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
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.