Atlit Detention Camp

The second stop on day 2 was Atlit Detention Camp. Believe it or not, during and even after WWII, the Jews were still being detained in camps...in their own homeland. It was 1945 when this camp was re-opened to accommodate "illegal immigrant" Jews fleeing Europe. The British Mandate stated that only 1500 Jews per month were allowed into the area and any over that were turned away or detained in camps. Upon arriving at Atlit and debarking from their overcrowded freight trains, the detainees were separated (women from men) and sent here, to see this:

A shower where detainees were doused with DDT

A furnace. Thankfully, it was used only to heat the washer for their clothes.
Can you imagine the fear, horror and seriously PTSD flashbacks this must have caused?

The walls of this room contain photos of some of the actual detainees. They were not mistreated or forced to work, but their lives were still not great. Other photos follow below of the barracks.

There was a great story about how they were rescued - learn more here. All in all, it was an educational day. An emotional day. 

To round out the story, check out this link:  Next time I complain about not having wi-fi or having a bad hair day, somebody PLEASE slap me.