s magnitude. John’s story is a testament to resilience amid systematic cruelty, urging us to reflect on these dark moments and honor all who suffered.

Voice Actor - Bates O'Brian

This has been a production of Legacy Vision Media