Nazi Collaberators is an excellent WWII documentary series that is well worth seeking out. This entry in the series is in my opinion the best episode and the most detailed in terms of how the subject is presented.
The Lodz Ghetto in Poland survived for almost the entire duration of the war thanks to its self styled Governor, Chaim Rumkowski. In this episode facts and accounts of someone who actually knew him are used to depict Rumkowski a proven Nazi Collaberator and a person who made decisions to keep himself in such a position. Once these things are stated and explained, it is hard to disagree with it.
The story of how the Ghetto came about and became self sufficient is interesting to learn about but what really makes this such a good episode is the sinister undertones that are implied from things that Rumkowski did either to those he liked or disliked. This included having an inner circle that enjoyed luxuries and also getting rid of people he saw as a threat to his position. In this case, getting rid meant being put on a transport to Auschwitz.
The person who knew him personally, who gives first hand accounts is an elderdy lady who was a young girl during the War years. She had a favourable position in amongst Rumkowski's inner circle, to which she admits to and in saying that she also takes the view that he must have known what the fate of his people would be once they were shipped off to the concentration camps but what choice did he have? That is her way of explanation.
In any case, the documentary builds up to his most infamous moment when Rumkowski agrees to Nazi demands to hand over all the children in the Ghetto. And he did it. That is the overriding theme of this episode and it is not treated lightly either once it is covered.
It goes on to say how once the Ghetto was liquidated towards the end of the war, Rumkowski himself was put on a transport and shipped to Auschwitz.
This is a really good documentary and provides a lot of thought provoking questions for the viewer.
The Lodz Ghetto in Poland survived for almost the entire duration of the war thanks to its self styled Governor, Chaim Rumkowski. In this episode facts and accounts of someone who actually knew him are used to depict Rumkowski a proven Nazi Collaberator and a person who made decisions to keep himself in such a position. Once these things are stated and explained, it is hard to disagree with it.
The story of how the Ghetto came about and became self sufficient is interesting to learn about but what really makes this such a good episode is the sinister undertones that are implied from things that Rumkowski did either to those he liked or disliked. This included having an inner circle that enjoyed luxuries and also getting rid of people he saw as a threat to his position. In this case, getting rid meant being put on a transport to Auschwitz.
The person who knew him personally, who gives first hand accounts is an elderdy lady who was a young girl during the War years. She had a favourable position in amongst Rumkowski's inner circle, to which she admits to and in saying that she also takes the view that he must have known what the fate of his people would be once they were shipped off to the concentration camps but what choice did he have? That is her way of explanation.
In any case, the documentary builds up to his most infamous moment when Rumkowski agrees to Nazi demands to hand over all the children in the Ghetto. And he did it. That is the overriding theme of this episode and it is not treated lightly either once it is covered.
It goes on to say how once the Ghetto was liquidated towards the end of the war, Rumkowski himself was put on a transport and shipped to Auschwitz.
This is a really good documentary and provides a lot of thought provoking questions for the viewer.
