Читать книгу 'Das Haus' the House and the Son of the Rabbi - Sean Ryan Stuart - Страница 13

Chapter 7

Forgotten Memories

A well maintained soccer field is hidden from view in the middle of the large forest. The only way to get to the playing field is through a large path in the middle of the woods. This athletic event could only be reached by climbing a steep hill at the base of the village.

The small town of Niedergeyer is located in an area called, the “Eifel.” This location has often been used as a gateway by invading armies throughout history. This part of Germany is covered in rolling hills and some heavily wooded areas. The Romans, Gauls, Charlemagne, Nordic tribes, Swedes, Napoleon Bonaparte and many others have tried to invade its territory. In recent memory it was the site of two of the most famous battles in WWII, Battle of the Bulge and the battle of Huertgenwald, AKA by the GI’s as “Green Hell.” This whole region has a long a bloody history, and has been in constant turmoil for centuries.

The village of Niedergeyer can trace its roots to ancient Roman times. At one time around the second century AD, the seventh (VII) Roman legion had a fort and a ceramic factory in this small village. It also had the distinction of having Roman grapes planted in its numerous hills, and produced some of the best wine in the region. In addition to its famous wine and glorious past, it also had one of the best soccer teams in Northwest Germany. They had won the class B division championship four out of the last five years. This year would be of particular interest to the players because if they won the championship again they would be allowed to keep the beautiful permanent trophy in their village.

The entire village, and playing field was festooned with giant Nazi flags and streamers. Every pole, tree, and balcony was decorated with red white and black flags. The weather was extremely cold, overcast and windy; typical for this part of Germany in November. A well-disciplined Hitler Jugend band (Hitler’s equivalent to the Boy Scouts) was playing a series of German martial music.

This very loud and stimulating music had the effect of energizing the entire stand. The small wooden stadium was packed to capacity, and many additional spectators were standing on the sidelines waving small Nazi, or home team flags. The mood was festive, despite the miserable weather. However this was very rypical for this part of Germany.

Erik Goldmann is Niedergeyer’s star player. He was one of those wonderful soccer players who never seem to run out of steam. Although not very tall, he made up for it by his speed and agility. Additionally, he had the capability to jump up like a kangaroo, and could score many goals with headers. He was a perfect soccer player. He had speed, agility and an endless amount of stamina.

The home team ran out on the field and the local villagers erupted in thunderous applause. The volunteer fire department band, quite good by homegrown standards, started to play up a popular tune and everyone went wild with joy. When the opposing team from Kreiss Dueren finally ran unto the field they are met with good-natured boos and catcalls. A few minutes later the referee blows his whistle and the game begins.

Niedegeyer is the underdog, but no one counted on Erik Goldmann. In the second half, the score is already 3-0 in favor of the home team. The Dueren players and coaches are in shock. No one had counted on Erik Goldmann, he had pierced their defenses like General Guderian marching through Poland.

The right forward kicked Erik the ball and it landed over his right shoulder, and about one yard in front of him. He faked to the right; cuts suddenly to the left and manages to burst through the left defender as if he was invisible. The startled goalie did not have a chance. Erik kicked the ball on long high arc and it found its way into the net. It was one of those spectacular goals that goalkeepers have nightmares about and center forwards dream about. The partisan crowd erupted into a frenzied roar. The score now stood at four to zero for Niedergeyer and Erik had scored all four goals! Once the score reached 4-0, the coach brought some of the second string players, and even Dieter Johannes was able to play for the last twenty minutes. The game ended with the same score.

The winning trophy was brought to the center of the field, and all the players, coaches and fans go wild with joy. Both bands began playing joyous and cheerful music, even the losing team comes over to congratulate the Niedergeyer players.

Strangely enough, only one of his teammates, Dieter Johannes his best friend, came over and gave him a hug. Dieter and Erik had been best friends since they were in kindergarten.

Although Dieter was a member of the Hitler Youth, he had no time for politics and really admired Erik. Politics were of no interest to either boy. They just enjoyed playing soccer and talking about girls.

Dieter was convinced that under different circumstances Erik could have been a professional soccer player. Erik was a natural talent and was far superior to the rest of the players on either team. However being Jewish made his chances non-existent. Circumstances and world destiny would keep him from that goal.

Once the initial jubilation subsided, the rest of his teammates ignored him and ran off the field, without acknowledging his presence.

Many of the players, may have wanted to congratulate Erik, but they were afraid of what might happen to them. Being friendly with a Jew today, was not healthy. The only reason Erik was still on the team was because of his spectacular athletic ability. Nazi dogma preached that Jews were inferior to Germans, however Erik proved just the opposite. Dieter suspected that Erik would not be allowed to play again because of the current political environment. How true would Dieter’s prophecy be? Today’s victory would be the last time these young German boys would ever play soccer together again, or for that matter see one another for a long time. Sad as it was, providence would tear them apart.

Their fathers on the other hand, had both been friends and also served together in WWI. They had both served in Northern France, near the Champagne capitol of the world, Reims. Actually, three young men from their village had served together in the same unit, and on the same front. Erik’s father, although much older than the other two boys, had risen to the rank of Sergeant Major. As a matter of fact, Erik’s father was a highly decorated soldier and had been twice decorated for valor with the Iron Cross First Class. Erik’s father had valiantly fought for Germany and always considered himself a German first. Although he was a Rabbi by calling, his profession was that of the village butcher. Many of the inhabitants could fondly remember his generosity and kindness to all in the village, particularly those in need.

On the other hand Dieter’s father was more inclined to music and was an expert clarinet player. Unfortunately, during WWI, he was gassed by the British and never fully regained his health. He died at the early age of thirty-five in the year of 1933. Dieter never completely recovered, and always missed his gentle and talented father. The third boy who fought with them in France was Johann Krieger. Johann had been severely wounded, and was last seen in a French field hospital as a P.O.W. in late 1918. His fate was never known, as he was never seen again in the village. For over twenty years his destiny remained a mystery. Erik was puzzled and could not understand why the current Nazi regime mistreated all Jews. After all, being Jewish was just a religion and the Goldmann’s considered themselves Germans. It was very typical of most German Jews to be patriotic and pro-German.

Back on the field of play.

The crowd slowly left the playing field and within a few minutes, only Erik and Dieter were left. Erik turned to Dieter and said.

“How would you like it and to come over to my house and have some coffee and cake with me?” asked Erik to a startled Dieter. Without even pausing to reflect, Dieter gladly accepted.

Both boys quietly walked down the path to Erik’s house. By then dusk was gathering, and the walk down to Erik’s house had taken on the feeling of a funeral wake. It seemed that despite all good intentions a small rift had developed between them. Neither Erik nor Dieter ever suspected that this final soccer game for the league championship would also be the beginning of a nightmare for millions of European Jews.

After about fifteen minutes of walking they arrived at Erik’s home, Das Haus. Erik’s mother was there to greet them at the door. The Goldmann family had already heard of the good news about the winning game, and they were very excited for Erik, and the rest of the team.

However their excitement soon changed to worry when they saw Dieter standing there. Both parents looked at each other in a way that only parents can. They excused themselves and went to the kitchen.

“Can you believe that Erik brought that Nazi boy home?” shrieked an angry Mrs. Goldmann.

“Well, there is nothing we can do right now, and besides Dieter is not a Nazi! Don’t forget that his father served in my unit, and was a very brave, but gentle man.” Answered Mr. Goldmann, shrugging his shoulders.

“I, I hope you’re right, but I have a bad feeling.” Replied a now visibly upset Sarah Goldmann.

Sarah began preparing a large pot of steaming hot coffee, and brought out a tray of delicious German pastries for the boys. Both young men wolfed down the cakes and cookies as if they hadn’t eaten in a month. After thanking them for their hospitality, Dieter politely excused himself and left Erik’s house. Dieter realized that being there could jeopardize all of them. As he walked away from Erik’s home, he felt a thousand sets of eyes staring at him. Dieter lived less than eight hundred meters away, but it was the longest walk he ever took. He could not understand what was occurring, and yet he knew that something awful was about to happen. He quickened his steps, and arrived home in less than fifteen minutes. His door never looked so good in his life. The moment it shut behind him, he let out a sigh of relief. He went straight to his room and locked his door. He was both mentally and physically exhausted to the point of falling down. Dieter did not even bother to take off his dirty clothes; he just crumpled down on his soft feather bed and fell into a deep sleep. It was as if his mind was begging him for relief.

On the northern part of town, an equally tired Erik also resigned himself to an early nightfall. The weather was ideal for this type of scenario. November 8^th, 1938 was a cold and dreary evening. Although winter was still more than a month away, the temperature had already sunk to five degrees Celsius below freezing. However there was moisture in the air. By eleven o’clock, the humidity was so heavy that a thin sheet of ice had already coated everything white. It made walking and driving particularly difficult. Nonetheless at this time of night there was very little vehicular traffic throughout the village. As it was customary in this part of Germany, everyone had already shuttered their windows for the evening, and were all preparing themselves for bed.

A shadow appeared on the street corner. It hugged the walls of the houses as it carefully made its way southward on the main street towards Das Haus. The only thing that gave his position away was the crunching of the ice beneath his feet on the sidewalk, and the phantom like footprints left behind on the ice.

This apparition was almost invisible. He wore dark clothing and stayed close to the doorways. It was obvious that he did not want to be seen by anyone. His furtive moves were in fact almost cartoon like. Those over-exaggerated movements almost resembled an early Disney cartoon. After a few moments of silence, he made a dash towards his target, Das Haus.

The last sprint towards the doorway had taken his breath away, and he was panting heavily. The cold night air was about to give his position away. He stood there frozen for a few seconds, pressing his black leather gloves against his mouth in an attempt to conceal his breath. After furtively looking around, the covert figure finally approached the door and knocked.

Franz Goldmann, Erik’s father, had just finished stoking the coal-fired stoves in the bedrooms. He knew from experience that this was a vain attempt at heating their rooms, but this was their only source of heat. The knock surprised Franz and his wife Sarah. They looked at each other and wondered who could be calling on them at this hour? No one in Niedergeyer would normally intrude on their privacy. Franz hoped that the sudden noise had not awakened the children.

Rabbi Goldmann told his wife to stay in bed, and he went to answer the door. He asked?

“Who is there, please?” When no one answered, he asked again.

“Hello, who is there?”

“Machen Sie auf! Geheime Staatspolizei (Open up, German Secret State Police, AKA GESTAPO).” Answered the rather subdued voice from the other side of the door.

Franz was horrified, but he could not figure out what they wanted with him at this hour of the night? Franz attempted to peek through the peephole, but the porch light was not working. Strange he thought. Why is the light not working? He eventually mustered up enough courage and opened the door.

Johann Krieger who was hidden in the shadows, immediately shoved his way past Franz, the porch light bulb still clutched in his hand. His actions were so swift that Franz was unable to react until Johann was well in to the hallway. Johann instructed Franz to quietly close the door and turn off the hallway light. When this was done, Johann turned and faced Franz, handing him the outside hallway bulb as he did so. Franz was totally taken aback by this strange action. Both men looked at each other for a few seconds, and Franz finally murmured.

“Who are you and what do you want?” Asked a now trembling Franz.

The mysterious figure stood in the frame of the doorway and glared at Franz. “How dare you speak to me that way?”

“Shut up you fool, you are going to wake up the dead!” Answered the Gestapo man.

Franz noticed that the stranger was wearing a black leather trench coat, a Nazi party officials pin and had a white and black swastika armband around his left arm. This Gestapo agent impressed Franz. He looked the part, thought Franz as he glanced up and down. It took Franz a few more seconds to completely gain his self-control. When he did, he observed a tall blond man in his early forties, with striking blue eyes. Good looking at one time, but he now carried a horrible seven-inch scar from the corner of his left eye, downwards to his jawbone, and series of smaller scars radiating from his eyes upwards towards his hairline. The disfigurement was so complete that Franz could not help, but stare at him. Franz thought, he had experienced war, but this man had experienced hell!

Before Franz could do or say anything else, the figure reached in to his coat pocket and pulled out an oblong metal disk and flashed it before Franz’s face. The sudden motion made Franz jump back in terror. He thought the man might be pulling out some type of weapon.

“I said Gestapo, and that should be enough reason to let me in, you fool.” Blurted out the Gestapo agent.

“Please forgive, Sir. I was a little surprised by your actions and this late visit. What can I do for you?” Asked the rabbi.

“It’s not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you.” Replied the still unidentified man.

“Do you think, we could perhaps go into your living room and talk?” Asked the Gestapo man.

“But of course Mein Herr, I am terribly sorry.” Answered Franz as he pointed to the living room.

Franz led the way down the hallway into the living room. It was small, but yet cozy. The large metal potbelly stove was still purring heat, and it gave the room a warm and comfortable feeling. The Gestapo agent looked around the room and noticed several interesting items on the far wall. On top of the cupboard were several military decorations, photos, awards and two regimental battle flags. Additionally in a glass case, there were two high ranking German medals and the written citations to those medals.

“So you are a veteran? Are you?” Asked the Gestapo man with a sneering tone in his voice.

“Ja, that is correct. I served from 1914 to 1918 as a Regimental Sergeant Major in France.” Replied Franz, his chest expanding with pride.

“I see you were awarded the Iron Cross First class?” Asked the stranger.

“As a matter of fact, I received that award twice.” Replied the now boasting Franz, as he waived his hand over his many awards.

“Quite a honor for a Jew. Don’t you think?” Mocked the scarred man.

“I am a German citizen first, and a Jew by birth, religion and heritage. What does my religion have to do with my military service? My family has lived in this area for almost three hundred years, and many of my ancestors also served in the armed forces with distinction.” Stated Franz in a rather forceful tone.

“You are still the same stubborn Sergeant Major, I knew in France.” Replied the now smiling Gestapo man.

“France? France? Do I know you? Did we serve together in Reims?” Asked Franz.

“Yes to all the above. As a matter of fact, I am the reason you won that second Iron Cross, you fool. Don’t you remember the last attack on Fort La Bombelle? It’s me! Dieter Krieger, your lieutenant!” Stated the scarred stranger.

“Oh my God! It’s been so long. I did not recognize you. We, we, had heard you ended up in a French P.O.W. camp after the war.” Replied Franz.

“No news from you in nearly twenty years, and now this?” Stuttered Franz, as he extended his arms out towards his old comrade.

“Well it’s true. But they treated me pretty good, except for the scars. I guess I can’t complain, they saved my life after all. After the war and the long stay in their hospital, I just did not want to come back looking like this. I ended up in Munich, and drifted around until I met some old friends from the 316^th Bavarian Reserve Regiment. They helped me out, and eventually I joined the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, AKA NSDAP. Later to be known as the Nazi Party, of course.” Finished Johann Krieger, almost out of breath.

“Well it sounds like you have had an exciting life, but what brings you back home to Niedergeyer this evening?” Replied Franz as he pointed to the large overstuffed leather chair near the stove.

Johann took the hint and made himself comfortable.

He seemed to be at a lost for words, until Franz reached into the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Dornkaart corn liquor and offered some to Dieter.

“Here my old friend, this should help warm you up.” Quipped Franz as he poured a generous portion of the powerful drink into a large tumbler.

“Thank you, I needed that.” Offered Johann as he raised his glass towards Franz.

“Prosit (cheers)!” Replied Franz, as he stood up.

“Cheers to you my old friend. I am really happy to see you again, but I am sure that this nighttime intrusion is not a social call? Is it now?” Asked an inquisitive Franz, his eyes looking straight into Johann’s face.

“No, you are correct in your assumption. I don’t know where to begin? I am actually stationed at the party’s headquarters office in Dueren. We received orders today from Berlin to take action against all Jewish agitators, their businesses, homes and synagogues.” Stated a somewhat subdued Johann. His voice quivering with emotion.

“What do you mean? Take action? Asked a troubled Franz.

“Where have you been for the past six years? Don’t you know what is going on in Germany? Our Fuehrer has ordered us to round up all the Jewish troublemakers, and that includes you Franz!” Stated an obviously distraught Krieger.

“What are you talking about? Troublemaker? I am a loyal German citizen, and I have never done anything wrong, or for that matter caused any trouble in my entire life.” Complained Franz, as he suddenly sat down to catch his breath.

Johann stared at him, knowing full well that his old friend was right, but there was nothing he could do about it, other than to warn him.

“Franz, get a grip on yourself and face reality. No matter what you say or believe, the powers to be are going to take action. You are powerless to stop them! Listen to me! Tomorrow, I will be back with some of my comrades, and I will be forced to burn down your synagogue and arrest anyone who gets in our way!” Stated a somewhat reluctant Johann Krieger.

Franz was in shock. He could not believe what he was hearing. His country and their leaders were going to betray him and his faith.

“But, but, but Johann, isn’t there anything you can do?” Asked an emotional and teary-eyed Franz.

“You fool! What do you think I am doing now! Do you know what would happen to my family and me if I were to be found out? Yes, I would end up in the same place you might be going unless you leave this evening! Is that understood? All of you must be gone when I return tomorrow morning! I have no choice Franz. You must flee to Belgium this evening and never return! If you pack your belongings in the next hour, you could be in Liege by three in the morning and to Oostende by morning. There are ferries to England on the hour, and by this time tomorrow evening you could be in London safe and sound?” Stated a pleading Johann.

Franz gazed at his old comrade in arms, but no words could come out of his mouth. This paralysis lasted a whole minute or two. Both men just stared at each other without saying anything. Finally Franz broke the ice.

“I, I, I can’t believe this is happening to me. We don’t have a single enemy here. Why are they doing this to us?” Asked a confused Franz.

“I am sorry you can’t understand what is going on, but I have risked my life and the lives of my entire family to try and save you. If you are unwilling to do anything about it, you will be responsible for the consequences! Franz, I owe you this much. You saved my life on two separate occasions, but if you do not follow my warning, you will have to answer to your God for your actions and consequences.” Finished a somewhat angry Johann Krieger.

“I sincerely thank you for your interest in my family. I will have to discuss it with them and come to a conclusion this evening.” Answered Franz, as he showed Johann the door.

“Don’t be a fool Franz, tomorrow will be too late, and please never repeat to anyone what happened here tonight! Understood? Don’t call or discuss this matter with anyone except your family! Finished a somewhat desperate Johann.

Johann stood there transfixed and reflected. After all, Franz had been there for him on several occasions in the trenches near Fort La Bombelle in northern France,1914-1918. He once again pleaded to his old comrade to leave the country.

“I shall never forget what you did for me in France and I hope by warning you tonight, my debt will be paid in full. There is not enough time to explain our political differences, however I do know that you were a brave German soldier and fought for your country. I implore you and your family to leave tonight. You may not survive what may happen to you tomorrow or in the next few weeks. Please, I beg of you listen to me and get out of the country. I don’t have time to go into all the details, but sometime tomorrow officials of the Gestapo, the police, and SD members will be coming around and arresting all Jews in this village and all the neighboring villages.

Additionally, your synagogue will be burned down.” Stated Johann, running out of breath as he spoke.

“What, what are you saying? Is this for real? This can’t really happen to us, I’m a German, and I’m a loyal German.” Shouted Franz, his voice sounding strangely aggressive for this usually mild-mannered man.

“As you know Johann, my family has lived in this village for nearly three hundred years and we have always been patriotic and supportive of Germany. Why are they doing this to us? stated a somewhat dismayed and embittered Franz.

“I am not the man to talk to about this problem. As I already informed you, I’m coming here at great personal risk and you must listen to me. I don’t have time to discuss all of the political ramifications with you, however I do know that if you and your family don’t leave tonight you may never get another chance. I will not argue the point with you now. I don’t intend to spend too much longer here. This is the one and only chance you will get from me. When you see me again tomorrow, I must follow orders and do my duty. Please, I beg of you for the sake of the children and your wife. Do the wise thing and leave now! After tomorrow the borders will be more difficult to cross, and Belgium is only 32 km away. If you and your family left in the next hour, you could be there by morning.” stated Johann, his voice rising in anger as he walked out the door into the darkness. Johann had mixed emotions, but he felt that he had done the best he could, and if Franz chose to stay, it was his own doing.

Before Franz could utter another word, or finish his thoughts, Johann turned off the hallway light and sneaked out into the night. His muffled footsteps were barely audible, and within a few seconds he had vanished into the night like a vampire stalking his pray. Johann quickly walked away into the cold night. His black hat and black leather coat blending in with the darkness, and within three seconds he was invisible. This sudden action caught Franz by surprise. Franz stood in front of the darkened door and attempted to reflect on this horrible news. Only the cold air finally brought him back to reality and he quietly closed the door.

His brain was not accustomed to handling this type of information. Franz attempted to plan a course of action that would benefit his family.

“What does that mean? What are we going to do? Are we the only ones who know? Should we tell the others? Oh, Franz I am so scared.” Stated an extremely upset Sarah.

“Calm down, and let’s discuss it.” Whispered Franz.

Sarah had been listening to the whole conversation through the closed bedroom door. The moment Johann Krieger left the house, she came out into the hallway pale as a ghost. Her whole body was trembling, and she began to cry uncontrollably.

Before he could come up with a satisfactory answer, his wife tapped him on the shoulder and shocked him back to reality. Franz had never seen his wife in such a worried state.

“Franz what does that mean? What are they going to do? What is going on? Are we the only ones who know? Should we tell the others? Oh Franz, I am so scared.” Stated an extremely frightened and distraught Sarah Goldmann.

“Calm down, calm down, and let’s discuss it. However, I believe the children have a right to know? Don’t you think so? Asked Franz as he turned and hugged his wife.

“Yes, I guess so, but this is so frightening. I am worried about my father and grandfather in Kerpen.” Stated Sarah as long streams of tears ran down her face. Deep concern was written all over her face.

“Oh, don’t worry. Everything will be all right. Krieger only spoke of us, and our synagogue. We don’t know what they have planned for Kerpen? Let’s sit down and talk about it.” Replied Franz as they both walked into the living room.

Just then both children, Erik and Esther walked into the living room and sat down next to their parents.

“What is going on? Asked Erik. Esther just sat there her big brown eyes fixed on her father’s worried face.

“Why are you still up and why is mama so upset?” Asked the youngest child, Esther.

Both parents sat there in silence; not knowing what to say or do. Finally Franz said:

“We just received some bad news, children. Some very bad news! An old army friend has told me in strict confidence that the Nazis are going to take some kind of action against all Jews living in Germany. This will take place tomorrow morning, and he has advised me to leave for Belgium tonight and never come back!” Stated Franz with emphasis.

Sarah and the children remained silent, but Erik finally stood up and asked his father a question.

“Do you think this is serious? What could they do to us? Work camps? Or worse? Concentration camps?” Asked Erik, his voice quivering as he mentioned the words.

Almost on command, both women started sobbing uncontrollably again. Their tears growing in size and rapidity.

Within seconds, both of them were hysterical.

“Quiet, and don’t worry. Papa will know what to do. He is the one to make the decision.” Stated Erik, standing up and facing his father.

“Thank you for your confidence, but this decision affects more than just the four of us. Remember our flock consists of around 12 Jewish families, and thirty or forty family members! We can’t abandon them without notice. Let’s try to contact them tomorrow and come to a joint agreement. If we go, they should also go. What do you think Erik?

“I will do whatever you say, but I hope it won’t be too late.” Replied an anxious Erik. Both Sarah and Esther nodded their heads in agreement.

“OK then, lets put our faith in our God, and he will lead us down the righteous path. Let’s all try to get some sleep now, goodnight children.” Finished Franz, as he kissed both of his children on the forehead.

Both children slowly climbed the stairs to the second floor, neither one of them had ever seen their parents this upset. The twenty-one stairs up to their bedrooms never seemed so long in their short lives. By the time they entered their second story bedroom, Esther was once again crying hysterically. Her whole body was shaking like an autumn leaf in November. Erik was so moved by his sister’s dilemma that he decided to do something to calm her down.

“Esther, why don’t you quiet down. I promise everything will be OK. Would you like to spend the night with me?” Offered a protective Erik.

“Yes, yes, yes! Would you mind?” Replied a tearful, but grateful Esther.

Both children quietly went to bed. Although their minds raced ahead with horrible thoughts of what might happen to them, they eventually fell into a deep, but restless sleep. Meanwhile Franz and Sarah sat in their living room in silence. The events of the last sixty-minutes had both of them in a state of shock. They just stared at each other unwilling or unable to move.

Both parents had that thousand-yard stare, the same look that shell-shocked combat veterans have after extended periods under fire. Their long and wonderful life was slipping away, and they had no control over it. After what seemed like an eternity, but actually was only ten-minutes; both of them turned and embraced each other. Never in their twenty-six years of marriage had they held each other closer than today. It seemed as if their souls were trying to bond into one magical unit. As if on queue Sarah began to cry; Franz tried to comfort her as best he could.

“Don’t worry dear, everything will be fine. Our God will protect us, and those around us. We must pray for our family, and the other members of our synagogue. We Jews have endured many other tribulations throughout history, and we shall survive this.” Finished a somewhat emotional Franz.

Sarah nodded in silence, but still had the foresight to ask him one more question.

“Franz. do you still think we should prepare? Just in case? Please tell me what to do! Please?” Asked an emotional Sarah.

Well, I guess we could take some precautions. Let’s prepare one small suitcase per person. Additionally, we should perhaps take some of our gold coins with us. You could sew them into the lining of our coats. Better yet! Be sure to spread them out evenly between us. That way we could prevent losing them all at once,” Replied an anxious Franz.

Sarah nodded her head and stood up. She walked the twenty feet to the kitchen and bent over near the stove. She reached down and pried up a large board near the corner. Using both hands she pulled up a heavy wooden box. Wrapped inside a fine Belgian cotton pillowcase, was a heavily gilded wooden box. Sarah carefully unwrapped the contents. Inside the box were forty, mint condition, twenty-mark gold pieces. These coins had been given to them as a wedding present. They had been carefully preserved over the years, and had risen in value. Each coin was worth around four hundred Reich marks. Currently these coins represented a substantial sum. Sarah decided to also stash her three diamond rings, given to her by her grandmother.

Under normal circumstances these coins represented a small fortune. Sixteen thousand marks was enough money to purchase a house, a car and have some left over. Sarah walked over to the vestibule and retrieved her children’s coats. After carefully splitting the seams, Sarah sewed fifteen gold coins in each coat. She also took her three platinum and diamond antique rings and sewed them into Erik’s lining. After examining her perfect handiwork, she proceeded to sew five gold coins into her and Franz’s coats. Once she was satisfied everything was undetectable; she packed two suitcases and placed them near the front door. Franz sat the whole time in the living room and silently watched his wife. He did not know or have the courage to say anything meaningful to her.

He eventually stood up, and walked over to his wife. He stooped down and kissed her on the cheeks. His tenderness caught Sarah by surprise. Franz was not normally an affectionate man. She stood up and embraced him. The more she held him, the less she wanted to let him go. After two minutes of silent hugs, they reluctantly went to bed. Franz lay in bed and silently prayed every prayer he had ever memorized. He prayed for his family, children, wife and his flock, as he was so fond of calling them.

His thoughts raced ahead. What is going to happen tomorrow? What will they do with us? What will our neighbors think? How will they notify us? Why are they doing this to us?

As it turned out, destiny took care of the events, and before long all Jews and non-Jews would suffer the consequences of a madman.