Haslach

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Haslach is a small city in south-west Germany, in the district Ortenaukreis, Baden-Württemberg. As of 2002 it had a population of 6,862.

[edit] History

During World War II Haslach was a sub-camp of the concentration camp Natzweiler-Struthof. As such, many French citizens were deported to this camp for their "crimes" against the Germany Reich. Among these prisoners, was Alexis Dechaux, a Catholic priest, who was pastor of his church in Hericourt, France. In 1944, Walter Menzel of the Gestapo arrested Father Dechaux and eventually Father Dechaux was deported to the camp at Haslach. It was not until 1945 that Father Alexis Dechaux was liberated from the camp. During the time he spent in the camp, he devoted his time to helping many unfortunate and dying camp prisoners by giving them spiritual comfort, smuggling extra bread, and giving them solace and courage. He himself was tortured by the camp administration, made fun of because he wore his priestly cassock, and was marked for death more than once. However, due to his faith, fortitude, and strong will to live, he was able to survive the camp and return to his beloved parish where he was received with open arms and great fan fare.