The Holocaust - personal response to Anne Frank's diary and the problem of evil for a benevolent God.

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                 Religion and Philosophy: Holocaust Landmark

  1. What is your identity and how is it similar/different to Jewish identity?

Looking over the Holocaust lessons and the Hands Comparison sheet, it is clear to see that there are a number of significant differences and similarities between my identity, and the identity of a pretty extraordinary Jewish girl, by the name of Anne Frank. She was born in 1943, Amsterdam and beggar forming her famous and collecting ideas for her famous diary from around 13 years of age. This was one of the few things that I had in common with Anne as I am 14 years old. Another example would be how Anne was very inquisitive and always asked questions, I also share this curiosity. On mine and Anne’s hands, there also a lot more prominent key features. For instance, reading, journalism theatre and cinema are aspects that we both take a particular liking in. Also, both of our goals for the future are generally to be happy and to strive for success. In terms of family, we both have one sister and mum & dad. Yet on the other hand, personality is where some differences are found. Despite both of us being Extrovert, outspoken, lively and crucially, optimistic. It was this optimism that was needed while in the horrific concentration camps. On the other hand, Anne is more Idealistic, self-contained and can be stubborn. Strangely, Anne does not like being disturbed while doing her work (I share this same dislike). However this is quite weird, as Anne is very kind and sociable, but it seems like she goes into another mode when doing her work and she can be hot fused when in this mood.  I am more outgoing, care-free, positive and friendly. The fact that Anne was so independent and mature for her age is partly due to the fact that she had a tough childhood while working at her dad’s factory in Rotterdam. She was also used to not getting any kind of attention from her busy parents and sister, who attended school. Anne also went to school (but was later moved to a Jewish Secondary School) and loved to read and write (which is where she picked up the skills to write her famous diary). In her bedroom there were posters of famous actors, the royal family and theatre. Her passion for reading was mainly due to her father, Otto Frank, having a vast library as he encouraged his children to read. Anne was born in Frankfurt, Germany but grew up in Holland, therefore she was also to some extent a linguist. Being fluent in Hebrew, Dutch, German and English, I also speak many languages (English, Tamil and German). Fundamentally, the once crucial factor that the Germans judge you on, is your ethnicity and religion. The Nazi Germans forgot about all of your other personalities and interests. I am of Sri Lankan ethnicity and my Religion is Hindu, so I may have been in danger with the Nazi Jews for my Asian decent.  Unfortunately for Anne, she was of Jewish Decent and therefore had Jewish beliefs. This was the key factor in her cruellest and most undeserved of fates, death at the concentration camps. Overall, summing up all of the similarities and dislikes, I believe that me and Anne would get along pretty well as we share similar interests.

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  1. How was Jewish identity discriminated against in the Concentration camps?
  • Shaven heads, stripy pyjamas
  • Men and women separated, Women separated from kids
  • Men without any clothes huddled together in the cold.
  • Right side of line was workers, left side was old women and disabled.
  • Not allowed to use toilet
  • Bread and lukewarm drink was all that was offered
  • Jews had to work at the camps 24/7.
  • Bedrooms were often extremely crowded, with 2 to a bed.
  • SS Men with intimidating rifles
  • Beaten all the way down the stairs
  • Bodies burnt and gassed
  • Number tattooed on arm
  • Key ...

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