By Eli Walther and Aaron Gostein, NFTY in Israel, Bus 9
On Wednesday, we had left the beautiful city of Prague to go to Terezin, a concentration camp on the way to Krakow. The sights of rolling hills and fields on the hour-long drive between Prague and Terezin were breathtaking and truly unforgettable. Unfortunately, no scenery, no matter how beautiful, can make up for the horrific events that took place in our destination.
Walking through Terezin was an odd experience. It is unsettling to know that not too long ago, the people who lived here were suffering beyond imagination, while today the town has a lively atmosphere full of vibrant colors. However, in contrast to the cheerful buzz of the tourists, the town itself feels remarkably empty — like a ghost town.
Inside the camp we explored a secret makeshift synagogue created by a resident out of a small storage room unknown to the Nazis. The creator painted the walls to resemble a place of worship. This little space, as insignificant as it may seem, provided Jews in Terezin with a way to keep practicing their culture in a time of struggle.
