HardshipsThe struggle at the DP camps was hard for the survivors. The conditions were terrible. At the camps the strong Jewish survivors lacked many needed utilities such as: underwear, shoes, toilet paper, toothbrushes. Reports from refugees started they were given less food per day than German war prisoners. 12. (Word War II:Displaced Persons) “Initially the camp facilities were very poor. In addition, many survivors suffered severe psychological problems caused by their horrendous treatment at the hands of the perpetrators and collaborators
11. ("What Were Displaced Persons Camps?"). |
3. (Ghettos & Concentration Camps:Camps for Displaced Persons in Germany and Austria)
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Looking ForwardMany of the individuals living in at the DP camps didn't just sit around and ponder about their new location to settle in (like in Palestine or one of the several Western Countries they had access to), they created school and make shift synagogues. Synagogues are buildings for Jewish assemblies or congregations for religious service and directions. To pass time and for entertainment, opera and theatrical performances and staged boxing matches were set up. Refugees would even often have marriages be arranged out of convenience and loneliness rather than being in love. It revived family life.
12. ("Word War II:Displaced Persons"). |