September 10, 1938

Dear Diary,

There have been rumours about the NAZIs discriminating against Jewish people. Father seems rather calm about the idea and Mother seems to be completely ignoring it. I don’t understand how they can do that. It worries me that they are being so ignorant. Hitler has great control over Germany and people breath in every word he says like the oxygen their bodies crave. When I talk to my sister, she says that I’m simply over-reacting and that I will understand that most rumours are not true when I’m older. I certainly hope she is right.

November 6, 1938

Dear Diary,

Jewish people are now required to wear the Star of David at all times. I’m not ashamed of being Jewish but it bothers me that I get such strange and disturbing looks when I leave my house. I don’t understand why we need to be singled out but for some reason, Adolf Hitler has decided that we are the cause of the Depression… My father lost his business for no other reason than because he is Jewish. The police officer tried to claim that father had made a mistake on his taxes but I don’t think that’s the truth. I tried to talk to my sister about it again and she only got very frightened and refused to speak of it. I hope things will get better soon and this mistake will be cleared up. We’ve done nothing wrong.

November 16, 1938

Dear Diary,

On the ninth, many people attacked the Jewish community. Rocks were thrown through our windows and now there is a wicked wind at night. Our house is one of the best. Some houses were burned to the ground… ours is at least still standing and in one piece. I’m worried to leave the house though, in case we get attacked again. It is not safe anywhere anymore.

December 15, 1938

Dear Diary,

Many people tried to flee to America but they were turned away. I can’t say I blame them. America is facing Depression as well and can’t afford to look after us. On the other hand, I wish there was somewhere safe that we could go. I can’t even leave the attic anymore. Father had some friends that said they could hide us when the Gestapo comes. I’m frightened. I’ve heard terrible stories about people being taken away and put in a camp. I don’t know what that means but it doesn’t sound pleasant. Nothing Hitler and the NAZIs do sounds pleasant anymore. Mother had to go to a different place because of little Aaron. He’s only three months old and still cries a lot. She said that it would be better if the both of them got caught and Father, Maria and myself remained hidden. I worry for them and it is often weeks before we hear about how they’re faring.

December 25, 1938

Dear Diary,

I could not write for many days because the Gestapo have been searching houses. Now I can barely move because my muscles ache from remaining so still for so long. My hands are clenching up as I write this but it feels good to be able to move… even if it is very quietly. I’m very worried for Mother and Aaron. I hope this nightmare ends very soon. All of the Jewish people who left for America have disappeared. It is said that many have gone to “Concentration Camps”. I don’t know what that means but I don’t like the sound of it. I don’t ever want to end up in a place like that!

February 2, 1939

Dear Diary,

Those NAZI bastards! Concentration camps are worse than I ever imagined. It is impossible to know how close this is to Hell until you’ve seen it! They send the weak, old and young to the Showers. I don’t entirely know what the Showers are but no one returns from them alive and when they come out, their skin is terribly burned and they look as though the Devil himself has mutilated them! Never have I dreamed of such terrors. My worst nightmare seems but a romp through a buttercup field compared to this! When Father, Maria and I first arrived here, they took our belongings and clothing. I cried when they did that because so many people were there and looking at me with eyes that sought places that one’s gaze shouldn’t wander to. After that, they shaved my head. Maria used to speak about how lovely my hair was. It was long and brown with lovely curls… but now I feel as though I’ve been raped and had my last ounce of honour ripped away from me! This place is disgusting! I’m not allowed to see Father or Maria and I can only pray for Mother and Aaron’s safety.

March 12, 1939

Dear Diary,

Today is my birthday. I’ve lived longer than both Father and Maria. Sometimes I wish that I’d follow soon in their path because I can’t stand to live here any longer. Anything would be better than this. I’m waiting for death while the monsters here attempt to dye my eyes blue and my hair blond. I’ve seen the dead get skinned to have their skin turned into lampshades. What sort of a person could own such a revolting item? I wish I could believe that there are still good people in the world but it’s hard to believe that when this is what you see every day.