Hi everyone.
I am a non-practicing member of the Jewish faith.  I say faith because for me it is a religious affiliation...not a race, ethnicity, nationality, or anything else.  I've chosen not to go to services or be a member of a congregation, just many of my non-Jewish friends have about attending their own houses of worship.
A large portion of my father's family died in concentration camps.  They were the more religious members of the family who would not have photos taken for travel papers (graven images), or who thought that it would all blow over as it had during all of the other periods of persecution they had known previosly.  None of them suspected that this time was not an isolated instance, but rather a systematic plan to kill them all.  Some died of malnutrition, others of various diseases, some in work gangs, and others by brutality of guards (and yes, some camps did have Jewish "trustees" who thought they would be spared if they emulated their captors).
This isn't a sob story or any cry for any bonus or special treatment, but a retelling of facts from my family's past.
I learned about the Shoah at religious school (attended two afternoons each week after public school and on Sunday mornings), and from family members and members of the local Jewish community who had first-hand experiences. Every year the Jews commemorate Yom Hashoah, which is the day set aside to remember those who perished.  Almost every synagogue offers outreach and educatuional programs at that time of year.  If you attend, you might have many of your questions answered.  If not,I've never known a Rabbi who was unwilling to discuss Judaism with a Gentile...not in an effort to convert, but to educate.  
Tolerance is important for all of us, both in our personal affairs and our dealings with others...even in these forums.
Just my 2 cents.
Sluggo