In 1938, my parents and my brother Sam were the last ones living at home in Dobrzyn, the rest of the family had previously moved away.  My family was desperate to leave Poland to go to England but they could not get a visa.  When I was 9 years old, we were able to move to Brussels, Belgium.  We hoped that of being able to leave for Mexico or the USA from there.  In May 1940, Germany invaded Belgium.  In 1942, my brother was rounded up to work in a “labor” camp which turned out to be Auschwitz.  He was never heard from again.  

 

My father worked in a factory making fur vests for the German army.  He had a document that protected him from arrest as he was a vital worker.  The Gestapo later came to the family apartment but left as they were protected under this document.  They were scared.  One of my teachers offered to hide me in her home for money.  The teacher later denounced my family.  The Gestapo came but the documents again protected them.  

 

I then went to a children’s home for disadvantaged children for safety.  One day the Germans came looking for Jewish children.  I had blond hair and blue eyes.  I was sent to answer the door.  I was standing next to the Gestapo but stayed calm as they spoke with the director of the Home. 

The war finally came to an end.

 

If someone reminds you of a Hitler, don’t let them get to the point where Hitler got.  Always be mindful.  Never let it happen again, never.  It affects your life if you think about it too much.  I lost my 19 year old brother.  He was a nice, healthy, and good looking boy.  What a loss.