Auschwitz Photo Strip
An original photo strip taken in Auschwitz of a Polish prisoner. Only those who survived the initial selection process and were sent to work were photographed in prison- style positions, as a way to identify prisoners. This strategy proved unsuccessful since appearances changed significantly in Auschwitz.
The Yellow Star
"Yellow Star" badges that Jews were required to wear in many countries throughout Europe during the Holocaust. All say or symbolize the word "Jew" in various languages, meant to segregate, dehumanize and persecute Jews.
Original "Der Strumer" Article
An original newspaper article from the infamous Nazi antisemetic newspaper "Der Sturmer", published weekly from 1923 until the end of the Second World War. Propaganda was an essential element of the Nazi persecution plan.
Jewish ID Card
A Jewish ID card/ passport stamped with the letter "J". Jews were required to turn in their passports so that they could be marked with a "J" (for Jewish). Jewish men and women bearing first names of “non-Jewish” origin also had to change their name to add “Israel” and “Sara,” respectively, to their given names. On the ID card above, we can see that Jonas added the name Israel after his first name. These laws were intended to permanently separate Jews from the rest of the German population and Jews were required to carry this identity card wit them at all times.
Theresienstadt Currency Collection
The entire collection of currency minted in the Theresienstadt ghetto and concentration camp, meant to create the illusion of normalcy and disguise the cruelty occurring in the ghetto for the official visit of the Red Cross. The bills were designed by Czech Jewish artist Peter Kien who was interned there and later killed in Auschwitz. On the front of each bill is a portrait of Moses holding the Ten Commandments.
"When Kien initially submitted his designs to Reinhard Heydrich, they were rejected. Because Heydrich objected to the fact that Moses looked too Aryan, the notes were modified to show Moses with more strongly stereotyped Semitic features; the design had to conform to the Nazi vision of Jewish appearance. The final design shows Moses with a long hooked nose and curly hair. Heydrich also demanded that the hand of Moses cover the commandment that stated "Thou Shalt Not Kill." (From Life in the Ghettos During the Holocaust, edited by Eric J. Sterling.)
Striped Pyjamas
A "striped pyjama" uniform worn by prisoners in the concentration camps.
Nazi Armband
An original Nazi armband.
Jud Sus Pamphlet
Pamphlet of "Jud Sus", a notorious antisemetic film made in Nazi Germany in 1938. All members of the SS were required to view this film.