81503 is not just a set of random numbers, but a symbol of an everlasting series of memories, spanning five years: Years that were filled with more sorrow, suffering and images of death than any human being should be forced to endure. This number was burned on the arm of Morris Glina, a Holocaust survivor.
Hitler offered the Germans a way out and a scapegoat for their troubles. In Mein Kampf, Hitler presented his belief that the Jewish people were not only responsible for the misfortunes of Germany, but that they also belonged to an inferior, subhuman race. He delivered savage, fiery speeches to growing numbers of followers about the "Jewish Plot" to control of the country's land, government, and banks. He instilled in them the firm belief that the Germans belonged to a superior "Aryan" race. It didn't matter that his thoughts had no organization, and that his arguments held no merit. He spoke with such power, emotion, and conviction, and that's all the crowd wanted to hear. They longed for a leader who would restore their pride. Ultimately, many members were willing to go along with Hitler's hate for the Jews, if he could put bread on the table and money in their pockets. Much like voters of today, the exchange of moral beliefs for money was too enticing to pass up. Meanwhile, Hitler was slowly destroying the Jews from within. It began with stereotypes, which advanced to identification of all Jews with the Yellow Star of David. It progressed from isolating in ghettos to concentration camps, which finally escalated to death camps. Genocide didn't become public policy overnight. It was this quiet, gradual progression that infected the nation. Every right taken away set the stage for what was to come, and every message of hate and prejudice helped the Germans to rationalize either their apathetic attitude or their enthusiastic participation in murder. The Jews were dehumanized in the eyes of their persecutors, enabling the Germans to feel no pity.
