Just over 9 years ago I visited the Mauthausen concentration camp, which was liberated 76 years ago today. The camp operated within the lifetime of many people alive today.
Perhaps the thing that struck me most when I visited was the surrounding countryside – the idyllic pastures dotted with traditional houses, all clearly visible from the camp. And the camp clearly visible from the houses.
This camp was not intended for Jews – but for those that dared to speak out. For pacifists. For writers. Even for members of subversive organisations like the boy scouts.
Somebody had left a rock on a wall with just the words “Nie Wieder”. Never again.
Tomorrow we have the opportunity to vote – and in my mind every time we make our mark we are shouting “Nie Wieder”.
