2.4 -- Zygmunt's Fate

Warsaw Ghetto

4th February, 1940

In the meantime Jews were forbidden to travel by train.   As the Germans justified it, it was to prevent smuggling and the spread of typhoid - of which the Jews were said to be "carriers".

The Polish Red Cross School of Nursing in Warsaw, at No.6, Smolna St. re-commenced enrollment for courses, due to begin this month.   In principle candidates are accepted after matriculating or obtaining the "small matriculation".

I pleaded with Papa to help me get into this school through his contacts. I was in my third year at college (although at present in "komplety"), was studying well and could cope. And this would be in line with my interests, as well as providing a better identity card. Papa promised that he would try to arrange it, although he was very sad when he come home from work today. More and more of our friends and acquaintances are disappearing.

Papa learnt in secret from a friend that at Palmiry, near Warsaw, they have again covertly executed prisoners from Mokotow and Pawiak. Among them many women, including his friend's wife, Halina GROINSKA, director of the book lending section at the Public Library, also Jerzy EGIELMAN and many others. Arrests from among the intelligentsia, both Polish and Jewish, continue.

He also received information that Professors KOSTANECKI and RZANOWSKI have died in a concentration camp. He heard in addition that the Marshal of the Sejm, Maciej RATAJ, previously arrested by the Gestapo, had been released from Pawiak. Prof. Edward Loth is trying to persuade Papa to leave home - and as soon as possible, at that. He, too, feels the quicksand beneath his feet.

Hearing all that, Mrs. Irma wrung her hands in despair and, unable to stem the tears, ran to her room. As she went out, she spoke to Papa "Run, Jozef, as and how you can - otherwise you will share Zygmunt's fate." The family conference of adults lasted a long time. Mama is now also of the opinion that the sooner the better for Papa.

She says that we will keep in touch with him and that he should not worry about us or the properties. She will take care of everything properly. Papa should go because he could benefit from the help of friends who are urging him to do so.

For who knows what each new day may bring when things are getting ever worse.

No one yet knows where Dr. Zygmunt is or what is happening - or has happened - to him so that Papa must not believe these monsters in human flesh. Especially in view of this new order which they have plastered around concerning Jewish nationality.

Around this time Sula's bed has been taken back upstairs to Mrs. Irma's room, together with all my dolls. There is therefore more space in my room.