Stutthof Concentration Camp was a Nazi German concentration and extermination camp established in 1939 near the village of Stutthof (now Sztutowo) in the Free City of Danzig (now northern Poland). It was the first camp built outside German borders and the last to be liberated by Allied forces in 1945. Initially created to detain Polish intelligentsia and resistance members from Pomerania, Stutthof later became part of the Nazi’s “Final Solution,” housing prisoners from various European countries. The camp was known for its brutal conditions, forced labor, and systematic killing of inmates through execution, starvation, disease, and gas chambers. By the end of World War II, an estimated 65,000 people had perished at Stutthof, making it one of the deadliest concentration camps of the Holocaust.
The horrors of Stutthof Concentration Camp, located near Gdańsk in Poland, have left an indelible mark on the lives of those who survived its brutal conditions. As time passes and fewer survivors remain to share their experiences, it becomes increasingly important to preserve their stories and honor their resilience.
One such survivor, Esther Brunstein, recounted her harrowing journey through Stutthof in her later years. Arrested at the age of 16, Esther was transported to the camp in 1944. She vividly remembered the constant fear and uncertainty that permeated every aspect of life within the camp’s walls. “We never knew if we would live to see another day,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. Esther’s testimony highlighted the strength of human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, as she described how prisoners would secretly share scraps of food and offer words of encouragement to help each other survive.
Another survivor, Jack Aizenberg, shared a different perspective on life in Stutthof. As a young man, he was assigned to work in the camp’s workshops, where prisoners were forced to manufacture parts for German weapons. Jack recalled the constant struggle to sabotage production without being caught, a dangerous act of resistance that could have cost him his life. “We did what we could to slow them down,” he explained, “It was our small way of fighting back.”
The testimonies of Stutthof survivors often touch on the brutal living conditions within the camp. Helena Dunicz-Niwińska, who arrived at Stutthof in 1943, spoke of the overcrowded barracks, meager food rations, and rampant disease that claimed countless lives. “We slept on wooden bunks, packed together like sardines,” she recalled. “The lice and fleas were everywhere, and many of us fell ill with typhus.” Helena’s story underscores the daily battle for survival that prisoners faced, not only against their captors but also against the harsh environment and poor sanitation.
For many survivors, the memories of Stutthof are intertwined with stories of unexpected kindness and solidarity among prisoners. Zdzisława Włodarczyk, who was just a child when she was sent to the camp with her mother, remembered how other women in their barracks would take turns caring for her while her mother worked. “They became like family,” Zdzisława said, her eyes misting over. “Without their help, I don’t think we would have made it.”
The liberation of Stutthof in May 1945 brought both joy and new challenges for survivors. Many, like Marian Turski, found themselves facing a long and difficult journey to rebuild their lives. Marian, who was just 18 when he was freed, spoke of the mixed emotions he experienced upon liberation. “We were overjoyed to be free, but also lost and afraid,” he explained. “We had to learn how to live again.”
These survival stories from Stutthof serve as powerful reminders of the human capacity for endurance and hope in the darkest of times. They also highlight the importance of preserving these testimonies for future generations. As fewer survivors remain to share their experiences firsthand, it falls to us to ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
The legacy of Stutthof and other concentration camps continues to shape our understanding of history and human nature. By listening to and sharing these survival stories, we honor the memory of those who suffered and died in the camp, while also learning valuable lessons about the dangers of hatred and the importance of standing up against injustice. As we reflect on these testimonies, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to work towards a world where such atrocities can never happen again.
Stutthof Concentration Camp, established in 1939 near Gdańsk, Poland, was one of the first Nazi concentration camps built outside of Germany and the last to be liberated in 1945. It played a significant role in the Holocaust, serving as a site of forced labor, torture, and mass extermination. Over 85,000 people perished at Stutthof, including Jews, Poles, and Soviet prisoners of war. The camp’s history serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered and died there. Today, the site stands as a memorial and museum, educating visitors about the horrors of the Nazi regime and the enduring impact of the Holocaust on human history.