Question: Why was the Holocaust such a surprise for the citizens of Sighet?
Quote: "The Germans were already in our town, the Fascists were already in power, the verdict was already out-and the Jews of Sighet were still smiling" (10).
This reaction was partially motivated by a desire to not except the truth, since the truth was inconceivable. In addition, they thought it was happening too far away to affect them. They thought the Holocaust was ending anyway, so that it would be over before it had the chance to spread to Hungary. Even when evidence presented itself, such as radio broadcasts or word from Moishe the Beadle, the state of denial was kept due to the fear the people of Sighet had of the truth. Although this seems ridiculous to someone who knows the fate of the Jews in Sighet, it was the only way they knew to comfort themselves. We probably would have done the same.
Source: http://www.enotes.com/night-wiesel/q-and-a/time-time-again-people-sighet-doubt-advance-german-114855
http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/wiesel.htm
I completely agree with your answer. Not only were the eastern European countries determined not to see Hitler as a menace, but also the Allied powers. They did not want a full blown war, so they refused to take action against Germany. Another reason why German control came so suddenly to Sighet, was that it was a relatively small town. Often when the Germans took over a place, they would start with the largest cities, so that they could diminish the country's power by dealing the hardest blow to where their forces were concentrated. Later they would take over the smaller towns and villages, forcing them to surrender because they had nothing to protect them.
ReplyDeleteGood observation, I know how they feel its a shame who thats how life works. I always feel like that at school. You stare at the clock wondering why you are being enslaved to the school curriculum which sucks, I like your posts. Bring up some more good things to discuss about.
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