The 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht

By Sue Baum, President

On Nov. 9, 2020, we will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht. This day in history is well known for the massive arrests of Jewish males throughout Germany and the destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, with an emphasis on the smashing of glass windows.

Some of the males jailed, were later released. Many were not so fortunate and were sent to concentration camps. Any insurance monies received for the destruction had to be turned over to the German government.

I have heard a first-hand account of the happenings. You see, my husband, then only a young boy, and his parents, were still in Berlin. Harold was home with his parents when the call came, “Hide! They are coming for the males.”

Where were they to hide in an apartment with a high German official as the next-door neighbor?

Harold’s mother was a smart woman and came up with a quick idea she hoped would keep them safe. She told Harold to get on his bicycle and spend the day riding around. Then she told his father to get to the subways and ride them all day. Because of her quick thinking, both survived the day.

While riding around the city that day, Harold cycled towards a fire in the distance. He arrived at his Synagogue, where he had been bar-mitzvah, in time to watch the burning of the prayer books. A scene he never forgot.

How important it is that we never forget this event from our history. It is our history from which we learn how to move forward to the future.