Today, Mama feels that last Friday was the last Sabbath that we
would be together. I know she must be right. Our country Holland, has surrendered to the German Nazis. I feel scared, but maybe it won't be so bad.
But Joey, my older brother, tells me,"Invading another country isn't fun." "I know that, but why is Germany invading us? What can our country provide for them?" "Power. Germany has always wanted power. Grandfather once told me about World War I. He says Germany fought on the Russian side." "Well, maybe they won't harm us." I try to reassure him. But he shakes his head at me saying, "Fat chance." But I'm still wondering, what could the Germans possibly do to us Jews?
August 19, 1942
Anything. They can do anything because they've invaded us. They have control
over us. All Jews have been ordered to go to this registration for Jews. I got scared when my whole family had to go. We had to wait in many lines. They took our pictures, asked information about us, they even--stunning!--printed our fingers with ink onto cards. I felt like I was a prisoner. Mama said she did, too. The worst part was that they ordered us to wear a yellow scrap cloth, in the shape of a star. On the star said: Jude. We are ordered to sew them onto our coats and wear them only when we go outside, if we don't we will get arrested.
To cheer us up, Papa said, "Tomorrow we'll go see a movie and go to the ice cream parlor." I can hardly wait!! I am so sure, that I won't be able to sleep!!
August 20,1942
We will go to the ice cream shop soon, after our picnic on the beach. I've helped Mama and Kathleen, pack a lunch for us. "Could we bring pickles?"I asked them. Mama nodded. I packed six pickles, two extra for Mr.Hatters and his dog. Mr.Hatters owns a small shoe shop near the beach. He and his little dog Fido love pickles. I decided to bring them each one.
When we are all packed up and ready to go Mama says, "Kim, run down to your father's store and tell him we're all ready to go. We'll meet you all there." "You'll walk?" I ask her surprised. "Yes, and make sure you'll tell Joey to come,too." "But you said you don't like walking in the sun because--" "Do as I tell you, Kimberly." So, instead of arguing, I run to my papa's coat shop. It's the largest one in town, and the most popular one, too.
I open the big heavy door and say, "Papa! We're ready to go!" I don't hear a reply just a woman's voice saying, "Hey Dolly! Nice to see you!" It was Elsa Clare, one of Papa's best workers. When I first met her she said I looked like a doll-baby, so she called me Dolly. I don't mind, really. "Papa's in his office finishing some papers." said Joey walking in. We waited awhile and finally, Papa took us, (Joey and I), into our car. We drove to the beach.
August 22, 1942
The beach was fun, and now we are planning Sam's and my birthday. (Sam is my younger brother) His birthday is on August 24 and mine's on the 30th. To save money, we won't have two separate parties, just one. At first, I didn't agree, but then I realized that my parents were working hard for us, to make it special. The party is on August 24 because Sam will be 13. I will turn fourteen.
August 24,1942
Today, we went to the Synagogue today. Sam read the Torah and Hebrew prayers perfectly! Whew!, I thought. My family is so proud of him. We had a small party withour family and friends. "Congratulations,Sam. You're a Bar Mistvah boy!" everyone says. We had the best party ever.
September 4,1942
The Nazis have banned everything from us Jews. We can't go to the parks, certain stores, the beach, the theatre, and even school! The Nazis are ordering my papa to give up his store to the bank. If he doesn't, we will be arrested. So now, Papa signs the papers. All of his employees have to find new jobs. Everyone in Holland is so upset. Will this ever end?
September 10, 1942
No, it won't. I am writing very fast because the Nazis have ordered we must pack up and leave. It's called "relocating". I must leave my home for these horrible selfish people that took my country. "Why? Why?" That's what I keep asking myself. Mama tells us we must be strong. She's right, we must be strong, when bad things happen, espescially to us.......Jews.
