was a time in history when prudence was a better part of valor for most of the citizens of Niedergeyer. Most of them were courageous; yet unwilling to risk their lives. Many of them openly supported Franz and the rest of the Jews, however the Fascist still instilled fear in everyone.
Cameron sat there fascinated by this incredible story. The more he heard, the more it captivated him. This was a more personal and touching tale, not only affecting him, but his family as well. He could not believe his good fortune by stumbling in to this marvelous epic. He hoped that it would assist him in his assignment. Dieter spoke up and it snapped him back to reality.
“Cameron, you seem to be drifting away from me? Are you still with me? Do you want me to continue?” Asked a perplexed Dieter Johannes.
“I am sorry, I am having a difficult time staying focused on reality and the past. This family tragedy is somewhat reminiscent of my mother’s past. She had a similar misfortune which affected her, and lost six of her siblings in the war.” Stated Cameron, in a matter of fact way.
“What do you mean, Cameron? I did not know your family was Jewish? I thought they were all Catholics?” Asked Dieter, leaning forward in his chair.
“Well, I guess you could say I was partly Jewish. My mother was born in Spain to a Spanish-Basque Catholic father, a Jewish French mother and an Italian Catholic paternal great-grandmother. I have a very interesting and varied heritage.” Replied Cameron, as he took another sip of his brandy.
“It sounds like it. Tell me about your father? Where was he from? Is he American?” Dieter asked.
“Yes, he was. His family has roots going back to the eighteenth century. His family came from Scotland, and his mother came from Ireland. My mother was raised as a Catholic and her grandmother was originally from Italy and was very religiously motivated, and had a staunch Catholic background. My grandfather on my mother’s side was a well-known attorney who was executed by the Fascists and Germans in Spain in 1937. Her family suffered horribly and eventually escaped to Morocco in 1937. Unfortunately, the Fascists/Germans invaded Morocco in 1940, and one of my uncles spent several years at various concentration camps. He was fortunate to escape on three separate occasions, and because of this, he was my childhood hero. My uncle hid out in the hills until November 1942 when the Americans and the allies invaded North Africa. He later joined the Free French Army and fought throughout Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It was at this time that my father met my mother in Morocco.” Cameron finished with a long sigh.
“That is quite a story. I had no idea. Does my daughter know this?” Asked Dieter, staring at Cameron.
“Well, I don’t think so. I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone except you. It was a very personal and difficult time in our lives and I wanted to keep it that way.” Cameron replied.
Dieter Jonannes stood up and walked over to the bar area and grabbed himself another drink. He looked at Cameron but, he shook his head, he had had enough to drink.
“I can understand your feelings, but perhaps you should tell her someday. I think it might interest her. Would you like me to continue with the Goldmann story.” Asked Dieter with emphasis.
“Please, go ahead. I can’t wait to hear the rest of it.” Continued Cameron, leaning forward for emphasis.
“OK, then. I will carry on.” stated Dieter. He sat back down in his comfortable leather couch and continued with the story.
The rest of the Jewish inhabitants were rounded up one by one and brought over to Rabbi Goldmann’s house. It took the Nazis almost all day to locate them and drive them to Das Haus. With the exception of Werner and Lisa, who had fled to England, all of them obeyed orders and allowed themselves to be taken without resistance. By nightfall approximately forty-two Jewish members of the community were crammed in Das Haus. Conditions to say the least were miserable. Das Haus had only one bathroom and an unused outdoor outhouse. Within hours it would be back in operation, and was rapidly being used by all inhabitants.
Around seven P.M. a loud knock sounded at the front door of the now de-facto mini-concentration camp. All of the residents reacted in unison by freezing in to a mummy like trance. They all looked at Franz for inspiration. He slowly walked over to the door, trying very hard to maintain his composure, and opened it. Standing there in his full Gestapo regalia was his old comrade Johann Krieger. Near him stood six heavily armed Nazi goons.
“May I come in.” Asked Johann.
“But of course, Sir! You have the ultimate power, and we are here to follow your orders. Can you please answer one simple question? Are we being detained because we are Jews, or have we committed any crimes?” Asked Franz, as he looked his old buddy straight in the eyes.
“Don’t be so impertinent! It will go easier on you if you follow orders and don’t ask too many questions. Do you understand me?” Replied Johann, as he growled at Franz.
Franz was surprised by his old friends’ nasty temperament, but he knew that being surrounded by his soldiers, Krieger had to play the role. He ordered most of the adults in to the living room, hallway, stairwell and kitchen. The crowd was so large that many of them stood on the stairs and foyer and tried to listen in. Those that could not fit, gathered outside in front of the door.
“Listen and listen well. I do not have the patience or the time to repeat myself. Higher headquarters has ordered the deportation of all Jews to work relocation areas. Those of you between the ages of thirteen and sixty years old, will be immediately sent to various camps throughout Germany. Those of you over sixty, or twelve and under, will remain in this house until we decide what to do with you! Is that understood?” stated a serious and harsh Johann. Rabbi Goldmann will be responsible for all of you. You must obey him and give him all the information I require. These soldiers will be on duty to prevent any of you from escaping. Any attempt will be met with harsh punishment.
Before anyone could ask questions, or complain. Johann turned around and started out the door. Franz felt the urge to speak with Johann, and gathered his courage once more.
“Sir, sir. Excuse me? What is to happen to our homes and property. Are we to leave everything behind?” Pleaded Franz to his old friend.
“I don’t have all the particulars worked out yet, but when I know I shall inform you. You, you there the Rabbi. Come with me.” Ordered Johann as he pointed his finger towards Franz.
Both Franz and Johann walked outside and stood near the backyard. Franz was extremely uncomfortable, and did not know what to expect. Johann turned his back away from his soldiers and whispered.
“You fool, you stupid fool! Why did you not listen to me! My hands are tied now! I cannot disobey or I will be following you to those camps. I warned you last night!” Screamed a visibly upset Johann Krieger.
“Franz! You must yell when I strike you in the face.” Stated Johann as he suddenly struck the Rabbi across the face with the back of his hand. Although the blow was not hard, the suddenness of it caught Franz by surprise. Franz dutifully obeyed his orders and let out a loud piercing scream.
Franz whispered to Johann, “Why did you do that?”
“I
