8
8 Afew days later the Gestapo and German District Administration is_ sued an order for the resettlement of Rzeszów Jews to the east. The lengthy notice, printed in German and Polish, was posted throughout the ghetto. The order stated that in one week all Jews in the ghetto, with the exception of those with the special stamp on their Kennkarte and their immediate families, would be resettled to German-occupied Ukraine. They would live and work on a large collective farm that the Russians had abandoned. The order stated that everyone would have work, more living space, and food, all of which were lacking in the ghetto. It listed the clothing that people would need for the new climate. Travel would take three days, and each family should take along food. The ghetto was divided into four sections. The small ghetto, which we lived in, was designated as section 1. On the first day of the relocation the Jews with the special stamps and their direct dependents would be moved into the small ghetto, and all other Jews without the stamps had to leave the small ghetto for the Umschlagplatz, the assembly area, in the large ghetto. From the assembly area they would be taken to the trains. The Jews in the three other ghetto sections would be relocated over the next six days. The order defined direct dependents as a legal spouse and minor children. Immediate execution was the punishment for violating the order. The resettlement gave us a reason for the Gestapo stamp. Many members of the Judenrat had been given stamps to stay in the ghetto. Some Jews felt that this must mean that staying in the ghetto would be safest. Other believed that the Ukrainian farm could only be better than the ghetto. My brother and I had the special stamp and would remain in the ghetto, 64 while my parents would be deported. My father and Uncle Kalman desperately tried to obtain special stamps for themselves, my mother, and Aunt Blima. They went to everyone who had any influence, pleading for help. Days passed without success. I could not imagine being separated from them. I wanted to be with them in the ghetto or the Ukraine. I told them that I would not stay behind without them. My father promised that he would keep trying to get the stamp and stay in the ghetto. The deportation would begin the next day. My father and Uncle Kalman left at dawn to try to get the special Gestapo stamp. My mother, Manek, and I anxiously waited in our little room for Father’s return. I silently prayed for good news. My father returned late in the afternoon. He looked unhappy and defeated. I was the first to ask, “Daddy, what happened? Did you get the stamp?” “No,” he said quietly. “Kalman and I have talked to everyone we know. We have tried everything, and we could not get the stamp.” I looked at my mother. She was leaning against the wall, hiding her face as she wept. “Andzia, we have to get ready for the transport,” my father said gently. “I will get ready too,” I said. “I’m not staying here without you.” “No, Lucek, no,” my father said. “Your mother and I have talked about this. We have decided that it is better for you to stay here with Manek.” I begged them, “Please, do not leave me behind. I am afraid to stay here without you.” I was frightened and crying. My mother put her arms around me and kissed my hair. “Do not cry, Lucek, please do not cry. We want you to stay because we love you. You will be safer here. Manek will look after you. There are Poles outside the ghetto that might help you. Be brave. I promise we will find you as soon as the war ends.” I pleaded with my parents, but they would not change their minds. Manek said nothing as I begged them to take me with them. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “We have to listen to Daddy and Mama. Do not be afraid. I promise that I will take care of you.” He turned to Mother. “I promise you, with my life, that I will take care of him.” Mother, Manek, and I held on to each other and wept. I looked over at my father. He looked forlorn and unhappy. For the first time in my life...
OR
