“Yes, yes. Just go and see what is going, please.” Asked a concerned Sarah.
Franz dressed hurriedly and ran out unto the street. Most of his neighbors had already left their homes and were halfway down the street. As he caught up with them, he asked a man next to him if he knew what was going on?
“No I don’t, but it must be important because everyone is there!” Screamed the stranger as he outdistanced him.
Back in the present time.
“Wow, that is an incredible story. I had no clue that this house had such a historical and religious background. Please continue you have me in suspense.” Stated Cameron to an excited Dieter. OK Cameron, let’s continue, finished Dieter. His father –in-law resumed the story.
November 9 th , 1938
By the time Franz got to the corner where the church and synagogue stood, he suddenly had a horrible thought. Those armed SS Sicherheitdienst troopers, and Gestapo agents were not there for a picnic. A large throng had gathered in front of the synagogue. Four members of the SS and Gestapo were heatedly discussing with members of the volunteer fire department. Rabbi Goldmann mingled in with the crowd and listened.
A rather large and balding man was shouting at the top of his lungs to a gathered group of volunteer fireman. His erratic behavior only made matters worst.
“You will burn it down, and you will do it now! That is an order! Do you understand?” Finished the out of control Sturmbannfuhrer (Major).
Hans Ebberhardt, the volunteer fire department’s acting chief, slowly looked up at the screaming madman and said in a calm, yet firm voice.
“We are firemen! Not arsonist! We put fires out, not start them! We will not burn the synagogue! I don’t care what you say!” Shouted an irate Ebberhardt.
The mad Sturmbannfuhrer glared at the firefighters, his eyes bulging out of his skull like a crazed Chihuahua dog in heat. He nervously circled the area, his arms and hands waving about like a crazed individual. Eventually he calmed down, long enough to shout.
“Do you realize what you are doing? This is an order from higher headquarters. I have full authority to take whatever measures I see fit! And if I were you I would not push it too far! Do you understand what I am saying?” Continued the irate Nazi.
“I hear what you are saying, but I still cannot order my men to burn down this holy shrine. This is an unlawful order and we cannot in good conscience follow your command.” Replied a still defiant Chief Ebberhardt.
Rabbi Goldmann stood there not knowing what to say or do. He was in a trance, not wanting to believe that his own countrymen were contemplating burning down his house of worship. Before he could react or make a move, the crazy Nazi continued screaming at the top of his lungs.
“OK, you have had all the chances you are going to get. If you refuse to burn down this filthy house of Jews, I will put all of you inside, and your families, and burn you up alive! Screamed the enraged despot. Even this threat did not move the firemen to action.
The crowd suddenly grew quiet, as Rabbi Goldman walked out and stood in front of his synagogue. He had a serene, yet strong presence about him. He waived to the brave firemen, as if to tell them, Thank you for your heroics, but it is my duty now and I will assume all responsibility.
The Nazis, firemen and spectators were all taken by surprise. Rabbi Goldmann stood there defiantly, his arm folded; glaring at the storm troopers. His action was more symbolic than useful. How could one man stop the inevitable? Was it the first open act of defiance against the Nazis? Was he the first Jew to say enough? He was not going to allow this madman the burn down his synagogue!
“Don’t you think that you are going to stop us. I am going to Dueren to get reinforcements, and you will all pay the price!” shouted the bald Nazi as he stormed off towards his vehicle.
Just then, Niedergeyer’s only police officer and chief, Wolgang Baume, appeared on the scene and wanted to know what was going on? Rabbi Goldmann and Chief Ebberhardt told him the whole story. Chief Baume was outraged and told all present to disperse and that he would handle it from now on. He mumbled under his breath that if anyone attempted to burn the synagogue, he would personally arrest them for arson! He proceeded to scatter all of the remaining spectators by loudly blowing on his police whistle and frantically waving his arms back and forth. Once he was assured that the crowd was under control, he returned to his home.
Rabbi Goldmann took the opportunity to return to his residence. On the way, many of his neighbors congratulated him for standing up to the Nazis, and not allowing them to bully them.
Franz’s old war buddy, Johann Krieger; current Gestapo agent and Nazi party member, purposely maintained a low profile. He hid behind a grove of antique oak trees and made himself as inconspicuous as possible.
Krieger stood around in the background, and actually appeared to feel embarrassed by the ongoing events. After all, Johann was a hometown boy and he knew most of the inhabitants. However, no one had immediately recognized him. His disfiguring WWI scar had made it difficult to directly distinguish him from the many other WWI veterans.
The Beginning of the End
The events of the past few hours spread like a wild firestorm throughout the small village. It was the biggest event to take place in Niedergeyer since the Romans invaded the village in the second century A.D.
Rabbi Goldmann slowly walked back to Das Haus. What would he tell his family? He thought to himself. His mind raced ahead of himself. Was this the beginning of the end? Was this the first step? As he was deep in thought, he almost missed Simon Denlon waving at him.
“What is going on? What has happened?” Screamed the visibly upset Simon, the village baker and small shop owner.
Rabbi Goldmann, came to a screeching halt, and stared blankly at Simon. It took him a few seconds to regain his composure. Although Simon was standing but a few yards from him, his thoughts were far, far away. Eventually his memory refocused, and he was able to walk over and speak with him.
“I am sorry, Simon. I was in a hurry to get home. We have a difficult time ahead of us, and I would like you to come over to my house as soon as possible; bring as many of our fellow Jews you can contact. Do this, and do it now. I can’t explain at this instant, but I will, when you come over. Please, please, do it now.” Shouted a somewhat shook-up Rabbi.
Simon Denlon had never seen the rabbi so upset. Simon knew of Franz’s wartime achievements and was surprised by his obviously panicked demeanor. However, he decided to follow his suggestion and make contact with as many Jews as he could. By the time Goldmann reached his home, many of the Jewish villagers were already notified and anxious to find out what was going. Even some of the Jews in the neighboring villages were notified of the events in Niedergeyer.
