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Memoir of Hungarian Holocaust survivor who worked in Auschwitz camp hospital recently translated into English
Review by JULIE KIRSH (former Sun Media News Research Director)
In order to avoid a death march, my weak, ailing, Hungarian Jewish father dug a hole on the grounds of Buchenwald. He pulled a dead man’s body over his own. The unfortunate man had died of typhus, which my father also caught.
On April 11, 1945, the US army entered Buchenwald and rescued my father. He spent three weeks in a Red Cross camp recovering from typhus and starvation before making his way back home. Once he reached home in Hungary, he spent eight months in a sanatorium before being restored back to health.
With that as preamble, I had a particular interest in reading the memoir of another Holocaust survivor, József Debreczeni: “Cold Crematorium: Reflections from the Land of Auschwitz.”
The reader learns that the “Cold Crematorium” of József Debreczeni’s memoir was the Dornhau “camp hospital”. Dornhau was the headquarters of a vast network of concentration and slave labour camps in World War II. In April 1944, Debreczeni was deported to Auschwitz from his home in Serbia. He was a slave labourer in three subcamps that were satellites of Gross-Rosen, which Debreczeni refers to as the “Land of Auschwitz.”
With his journalist’s eye for detail, Debreczeni makes the inexplicable horrors of his experience come alive for the reader. The terrible suffering of hunger, the back breaking labour for slaves who were once doctors, lawyers, and businessmen before the war, are all described in the book. Even an addiction to tobacco becomes for some as important as food. The reader feels the frost and cold of winter in 1944 for the inmates – who were without shoes and underwear – and only rags for clothing.
Debreczeni’s description of the Dornhau hospital forces the reader to confront a madhouse: “We’ve wound up among raving maniacs. A dizzing cacophony of moaning, whimpering, shrieking, whining and delirious snarling. The underworld is seething”.
Some of Debreczeni’s writing is sardonic. He tells of a hierarchy of “nobility” in the hospital. Once honourable physicians in Hungary are forced to become part of the Nazi killing machine. However, the newly arrived doctors and medical students remain “stuck outside of Eden.”
Similar to my father, Debreczeni, burning with fever, pulls a dead man’s lice-ridden blanket over his emaciated body. He is “burning in the cold crematorium.”
Night in Dornhau is described in a heart rending fashion. Six hundred men are pressed close together. Every third person is dying.
At “Appell” next morning, the dead are counted. The black humour continues with the inmates coming up with a variation: “Report if you are dead”.
In December,1944, Dornhau had become a hub, a repository for prisoners who were close to death. Debreczeni remarks that the Nazis were “in the grips of the psychosis of anxiety that comes with sensing the end.” Still the death machine grinds onward with the few survivors dying even as liberation draws near. In the last days of the horror, the food rations drop even further.
Debreczeni pays honour and shows compassion to his fellow prisoners: Bergman, Herz, Gleiwitz, Nébel and others, by describing their origins and final fates.
In the last days, typhus breaks out in Dornhau. Diarrhea, edema and high fever are raging. With suitable nourishment and draining of the body’s water, my father survived typhus. Most did not.
Reading the final pages of Cold Crematorium was among the most anxious readings of my life. Despite a vision of liberation and the Russian army only seven kilometers away, the SS guards still lock the exit gates each evening. Finally, liberation arrives. Debreczeni is nursed back to health by Russian nurses. Reporters and journalists pour into Dornhau and are described as “Martians of the universe beyond the barbed wire.”
Cold Crematorium was first published in Hungarian in 1950, as a haunting memoir, sparing no harsh words for the SS and their collaborators, but also a telling reminder of how the world forgets.
More than seventy years later, Cold Crematorium is reaching a wider audience with its translation into English and several other languages. The book has helped me understand the last days leading up to liberation and gives me further insight into my father’s remarkable survival.
“Cold Crematorium: Reflections from the Land of Auschwitz”
By József Debreczeni
Translated from the Hungarian by Paul Olchváry (St. Martin’s Press, 2023)
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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.