Tai Chi at Auschwitz

<p>Our first day of touring the Auschwitz Concentration Camp had ended. I was present for a five day Bearing Witness Retreat there with the Zen Peacemakers. Standing in line to get some tea I felt someone tap my shoulder and I turned to face a woman who in German accented English said to me: I need to talk to someone. Her apprehension was palpable and heavy. I smiled and held her gaze. I am the granddaughter of a major Nazi and feel I should not be here. We continued to hold each other's gaze. I sensed the deep roots of the shame she was expressing. Without hesitation and a broader smile I said I am glad you are here. I saw her relief. She smiled and asked me why I was there. I said because for most of my life I could not shake the feeling that I wanted to annihilate you and your people. Her smile deepened as she slowly nodded in understanding. We sat down and had tea together.</p><p></p><p>We are friends to this day.</p>