The BBC premiered their new documentary this week in England entitled "Hitler's Children". Their last names make us shudder: Goering, Hoess, Goeth, Frank. These men committed numerous acts of violence against the people of Europe and the world. The BBC takes a look at the lives of their children. What has their Fathers' legacy left them? Denial for some, not wanting to forget for others. Monika Hertwig, the daughter of the animalistic, sadistic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow Concentration Camp and depicted in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List did not know what her Father had done until she was nearly a teenager. She has since tried to learn more about the Holocaust and even travelled back to where Plaszow once stood just outside of Krakow, Poland and met with several survivors. Then there is Niklas Frank, the youngest child of Hans Frank, who at one time held the title of Governor-General of Poland. He has written a book and travels around speaking to students on his Father and the evil that came with him and his colleagues. He understands that people are sick of being reminded of the Holocaust and of the atrocities committed by Hitler, his Father, and their friends, but Niklas is determined to educate. Education seems to play a big role for the children of Nazi leaders. They felt lied to since many were not the man they were accused of being when they were at home. Others understand that their Fathers were rotten to the core.
It is a riveting and emotional journey that is sure to leave those that want to hate them for who their Fathers were, sympathizing with the life that many have had to face.
To watch a clip of the documentary click here. Or for articles from the BBC and The Telegraph about the documentary click here or here.
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