Poland declares state of emergency after 'Arbeit Macht Frei' stolen from Auschwitz

guardian.co.uk ^ | December 18, 2009 | Kate Connolly

[dmartin]

A state of emergency was announced in Poland today involving tightened border controls and random police checks as a nationwide hunt was launched for the infamous bronze sign to the former German Nazi death camp Auschwitz after it was stolen.

[lbryce]

uh.... Do you mean millions?

[HIDEK6]

It isn't just a sign. It is one of the most significant relics of the Holocaust.

I believe I read on another thread that the sign that was stolen was itself a replica of the original one.

[Drew68]

I believe I read on another thread that the sign that was stolen was itself a replica of the original one.

No, a replica was used temporarily some time ago while the original was getting restored. They're again using this same replica now to replace the stolen original.

[listenhillary]

That was my first thought when I saw the story this morning. Rahm or Obama wanted it.

[OldNavyVet]

"Arbeit mach zu frei" means "Work makes you free."

Probably something Hitler thought up to "hide" his death camps.

[Lazamataz]

Dozens.

[Yaelle]

Two of the “Arbeiters” live here on my block. They are a married couple with three grown and successful children, and many grandchildren. As young people, both spent time in many camps, including Auschwitz. He later became a rabbi. Now his days are slowed with Parkinson’s. She is a lovely lady even now at around 80 years of age, always dressed impeccably, always loving to talk to my kids.

They survived. My father survived.

So many did not.

[Landru]

Uhhhhhh, HTH did they get away with it??

Be like swiping a billboard along I-94. LOL
Good grief.

[Minutemen]

Uhhhh...yes, millions in the total conflict. Any body else know if “millions” died in Auschwitz? There were dozens of camps I am sure you are aware of?

[Moe Tzadik]

That was my first thought.

He’s supposedly in Europe now isn’t he?

[Moe Tzadik]

Exactly right. There weren’t blazing ovens on day one, things were done incrementally.

Something to make note of for our current situation.

[Gritty]

Poland needs to check Air Force 1. Their sign is no doubt on the way back from Bribenhagen.

Instead of Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Sets you Free), Thugobama intends to change the slogan to Reparationen Macht Frei (Reparations Set you Free).

[Drew68]

Any body else know if “millions” died in Auschwitz? There were dozens of camps I am sure you are aware of?

The most updated estimates put the loss of lives at the three camps comprising Auschwitz-Berkenau at 1.1 million total, 960,000 of them Jews.

[GAB-1955]

The estimates for Auschwitz from the Nuremberg Trials is one million killed. Auschwitz was the biggest concentration camp/work camp/POW camp complex in the German system.

[Miztiki]

Who would steal such a thing? And how? What could they possibly do with it now? It’s not like they can sell it on e-bay.

What a disgrace!