The Holocaust was expected by no one, but effected everyone in its path. Killing six million was just the beginning for this crucial massacre. Twelve million contain unnerving memories, but few live to tell their stories. I can not share everyone’s history, but I am here to reveal one’s epic journey through a concentration camp. Elly Gross, Holocaust survivor.

At age 15, Elly and her family were ordered out of their home to depart on a covered wagon to the nearest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau II. Split apart from her family at the gate, Elly had to survive on her own. She was kept in an overstuffed cabin with other Jews. For three years, a chain of miracles kept Elly alive, but others weren’t so lucky. After Elly returned home, she was informed her family had not overcome the harsh grounds of the Holocaust. Elly’s father, Eugen Gross, had been persuaded into a trailer with the rest of his unit unaware that his leading officer would lock the trailer and light it on fire. Her mother, Iran Gross, was chosen during role call to report to the gassing chambers. Elly’s brother was sent, too.

After reading her eye-opening autobiography, “Elly: My True Story of the Holocaust,” I contacted her by e-mail. She responded within days and wrote me back various times. I asked her to answer a couple questions summarizing her experiences through the Holocaust and she agreed.

How old were you when they released you?

Sixteen and a half

How and when did you find out about the passing of your parents?

The loss of my parents, I found out August, 1945

What was the most important event that happened to you?

To have two beautiful and talented children

What thoughts were running through your mind?

Help the youth become better persons as some of their grandfathers had been

How and why were you going to survive?

Survived by an unexplainable chain of miracles

What were your goals when you returned home?

Wished to get home to my family and attend further education

Why did you write your book about your experiences at the concentration camp?

It is our duty to remember the many innocents and who has talent to write must do it.

Can you explain the living conditions? (such as food, clothing, and where you lived.)

You were not allowed to talk, whisper, walk, and had nothing in your possession after the many strip searches; just a rag on your body, no underwear, socks, not even your shoes.

Morning a black water, lunch soup with sand and green grass; it was very bitter; supper a tiny slice of bread made from saw dust.

The nutrition value was calculated that a healthy person could survive four to maximum six months.

In memory of all effected by the Holocaust.