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53 The Train Station in Turin: March 1944 Chaya Horowitz Roth In 1944, the German armies are growing dangerously desperate. Losing the war, they are chasing the enemy: Jews, rebels, partisans. The enclaves of Jews hiding in the mountains are reaching the point of panic. Our family decides to escape. Together we reach the Turin train station, with our guardian, Andreina. But no trains are coming, the tracks have been bombed, and we must wait. On wooden planks and long cold benches, we wait Gitta and I huddle together, Andreina, our guardian from the mountains, will keep us safe Our mother sits far away from us I do not see her at all The air is icy and wet The snows are melting on the ground, Winter remains solidly frozen Then, black boots are strutting among the rows of wooden benches A German soldier, Rifle slung over his shoulder Green uniform? Helmet? I never look up. I see only his rifle and boots A child cries out: “Mamme, Mamme, geb mir a shtikel broit!”* Oh God! Whose voice do I hear? “Be quiet little boy . . . Be quiet and still!” “Quiet now, or forever, be still . . . ” *“Mama, Mama, give me a piece of bread!” ...

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