On my very first day of school I get my Zuckertüte which means ‘sugar cone’. It’s shaped like a wizard’s hat and it’s filled with sweets and chocolates. Yum! It‘s nearly as big as me!

 

I love school. We line up and sing the German national anthem with our arms raised to the flag. Some of the older boys wear military style uniforms of the Hitler Youth and march around. I can’t wait to turn 10 so I can wear that magnificent uniform too.

 

 

I wake up because on the street outside people are marching and shouting and smashing things. I see Mum and Dad looking out the window. Then we hear heavy boots stomping up the stairs.

 

Our neighbour Frau Lewitski shouts at the men. She yells, ‘Go away! The Korns are decent people, basically Germanic and of good character!’

 

Usually Frau Lewitski shouts at us that Jews must leave Germany. Her door is covered in stickers and posters that say things like Jews must be driven out and Jews will cause the next war. I don’t understand. Why is she helping us now?

 

 

A German soldier warns Dad that he is going to be arrested. Dad leaves without even packing. He’s in Belgium now.

 

Then a week later, the German police take Mum away.

 

I don’t know what to do. For three days Sonia and I wander the streets by ourselves. No one asks us what we are doing on our own. At night time, out neighbour upstairs let us sleep at their house, but they don’t seem happy about it.