December 2nd, 1938
Dear Diary,
So many feelings are running through my body; Excitement, fear, hope, happiness, nervousness, and a lot of accomplishment. Today the first train left with 200 Jewish children from and orphanage that Hitler burned down. I really want to help these children as if they were my own.
My day started with me getting up at 5:30 am, Going in and checking on Uriel, then going to get my breakfast. I smelt of pancakes, my favorite. I was as hungry as a horse. As soon as I was done I went upstairs to shower, brush my teeth, and get ready for the day ahead of me. When I was ready to leave, Rosa waddled over and gave me a kiss goodbye. I walked outside as the sun was rising while there was still snow on the ground from the past day. I was a bit chilly, so I put on my hat and got into my car. I was off to my new job, working at the train station, Kindertransport specifically.
I was still working as a social welfare worker, but after I had joined the Jewish Youth Movement I really wanted to help. I know I want the same done for my son...
When I arrived there were families with tears of joy and pain. The SS was there with pouts on their faces looking as if they wanted to kill. At 8:36 the first child went through the checking line. The boy looked about six or seven with bright blue eyes, blond hair, and a look of hope. His parents were sobbing as he walked through saying what could be the last time they saw him. The SS ripped his bag apart looking for anything valuable. I noticed that he wouldn’t open his mouth, why? I said, “Excuse me son, what is wrong with your mouth?” The boy smiled as I saw what must have been his mothers’ engagement ring. Who would rat-out this innocent child, and the first one! Only God knows what the SS would have done to him if someone had said something.
One after the other about 200 kids boarded the train blowing kisses to their loved ones. Hoping to find freedom, a better life, and their families again after the war had finished. Once we had arrived in Britain, children were assigned to foster homes, hostels, schools, and some kids were lucky in getting to live with a family until the war was over. One little girl came up to me to ask, “So I’m going to have a new family?” What do you say to that? Would my son have said this if he were in this situation? Your family is trying to help you.. I could only reply, “You will see your family again, this is so you won’t be treated poorly.” She walked away, and I will not forget her face. Was this her new family?
Sincerely,
Norbert
No comments:
Post a Comment