Adara's Diary

1941

January 3, 1941

Dear Journal,

The Farkas' are dead, a few days ago they passed all of suicide. A family friend found them, they say that Mrs. Farkas and the children died of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is terrible, all because of the occupation and the Germans, a mother and her three girls are dead. Nobody knows what has happened to Mr. Farkas. It is dreadful I went to the funeral they were buried in that Jewish cemetery.  I have been a recluse for much of time only going to school. I still see Gerrrit he comes to the apartment to see me. Rebekah is generally nervous around me, but my nerves are not longer all over the place. I have left the apartment with Gerrit and went to see Verena, Emily and Johannes they are well. Verena and I did discuss the Farkas' she is also horrified as I. 

We spent much time the three of us walking along the street talking. Verena and I discussed our school project that we must get done and Gerrit talked of things at the bank. The suffering of people. Gerrit looked up and said "Addie, are you okay" Verena already went into the house "Yes, it is just I'm shaken from it". He nodded "I know, we should do something to get your mind off of it though'' I agreed "Perhaps we should go to the cinema or the park possibly." "Sounds good to me" Gerrit grinned and we kissed and I walked back to the apartment feeling a little lighter in spirits. The only one that was awake was Mama with Azriel in her arms she was on the couch rocking him to sleep. I greet her and make some tea for us. She smiled "Thank you dear" I asked after Azzie "He asleep yet Mama." She nodded "He is he has a little cold". " I can take off to bed Mama" I offered she again nodded and handed him to me lightly so he wouldn't wake up. I took him of to his crib and then headed off to bed myself.

February 27, 1941

Dear Journal,

A strike has begun, earlier this month the Germans and Dutch police had cordoned off a Jewish neighborhood in Amsterdam. It was after I believe a street fight of some kind, now Non-Jews are not allowed in this neighborhood, and a few days ago a strike in Amsterdam's Noordermarkt. It is truly amazing to see some resistance against the invader.It is truly great to see hear that people are making a stand against the Germans even though they are risk themselves. Gerrit has been busy of lately and I haven't seen much of him. I feel it has got to do less with the bank and  more something that he is keeping from me. 

Ever since what happened to the Farkas' I feel a sense to help someone else, in a situation as us. So I have volunteered to work at a Jewish Orphanage. It is quite far from our apartment but it is worth it. Many of the children are refugees like us German mostly. I know of this one little girl who is my favorite among the youngsters. Her name is Leonore is she is 8. She is from Frankfurt in Germany, she came to the Orphanage a year ago. Her parents sent her here to escape the persecution but they weren't able to come as well. Especially since the she was sent here is March and the invasion in May. She is a very lively child she has dark black hair, hazel eyes.She is quite the charmer I take her out to the park and such when i can. I think I grew attached to her because she reminds me of Rebekah. Her quiet demeanor and she is quite reserved at certain times. Speaking of Bekah she is doing well in school and her and Flora are joined by the hip. I am very proud how she has became in these years since we left Germany.Well I must end this entry I must help Mama with Azzie.

November 18, 1941

Dear Journal,

I know I haven't written to you on months, sorry. Much has happened since February. First off I finished school in June, and now I work at a seamstress near my home. Rebekah has turned 13 this past September. She has been rather upset these few months, a new order came about saying that Jews were to be excluded from Public schools so she no longer can attend the Montessori school. Mama has been teaching her from home now and Flora has joined her here for homeschooling as well.

Also another development Hester is getting married, Hans and Hester plan to marry next month. I'm her bridesmaid, she doesn't want a big wedding and they plan to just go to city hall, then again Hester was never big on tradition. Gerrit is to be the best nab in their wedding. Since finishing school Gerrit and I have more time to spend together, things at the bank have been relatively smooth for him recently. The other day we went out to the park, and we were discussing the upcoming wedding. When he asked me a question that nearly knocked the wind right out of me. "Do you ever want to be married Adie ?". I froze and then uttered "of course" I nodded and I nervously asked "and you?" he smiled at me "yes, but after this blasted war is over, do you agree?" he asked me solemnly "Yes, I think that is very reasonable" he smiled and then we walked home. I entered my apartment with Gerrit with me, father sat on the sofa exhausted, mother stared into space. They are very tired mama helps father in the small clinic she takes Azriel with her most days,  and also things with the food rations have been getting much worse. I know Gerrit offers to give us some but I don't have the heart to take it from him.Well I must go and help Mama with the sewing doei voor nu.

December 12, 1941

Dear Journal,

This morning I woke up and quickly got Bekah us as well. We raced across the hall to the Schedler's and knocked. Maria answered and rushed is in "We must hurry we have to be there by 9". We rushed to the girls bedroom and found Hester in the closet trying to pick a dress. She turned around and looked at me nervously and yelled "Adie, you must pick this dress I cannot make up my mind" I rolled my eyes "I thought you wearing the Blue one Hes" she shook her head "no it will not do". I decided not to and picked through the clothes "Why not the lavender is it is very pretty." she agreed then we took the streetcar to city hall we we met up with Gerrit, Hans and Verena. "Hey Hes, a good day for a wedding ins't it" teased Gerrit. She eyed him and muttered "Don't Gerrit, your making me nervous". We all laughed at her. Maria and Mama came then and we all waited for Hans and Hester's names to be called finally they were and we entered and silently watched on the side. Hester and Hans said their vows and Gerrit handed Hans the rings. They were then married and Flora threw the rice with Bekah. I couldn't believe that my friend was now Mrs. Hans Gerber and no longer Miss Hester Schedler. I went up to her and kissed her on the cheek and muttered "I can't believe you will no longer be across the hall" she smiled and said "Oh we are not far just a few blocks away Adie, we will still see each other then I watched her and Hans walk off to their new apartment. I smiled I was truly happy for her, Gerrit and I then decided to join the rest in celebration back at his home.

The wedding has been a little light in our lives lately especially with the news, we heard the sad news that happened a few days ago to Americans at Pearl Harbor and now United States is in the War. Also our government in exile has declared war on Japan, so hopefully with the Americans in the war, it will bring the war to a close sooner. After we made it to the house we all had dinner with Gerrit's parents and talked over the wedding.