Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines one of the excerpts presented in 'The Holocaust: A Reader', that appears to be an excerpt from the diary of Emmanuel Ringelblum. The writer explains that it is assumed that Ringelblum was a resident of the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland. The writer discusses that the diary gives some interesting historical information about life inside the Jewish ghettos. The writer concludes that the reader is unaware of whether Ringelblum died in the ghetto, was shipped to a concentration camp where he was killed, survived life in the concentration camp, or survived the war without further incident. However, the reader is aware that Ringelblum's life was severely disrupted and harmed by his time in the ghetto.

From the Paper:

"Furthermore, Ringelblum makes it clear that it was not only the Gestapo who participated in the oppression of Jews in the ghetto. For example, Ringelblum describes the activities of the Polish police in the ghetto. Rather than working to keep Jews safe or resolve disputes, the Polish police ended up being in charge of anti-smuggling operations. However, rather than actually discouraging smuggling, the Polish officers profited off of the misery of those in the ghetto, by requiring bribes from the smugglers. Even children were required to bribe police officers in order to obtain food and necessities."
"However, Ringelblum also makes it clear that Jews were aware of the part that they played in the German war machine. Jews in the Warsaw ghetto were expected to contribute to the war effort by restoring or sewing uniforms for Nazi soldiers. Those who did not contribute in that manner were exterminated. Furthermore, Ringelblum observed Nazi propaganda. The Gestapo would stage incidents of violence by Jews or Poles against Jews, and have photos of the Gestapo stopping such violence."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ringelblum, Emmanuel. "Inside the Ghetto." The Holocaust: A Reader. Ed. Simone Gigliotti and Beral Lang. City of Publication: Blackwell Publishing, year. 313-332.

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