Clinical Geriatrics

To the Editor:

Thank you for the excellent article, “The Elderly Concentration Camp Survivor,”1 which highlights a very important aspect of the life of the Holocaust/concentration camp survivor.

While it is true that almost 11,000,000 persons perished as a result of the Nazi regime, not all of the victims were in the camps. Some were murdered while hidden, others tried to resist in the woods, and others were victimized in their homes, streets, and communities. All survivors exhibit needs, as do the camp survivors.

As a final point, for the mental health of the survivors, it is important to continue to keep them involved in educational programs so that they feel their suffering was not in vain. This is important so that others, especially the young, learn their story. Holocaust survivors are also very helpful to others who have experienced acts of genocide, prejudice, or tragedies, such as Columbine or 9/11.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul B. Winkler
Executive Director,
New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education
Phone: (609) 292-9274
Fax: (609) 292-1211
Website: www.state.nj.us/njded/holocaust

Reference
1. Lantz MS. The elderly concentration camp survivor. Clinical Geriatrics 2007;15(7):26-29.