The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender
Author:Ruth Minsky Sender
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Pulse
22
We live in constant terror of being caught and separated. The Nazis are emptying the ghetto quickly, with brutal force. The food rations are running out. We have no weapons to fight them with.
For five years we have fought for survival and dignity, living like human beings in spite of the savagery around us. I look at the closed curtains that hide the books, the source of our strength. They nourished our minds even while our bodies were withering. They helped us believe in a better tomorrow. What do we do with them? What will happen to the books now?
As if reading my thoughts, Moishele says, “Riva, the books will survive. Knowledge cannot be killed. Look at these books. We have kept them from perishing in the flames for five years. They have kept us from perishing morally. They will survive.”
“You are right, my dear brother. Ideas cannot be killed. The books carry the beautiful ideas of freedom, justice, brotherhood. The Nazis may destroy the books, but the wonderful ideas for a better world will survive. We’ll let the books stay right here, on hidden shelves in an empty ghetto, to remind the Nazis of the spirit they could not destroy.”
“I spoke to the others of our group last night,” Motele says, his voice tired and low. He tries to stay in touch with all our friends. He was almost caught several times during the raids, trying to help others stay alive another day. I often wonder where his determination to live comes from. But his voice sounds strange now. Beaten.
“We have no choice. We have no food. The Nazis will find us soon. There are not too many people left in the ghetto. This makes it easier for them to round up the ones who are still holding out, like us. If they find us, we may lose our lives. We have no choice.”
His eyes are so full of pain and anger. “We must remember, we tried to resist as long as we could. We resisted every way possible. If we stay here we will die. But we want to live. We must live. The only chance to survive may be to come out of hiding on our own. We will have to hope that we will stay together if we go together to the railroad station.”
We look at one another, searching for reassurance. For a glimpse of hope. For strength.
I turn to the window to hide my tears. It is a beautiful, sunny August day.
“When are we leaving?” Moishele asks, trying hard to control his emotions. “We have to pack some things to take with us.”
“If we are still here tomorrow morning,” Motele says slowly, “Karola, Berl, and their mother, Mrs. Mikita, Laibish, Rifkele, and their mother, Mrs. Boruchowich, will all come here. We will all leave together, as a family. We must hope that we will remain together. We must hope. ”
“So, what do we take, Riva?” Moishele pulls me gently away from the window. “We cannot give in to despair.
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