United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Home Page Turn to Previous PageTurn to Next Page There were very few real bombs in Berlin in 1941 and early 1942. The 'bomb explosions' referred to here were the strong conflicts in the Jewish community over how to react to the Nazi deportations. Should they go when ordered?
Image of Page 9, with illustration of exploding bomb
English Translation Page 9 reads...We lived through many exploding bombs.
At the time, the choice was unclear.
Photograph of Nathan Schwalb
Nathan Schwalb of the Swiss He-halutz group warned the Berlin He-Halutz groups not to comply with the deportation order. But many parents and the Jewish leadership were against any illegal actions and hoped they would be able to start a new life in the East. When Jews failed to report, the German police would round them up by force including community leaders.
Where did the transports go to and what would await them?
Or should they go underground? Should the Hehalutz groups stay together? Or should its members stay with their families?
About, community leader, Alfred Selbiger