A Greek Romani mother was forced by the Nazis to select which one of her children was to be put to death

A Greek Romani mother was forced by the Nazis to select which one of her children was to be put to death.

(The 1979 novel Sophie’s Choice[1] by William Styron — and the subsequent 1982 film with the same title — was based on this story (and now you also know what the title means).)

Letting a parent “choose” between kids, letting her or him become an implicit murderer of their own kids, is one of the most extreme psychological tortures one can possibly imagine.

“What could one expect of a Nazi ?”

could be one way of reacting, but I think that “even for a Nazi,” such actions are so despicable that they are simple beyond compare.

And imagine this — and this is pure conjecture, but still very realistic.

Most probably the Nazi officer in command drove back home that evening, had a nice supper with his wife and children, read them a comforting bedtime story, and then tucked them in, realizing how much he loved his children.

And that duality mechanism, dear friends, shows how humans can become monsters without the blink of an eye.

The poison of hate is a powerful thing, but still …

I will not even write down what I wish for that man.

But I can guarantee you:

it hurts. Continue reading