A Violin for Elijah: Music Was the Only Weapon He Had

By V.S. Paterson

It is 1938, and in Austria’s capital Vienna, young Elijah Grossman is on his way to becoming a famous violinist when, without any just cause, he and his father are taken prisoner by the Nazis.

Out of the chaos and the cruelty, an orchestra forms and alliances develop, transforming relationships between prisoners and captors.

‘A Violin for Elijah’ takes us into the world of the prison camp, where the inmates are disposable, their guards are savage, and dignity is a distant memory.

Elijah’s story carries us to higher ground where compassion and kinship are rediscovered through the universal language of music. In the words of his grandfather, “music can render bad men repentant and good men heroic.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781925515732

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1

The ethnicity of an individual is no other person’s concern but their own. Nevertheless, for so many people living in Germany and its occupied territories at this time there are disturbing consequences. Such is the case for Elijah Grossman and his family. An account of his lineage and character is necessary to explain his current circumstances.

Elijah is the son of an honourable and respected Jewish doctor whose own father was an established concert musician before the Great War. Elijah’s heritage is diverse. His mother inherited her traditions from both Jewish and catholic parents. Being born into a cosmopolitan family Elijah carries the qualities of an idealistic young man of eighteen who is a violinist with the national youth orchestra and regarded by his family as a spirited and lively performer on the cusp of musical greatness.

Elijah’s love of music first began as a six-year-old sitting with his paternal grandfather listening to the sounds echoing from the pianoforte as his grandfather played. Alfred Grossman, a well-renowned artist played in celebrated orchestras and travelled across Europe and counted more than a few distinguished persons as his friends. Alfred, on retiring from public concerts, entertained his grandson with his fineness in playing classical music and instilled in young Elijah a passion for music. He foretold to Elijah the effect that exquisite music can have on a person’s soul. ‘It can render bad men repentant and good men heroic,’ his grandfather had declared.

Elijah took it upon himself to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and began the journey of learning the musical craft. By attending musical concerts in his early childhood years with both his grandfather and father accompanying him to the great Viennese capital theatres, Elijah had decided that he would choose the violin as his instrument. After one of their regular classical concerts Elijah’s father asked why he would choose the violin to play. Elijah conjured up an image in his mind. He had replied at the time saying, ‘because it sounds like our garden in springtime with bees buzzing from one flower to the next and I like the bees’ sweet honey.’

Before his next birthday the family presented a violin to Elijah which gave him much enjoyment. From that time Elijah began his chosen life course in musical appreciation of the violin.

In the periods of his latter childhood education and attendance at preparatory school through to now studying at one of Austria’s most notable musical conservatories, Elijah excelled not only in his chosen musical instrument but in his general studies as well and was always a favourite of his classmates and teachers. Elijah has many friends including Karl Kandell, who plays the viola in the same orchestra as Elijah. Karl is the only son of the Rabbi Kandell, a close family acquaintance of the Grossman’s.

Elijah, like others of his generation was growing up when education was a gift for those who not only desired it but where it could also provide for its benefits through the bestowment of wealthy and acceptable families such as the Grossman’s. By the age of fifteen Elijah was invited to undertake solo recitals as part of the metropolitan youth orchestra and he felt the value of all the previous years of violin practice in school and at home.

For the next two years Elijah gained a reputation for excellence in performing the music of celebrated Austrian composers like Franz Schubert, Joseph Haydn and Johann Strauss. Elijah, Karl and their fellow orchestra members attended many musical tours across the country to great applause from both young and old audiences. Among his grandfather’s piano and former music accolades in the music room of his parent’s house, displayed along one wall near the room’s entrance, are several certificates celebrating the successes that their son had achieved so far in his career. For Elijah, his grandfather had not lived long enough to see him begin the path of becoming a principal violinist with the national orchestra of Austria. Elijah hopes to attain this position when he graduates from the music conservatory in three years from now.

Happiness and prosperity best describes the affection of the city of Vienna to its people and Elijah and his family like so many others occupy their lives to the fullest extent. The Grossman’s social standing in Vienna affords them opportunities to travel and to attend to and host parties and engagements, having a large circle of auspicious friends and business alliances.

Elijah’s mother takes part on many committees as does her husband including those that are to solicit funds for the poor, the sick and other people being disadvantaged and disengaged across Vienna and its countryside. Here Mrs Grossman feels she can contribute and influence with her ease of conversation and even tempered approach to enchant even the most unwilling business owner to see the benefit of assisting these many affected people. But soon Mrs Grossman’s efforts to bring about a sense of harmonious deliverance among society would be altered. An announcement came that the German Chancellor was seeking an alliance with Austria for economic and political advancement and by his executive command, the Anschluss plan would soon begin. Among the classes of people in Austria’s society at this time there is debate on the advantage and disadvantage of an alignment with Germany which many fear will divide the country with further declassification of people according to their political and social beliefs and ethnicity.

***

Elijah’s future is on a path he could never had supposed or chosen for himself. Rather it is one which will determine the fate of not only himself and his family but for all those other people classified as opponents to the philosophy of the Third Reich and Nazi Germany. The Anschluss ordered by the man who once celebrated his beloved Austrian ethnicity began a few weeks before the coming of springtime in 1938. It came quickly and without forceful resistance. There were cheers and exaltation from many residents when the Nazi army large in number entered the city of Vienna and these people welcomed unity with Germany. For many others including the Grossman family and their friends there was uneasiness of what the future would bring to those opposed to the German occupation of Austria.

For Elijah’s family like others in Vienna their lives have transformed and are living now under immoderate military rule. Forever gone will be the carefree summer music festivals, winter wonderland with Christmas markets and Sunday family picnics by the river Danube. Gone too is the sweet smell of flowers and honey from Elijah’s mothers’ garden and their neighbourhood seized by the German military elite for their own residence. As for those businesses thriving in Vienna and Dr Grossman’s medical practice at the General Hospital, they are to serve the needs of the German military. Dr Grossman ministers to only those patients identified by the new Government that are ethnically deserving of medical treatment. As for the fate of his Jewish patients and their families and as for other Jewish residents in Vienna, there is forced settlement and relocation to ghetto districts to serve out their daily lives for the immediate term with poor living quarters and little available food and sanitation. In such circumstances as these, certain death will ensue for people already disadvantaged by their former lives before the Anschluss.

Jewish residents in Vienna and across the country are recognised through their dressage bearing the branded Jewish symbol. The German soldiers occupying the city enjoy parading the Jewish and other peoples under their rule through the streets with menial and degrading tasks of cleaning sidewalks, building walls and roads. Former Viennese citizens also perform duties of cleaning public toilets and army barrack latrines under watchful guard of soldiers having spiteful discontent for these supposed lower ethnic groups. For Elijah he is more fortunate than others as his family name and respectability affords more freedom and living now in a modest apartment building in the allotted Jewish neighbourhood in Vienna, but there is no certainty of it remaining. The German forces continue to advance its manpower across Austria and the German Chancellor holds no appreciation for the Jewish people or other minorities.

Elijah had seen in the Main Platz only yesterday Mr Franke, principal administrator of the hospital where Dr Grossman works. Together with two of his sons they were taken by force to police headquarters for no apparent reason and held with others for the benefit of the German Schutzstaffel (SS). Elijah understands that he like other Jewish residents and those people deemed unacceptable to the new State are chosen by the military police for reasons of crimes unknown. A decision to keep to his home and not venture out is best in such circumstances. That night at their evening dinner Elijah spoke to his father and mother about the purported circumstances of Mr Franke’s arrest.

It cannot be true, father. Mr Franke is an honest man. He would not steal from anyone.

I agree, Elijah. There is a conspiracy at play from the new German administrators of the hospital. They accuse Mr Franke of stealing the medical staff payroll and medical equipment, which is ludicrous.

What can we do to help Mr Franke and his sons? To see Mr Franke, Johann and Joachim being taken away was terrifying. They are the same age as Karl and I. What crime did they commit? I hope they are free soon. Elijah looked alarmed as he spoke recalling the event.

There is nothing that can be accomplished, Elijah. I must ensure our family’s passage out of Vienna to somewhere safe. I believe we should attempt to reach our neighbouring country Switzerland as soon as it is possible. After that I will do what I can to assist Mr Franke and his family and those others whose lives we value so much.

Dr Grossman looked at his wife across the dining table. She wept tears and recited a prayer for those of her friends and neighbours who had already departed the city.

We must remove ourselves, Frederick. To remain here for any time longer will have us arrested and parted from each other. I am not sure that mama, papa and Elijah and I will have strength enough to continue to endure the brutalities that have engulfed our city and country.

Mrs Grossman’s parents had suffered so much in recent months and felt helpless in not being able to support their own friends and family. Mrs Grossman’s father, Mr Rues told them at dinner it would be better to leave him and his wife behind when the family journeyed out from Austria.

We are elderly parents Margarete, and with your mother’s health not yet improved we would only burden you all in any attempt to leave this place.

Mr Rues with much love and endearment towards his wife looked across at his beloved Hannah who was still recovering from a severe case of influenza. He realized his wife’s health would be helped by remaining in Vienna where at least there would be daily comfort in staying in their lodgings. Dr Grossman offered a warm response to his father-in-law.

The family will remain together as it has been for the past few years. Hannah’s health will not be the cause for our separation. I have acquired medical supplies to assist in her recovery and we need each other’s strength to help us through this the most trying time in our lives.

Mrs Rues had her own views of her state of health. My health is improving every day and as Frederick says we will remain together. I will do all that I can to help prepare for our journey out of Vienna. She embraced her daughter and grandson as she spoke. Some extra sleep will bring me good health for tomorrow, I am sure of it. Good night all.

Mrs Rues was tired and taking her husband’s arm they retired to their bed for an early sleep. The others remained in the dining room and the conversation turned to setting out the details of what to do next. Dr Grossman spoke first.

I will speak to the Rabbi Kandell and another acquaintance to help me prepare a plan for our departure from Vienna. We will need to organise our supplies and take with us only one change of clothing and a blanket each. Dr Grossman turned to address his wife, Margarete, we cannot take with us any of the bohemian crystal or your jewellery as I will need to bargain our exit with these and our money and some other possessions.

Mrs Grossman smiled as she embraced her husband and son. My life wants nothing more than the love and company of my family. You must do what is necessary, Frederick.

Elijah was eager to offer support to his father in any service that may be of help.

For the time being Elijah, I need you to look after your mother the best you can. Your time will come sooner than you think for contributing to our departure. Now it is time for bed. Good night, son and rest well. You will need to keep your strength.

Dr Grossman looked at both his son and wife hoping he could facilitate a favourable exit plan for the family in the coming days but at what expense he would soon find out.

2

Elijah’s father contacted a former business associate to assist in removing not only his own family but also some patients and fellow hospital personnel from Vienna and Austria itself. Dr Grossman had heard there was a new Central Office for Jewish Immigration and freedom could be won but at a high cost. Benjamin Felsch, a friend of Elijah’s father had met with a man second-in-charge of the Office, a Mr Hans Wexler who could arrange passage for those wealthy and prominent Jewish residents of Vienna including the Grossman family. Mr Felsch explained the arrangements when he came to the Grossman’s living quarters later that evening. The Rabbi Kandell was there offering spiritual support to one of his congregation and his friend.

I met with Hans Wexler this morning, Mr Felsch told the Rabbi, Dr Grossman and his wife. He says he can help you but his price is high. Mr Wexler wants your wife’s jewellery he had seen her wearing at last year’s gala benefit, your monies and all other valuables you may have or he will not provide passage for you or any of your family.

This man plans to extort you, my dearest. Mrs Grossman looked at her husband with fearful concern for their safety and future.

Dr Grossman knew this to be true. There was little choice of what else to do. To extradite themselves from the new Nazi government the family would need to gather all their belongings and place their hopes in a businessman corrupt as he was, who supported the Nazi Party and to whom the benefits of arranging passage out of Austria he would gain admirable recognition from his German counterparts. Mr Felsch sat down to take the coffee offered by Mrs Grossman and explained the details of what had transpired earlier that day. Dr Grossman asked that his wife leave them so they could discuss the specifics of their proposed travel arrangements.

It is best if you leave these matters, my dear. I do not want you to worry about anything.

Are you sure, Frederick? Mrs Grossman asked her husband, I should stay and listen to the details myself.

Margarete, it is best if you look after the others and make sure that their needs are provided for. Your support will be called upon soon enough but for now allow me to deal with the particulars.

Kissing his wife on the cheek, Dr Grossman escorted her out of the sitting room and returned to his companions. Mr Felsch spoke to his friend.

Mr Wexler is both inconsiderate and obstructive. He is working for the Nazi administration and is a strong supporter of their political philosophies. There were several German soldiers guarding his place of business as many people were outside waiting to meet with him.

For what purpose, Mr Felsch? asked Rabbi Kandell.

To secure themselves safe passage out of Austria. Mr Felsch looked grave as he reflected on his earlier visit with Mr Wexler. There was commotion as I observed the security guards escort several people out of Wexler’s office. It appears they were refused the opportunity to get documents for their departure out of Austria. These people are not as wealthy as other clients who visited his office today, and I saw them plead with the guards not to be taken away from Wexler’s office building.

What happened next, Benjamin? Dr Grossman asked even though he suspected he already knew the answer.

They were put onto a truck parked outside the building and driven away.

Where will they be taken to? The Rabbi Kandell appeared anxious and worried for these people’s safety.

I cannot say Rabbi Kandell, but I expect they will be transferred to a holding centre or an internment camp.

Both Dr Grossman and Rabbi Kandell were upset by this. For the Rabbi, he felt empathy towards these peoples he did not even know. He left the others to finish their coffee and moved to a nearby armchair to contemplate what his own future may be if his family cannot leave Austria. As he was among his closest friends, Dr Grossman found it easy to voice his opinion.

I hope this is not the case, Benjamin. I would like to think the people of Vienna are considered with some moral regard. It was not by our choice the German forces should occupy Austria, he said. The high ranking German-Austrian officials made their decision and for the rest of us the consequences are disturbing and life changing.

Yes, you are right, Frederick but there is nothing we can do at this time but try to get along with the Nazi military rule as best we can.

For how long and under what conditions can we continue to endure? The Rabbi Kandell was ready to preach as if he was in his synagogue. We must band together across the religious communities to save our people from the occupied forces of Germany. They may take our homes but they cannot take our will or our spirit. Both men agreed with him.

Dr Grossman told his companions, I must see this Hans Wexler myself to make sure my family can leave Vienna without trouble or delay.

Frederick, I can join you in this meeting with Mr Wexler. Perhaps my position as a Rabbi can afford guarantee of success.

The Rabbi Kandell is a well-known and respected theologian in the Viennese community and whilst not a casualty of the German commanders in Vienna, he had met with other religious leaders to discuss how to help those of their respective affected parishioners. The Rabbi knew his own family would need a safe passage out of the country if the churches and synagogues become desecrated. Dr Grossman was gracious in receiving his friend’s support.

Thank you, Rabbi Kandell. For now I will manage the details myself but I appreciate your offer for help. Thank you, Benjamin for seeking out Mr Wexler on my behalf.

There is nothing I would not do for you and your family you would not do for mine, Mr Felsch said.

The two men shook hands and together with the Rabbi Kandell they discussed what plans must be in place for their future security and safety. So it was that Dr Grossman would meet with Mr Wexler alone and express his request for help in having his family, his hospital colleagues and special patients leave Austria for a time and place as yet unknown.

***

There is nothing else to be said, Dr Grossman. I can only secure passage for four persons, not an entire hospital workforce or your sick patients as you so desire, Mr Wexler informed him at their meeting in town. You must choose who will leave and who will remain. I will give you forty eight hours to determine the fate of your family, co-workers and patients.

Mr Wexler’s counsel was absolute. Upon opening the front door of the office he ushered Dr Grossman outside with a final, Goodbye to you, Dr Grossman and a ‘heil Hitler’ salute.

Dr Grossman looked across at the man who deemed himself along with his work associates to be formidable collaborators with the Nazi’s. In his own words Mr Wexler told Dr Grossman the rationale of his actions.

I am a businessman and must make my living according to the laws of economic commerce as do others, including you, Dr Grossman.

Do not consider that we are alike in any regard. You have no moral principles to begin with, Mr Wexler. Whilst you seek profit and protection for alliance with the German military, you will at some point cease to provide any further benefit to their endeavours and then you may regret your actions and conduct. Austria will never forgive you and your office colleagues and I trust you all live long enough to experience that moment.

Dr Grossman left Mr Wexler’s office to consider what further action he should take. He did not want to leave his family but the doctor knew he must be the one who remains behind in Vienna. This affords him opportunity to continue to assist his patients in providing medicines, shelter and food where it is possible. Such action requires careful consideration and planning so as to acquire only those medical supplies from the hospital that can be taken without notice of the Nazi soldiers. Dr Grossman previously put into operation a plan to treat some of his discharged patients at their homes but many have since been captured and transferred by either train or truck for a destination in the countryside.

For the past two weeks Dr Grossman has attended to those of his patients not yet discovered or apprehended by the German military. With the help of his son and two medical colleagues they visit the former patients but only in secrecy and operating before curfews as the police and military now patrol the streets between dusk and dawn. Anyone found lurking after dark is taken into immediate custody. There was no doubt in Dr Grossman’s mind that at some point soon he and his companions will be exposed for starting a benevolent treachery of the new State but his patients mean as much to him as his own family and it was a risk he was compelled to make.

Dr Grossman had by this time made an important decision for his family’s future and would announce it at dinner this evening. Mrs Grossman, her mother and father and Elijah would make up the required number to leave Vienna within the next week. Elijah’s paternal grandmother died shortly after her husband so there was no need to consider their needs. For his patients and hospital colleagues there was no option available to pay for their release and freedom out of Vienna. Each able person with some material worth was seeking a way out of the country. Dr