A video uploaded to TikTok shows a girl sitting on the tracks in front of the main gates of the Birkenau camp. She adjusts her hair, changes poses, and two people who arrived together are photographing her.
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The video has been viewed more than 1.3 million times. Many commenters accused the group of tourists of disrespecting the victims of the most famous death camp established by Nazi Germany.
Today, the Auschwitz–Birkenau memorial is one of the most important Holocaust remembrance sites in the world, writes TVP World.
“Thousands of people died after traveling these tracks. Maybe one day you will understand,” wrote one user.
Another called for financial penalties: “There should be heavy fines for this. Some may disagree, but this is about respect.”
However, there were also defenders of the tourist. One commenter said: “The woman took a selfie at Auschwitz as a keepsake, and you are already making a fuss.”
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Others quickly responded, emphasizing that Auschwitz is not an ordinary tourist site and that photos can be taken without posing in a way that many find disrespectful.
Respectful behavior required at the memorial
Photography for personal purposes is allowed in most publicly accessible areas of the Auschwitz–Birkenau memorial, but visitors must follow the memorial’s rules.
The museum administration emphasizes that everyone on the premises must behave appropriately, respectfully, and solemnly. Photographs must not offend the memory or dignity of the camp’s victims.
At least 1.3 million people were deported to Auschwitz by Nazi Germany. It is believed that about 1.1 million people were killed at the camp – mostly Jews, as well as Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners of war.
