Going With The Flow

December 24th, 1938

Dear Diary,

         I am a Christian-Catholic, and I do not approve the fact of shipping Jewish children into Britain. Why don’t other people have a say in whether Jews should be allowed to stay in Britain.

         I know some of my neighbors are housing these young kids. But I know one thing; none of them will set a foot in my house! Just the other day, I saw a Jewish child with a Yamaka on! I was so surprised! Britain is being invaded!

         I am awful nervous due to the fact we are so close to the holiday season. Christmas is tomorrow! What would happen if one of these kids ruined my children’s’ beliefs in Santa? My heart would be broken.

         A few days ago, my son came home and said, “Ma, why are the new Jewish kids not eating food during lunch time at school?” It took me a while to speak, “Part of their religion sweetie, is called fasting.” “Well why don’t we do it mom,” said Anthony without hesitation. “Well sweetie, fasting is part of their religion, we are Christian-Catholics, and they are Jewish. We practice different things,” I stated with a large gulp.

         I can’t explain what emotion is going through me, there are just so many. I feel anger, frustration, excitement, hope, and exhaustion. I am hopeful everything will soon be resolved and these children will hopefully return to wherever they have come from.

         Sometimes I wonder though, what is happening in the Jewish children’s minds? Do they miss their families? Also, what about their parents back in Germany and other places they have come from. I would be devastated if I were in their position. But they again, how do we trust these children? We don’t know their behavior! And we do not know their what they could do to us. I know I don’t trust them. Look at how they lost the war in Germany! Can’t they go somewhere else? What’s the point in sending these kids here? There are many other countries in this world.

         I don’t know what exactly to do in this situation. I wish that this never happened. I wish everything were back to normal so I wouldn’t be so stressed out over this. Until then though, I will try my hardest to keep my mouth shut and go on living my life.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Hammilton