their hearts, going bankrupt, starting their wandering, living in strangers’
homes, searching for shelter and spending each night in a different place.
Although our closest, best friends were leaving the town, we, especially my
husband, decided to stay: “Whatever happens, let it happen at home. I will
not leave unless I must.” It lasted until the following Friday. On 8 September,
the Germans entered the town. After they had taken power, a whole series of
obligations and prohibitions was introduced. It became forbidden to be outside
after 5 p.m. Jews had to wear yellow ribbons and, when they were not
distinguishable enough, they had to pin yellow patches [18] to their backs
and chests. Jews were forbidden to walk on the pavement; they had to walk
in the street and bow. A disgusting ‘little Jew’ from a neighbouring town
brought news of all these obligations. Jews were forced to clean streets and
squares. If only you could see the Jewish inhabitants sweeping the streets
with Aryan superintendents standing and laughing at them. The Polish intelligentsia
observed such situations with indignation and often spoke to the
Jews, trying to comfort them and advising them not to worry about this, in
their opinion, temporary unpleasantness. All Aryan and Jewish organisations
were dissolved. Registers and lists of members had to be delivered to
the Landratura, but financial resources were what really mattered, although
[19] there was not that much because almost all organisations had deposited
money in PKO bank accounts, which were of no use at that moment.
In the meantime, New Year (14 and 15 September) and the Day of
Judgement (22 September) were approaching; the first passed relatively uneventfully. By accident, 3–4 people (new and ordinary) became representatives
of the Jews before the Landrat.¹⁴³⁴ Every day they delivered the number of Jews
required for cleaning flats occupied by x.,¹⁴³⁵ streets and squares. The Day of
Judgement left more intense memories in the minds of Lipno inhabitants.
Similarly, 10 October or the day of the first ‘roll call,’ that is the gathering of
Jews at 11 Listopada Square, will never be forgotten either. However, we should
bring down the curtain of silence on these and later events. [20] It is too early
to write about it. Days, weeks, and months passed till we received an order to
leave the town, with the definite deadline set for 21 December. Many left
1434 At the beginning of the occupation, Erich Wiebe assumed the position of the Landrat of Lipno County.
1435 Possible meaning: such and such Germans; the sign “x” reminds one of a swastika.
