Poland

MR EDWARD J BEHRENDT (MTCY26A@PRODIGY.COM)
Thu, 8 Feb 1996 18:09:09 EST 

-- [ From: Edward Behrendt * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

Hello to the Lowden School,

Since I was born and lived in Gdansk, Poland until I was aged 9, and
managed to eventually escape from there during the Holocaust, perhaps I
could answer your questions at least a little bit.

Prior to about 1930, life in Poland and Europe generally, was not too
bad for both children and adults.  Of course there had been anti-
semitism in Poland for centuries, so it was a little tougher for people
of the Jewish faith.

Between the years 1930 and 1945, life became more difficult every day.
Hitler and his Nazi followers starting having an influence even then
already, and the country was forced to slowly prepare for war. Those
children of the Jewish faith started being persecuted between the years
of about 1935 and 1939, by some Germans who were then living in certain
parts of Poland. They were supported by some Polish people, although
not by all.

I am Jewish and a Holocaust survivor.  At age 6 for example, I was
often stoned and spat upon while going to and from school.  Before I
was even 7 years old, I needed surgery very badly in order to live, but
no doctor wanted to take my case and no hospital wanted to even admit
me.  I would have died except that my parents found a doctor way out in
the country who was willing to do the surgery.

On September 1, 1939, Germany started World War 2 by attacking Poland.
The Polish soldiers fought very gallantly, but quickly lost the war.
After that, life became terrible, particularly for Jews, and many many
people were put to death just because of their religion.  Unfortunately
many many Poles helped the Nazis against the Jews, but there were also
a few who were kind and helped them.  Even today there is still very
strong anti-semitism in Poland.

Remember though that it was not only the Jews who suffered.  Many
gypsies, communists, gays, catholics, the old and infirm, children and
adults, were also put to death and into concentration camps.

I hope the above information helps you.  If you have more questions,
just ask.
Good luck in school.   Ed Behrendt