Selections
The so-called selections took place immediately after arrival and the belongings had been laid aside. The Jews were divided into two groups – “fit for work” and “unfit for work”.
First the SS men and the inmates assigned to the “ramp commandos” arranged the deportees in two rows: men and older boys in one row and women and young children in the other. Family members were forcibly separated from one another.
Very often the selection itself was carried out by SS doctors. They adjudged people as “fit for work” who appeared to be old enough and healthy and strong. These people were committed to the different camp sections as new inmates.
Those considered “unfit for work” were older, sick and weak people, young children as well as people that the SS doctors simply did not think would be able to work. These people were sent directly to their death in the gas chambers.
Of Lili Jacob’s family members only she was found to be “fit for work” at the selection.