Alfred Wetzler
Alfréd Wetzler, also known as Jozef Lánik, was born on May 10, 1918, in Trnava, Slovakia. He was one of the few who successfully escaped from Auschwitz concentration camp, alongside Rudolf Vrba. Their escape was significant as it led to the creation of the Vrba-Wetzler report, a document that provided one of the first detailed accounts of the mass murder happening inside Auschwitz, including the construction and operation of the gas chambers.
After the war, Wetzler worked as an editor and journalist in Slovakia, dedicating much of his life to writing and educating about the Holocaust. His works contributed significantly to the documentation and understanding of the Holocaust in Slovakia and played a crucial role in Holocaust education, ensuring that the horrors he witnessed were not forgotten.
Wetzler's contributions to history are remembered for their profound impact on the world's understanding of the Holocaust. He passed away on February 8, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and a commitment to truth and justice. His detailed reports and writings continue to be a vital part of Holocaust historical narratives, providing essential insights into the systematic atrocities committed during World War II.