Life Changes 1938-1940

I was there.

Jakob was 14 years old when the war broke out on 1 September 1939 and German soldiers came marching onto the streets in Lodz.

Later that same autumn, when Jakob was preparing to continue his studies, nothing was the same. All Jewish children were forced to leave school. The names of the streets were changed and Jews were forbidden to walk on the main street that was now called Adolf Hitler Strasse.

Jakob Ringart (1925-2014), Poland

Jakob Ringart (1925-2014), Poland

Consider here how life changes for Jakob when Lodz becomes occupied

Fräulein Rappaport

Jakob talks about how the situation in Lodz changed and the arrival of Jewish refugees to the city.

1) Listen to Jakob as he talks about how life changes.

The Outbreak of War in 1939

Jakob talks about what happened in Lodz when the war broke out.

2) Listen to Jakob as he talks about what happened in Lodz when the war broke out.

  • 2a. Which was the target group of the posters?

  • 2b. Why do you believe it is important for Jakob to talk about the posters on the door and the policeman who offended him?

Jewish Children are not Permitted in Schools

Jakob talks about the situation when he and other Jewish children are forced to leave school.

3) Listen to Jakob as he talks about the situation when he and other Jewish children are forced to leave school.

They Hanged People in the Square

Jakob talks about the situation in Lodz.

4) Listen to Jakob as he talks about the situation in Lodz.

I was Just Going to Cross the Street

Jakob talks about when he got arrested.

5) Listen to Jakob as he talks about when he got arrested.

  • 5a. Why did Jakob get arrested?

  • 5b. What makes Jakob sad in prison?

Polish Jews are Forced out of Germany 

Slideshow.

Occupation of Lodz by German Troops

Slideshow.

A Council of Elders is Set up for All Jewish Affairs

Slideshow.

Previous Section
My Childhood 1925-1938

Extra Material