The Story Of Anna Schwartz

Chapter 1

I love my tiny villa in Amsterdam. I adore visiting the canals and tulip fields. Until Germany invaded Poland which is on the other side of Germany than us. We were in shock as they were quickly run over as if Poland was grass and was treading on by a cow (Germany). Today Germany invaded. The British Army was no help because they were still retreating from another war. How come they can participate in that war but not in this war.

Outside of the house, it is not safe. Every step you take could mean death. We are leaving soon. Marman (mother) said we are going somewhere safe out of harm. We walked down the road calmly, hand in hand. I was upset that I had to leave. The scent of the fresh bread marman baked for the journey filled my nostrils. 

The train came at noon. We were going to Terezin. There were so many people in one room! Did I tell you I was claustrophobic. There was a shortage of food and when you got some it was gross. In the end we ended up going to another concentration camp, one with gas chambers. No-one knew what would happen. Auschwitz! If hell existed it would be Auschwitz. 

We somewhat escaped with what strength we had left. When we arrived back home they said we were free but all that was going through our minds was if papa had survived as he had been summoned for Auschwitz before us and other men from the same train had been sent straight to the gas chambers. Had papa been one of them? 

We arrived at our villa and checked the whole house. No papa. We waited and waited. Hours passed which turned into days. When one week had passed we gave up hope. 

An hour later we had a knock on the door. It was papa! He had survived. But, he was holding a telegram. "What is it" I questioned. Papa read it aloud. It was Grandpapa. 

He was gravely ill and in Antwerp, Belgium. Marman rushed off to care for him. A few days later he came back and life was back to schedule. But everywhere we went, we brought the camps!