Yad Vashem

The Auschwitz Album

Arrival

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In the photos we see the men, women and children step out of the overcrowded train, traumatized and fearful after their horrendous journey. They have no clue that they have just been delivered to a death factory and that few of them will survive
This photograph, taken from the roof of the train, shows the main platform, completed in May 1944, shortly before the arrival of the transports from Hungary. In the foggy background: the buildings of Crematoria II and III
From the top of the train, the photographers give a broad view of the platform. Along the horizon, on the left and right, we can see the buildings of Crematoria II and III with their chimneys
Newcomers from Carpatho-Ruthenia-Jews from Berehovo, Bilke, and the region-disembark from the train. None of the doors was opened without an order from the SS
Men, women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor.
The property that Jews have brought with them is gathered on the ground in one corner
The arriving Jews stand in front of the railroad cars, awaiting the Germans' orders. Some of them notice the photographer and look curiously into the camera
Since the railroad car has no convenient steps, the old Jews have to be assisted in disembarking. The words written on the side of the train are "Deutsche Reichsbahn" ("German State Railway")
Women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor
Women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor
Women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor
Women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor
Women and children on the Birkenau arrival platform known as the "ramp". The Jews were removed from the deportation trains onto the ramp where they faced a selection process - most of them were sent immediately to their deaths, while others were sent to slave labor
Jews arriving at the camp before undergoing the selection process. Mass scenes like this were an almost daily occurrence in the summer of 1944, when the murder of the Jews of Hungary was at its height
Jews arriving at the camp before undergoing the selection process. Mass scenes like this were an almost daily occurrence in the summer of 1944, when the murder of the Jews of Hungary was at its height
The Jews who just arrived are taking care of their property as they are under the assumption they will be needing it. They have no idea that most of them will be murdered, and their property appropriated by the Nazis
The Jews who just arrived are taking care of their property

 

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