Visiting Auschwitz

[Dilbertian]

Ds, who was brought up Jewish but rejects any faith or faith-based practice, has traveled to Poland with some friends of various faiths and none. On Monday they intend to visit Auschwitz.

If ds wants to say or do anything, he will. He is also perfectly capable of Googling. But I imagine it can be difficult to think clearly in that place.

I'm wondering about emailing something that he can refer to if he needs. But what?

Kaddish? Will an atheist Jew want to speak an affirmation of God in the midst of such desecration?

Zog Nit Keynmol? (I have a more poetic translation) The "We are here!" has always resonated for me.

Can anyone suggest something suitable?

I'd just say,

"Have some time on your own and take it in at your own pace.
Don't be embarrassed about crying. I'd love to hear what you thought. Mom xx"

Or words to that effect.

I'm not Jewish & obvs don't know your ds. But I am an atheist so I was intrigued by your question about how an atheist might respond. Despite being an atheist I find spiritual language & practice moving and meaningful. I recently visited a religious site linked to trauma (I don't want to say more) and was profoundly moved by it. I was moved by the faith of others and I was moved by the words & rituals associated with the place. Though I dont believe, the belief of others is real and part of the fabric of the site. So he might not want to speak, but he might find the words meaningful because he understands their meaning to others & how they connect at a profound level to what happened there?

I think being an atheist and being a Jewish atheist are 2 very different experiences.

True. A particularly Jewish distinction.

Apologies then.

No need to apologise! Your point is still valid. Many non-observant, non-believing Jews feel do that sense of connection when others pray.