God’S Water Two

By Xlibris US

It is a tale of three men who survived the horror of Nazi Germany during the second world war. The men were able to stay alive during interment in a concentration camp. A struggle was carried out each and every day. Finally they were freed at the end of the war. They came to America and found freedom. Some lost their families and one lost his wife and child. Anger and hate was always in their minds, but they found their faith to be strong and eventually were able to give of themselves to others. It is a remarkable journey. God always finds those in need and hears your prayers. When one finds love in your heart, you can touch the souls of other hearts. Their reward was to be found in the afterlife. There they will continue their struggle to witness and remember those that died during the Holocaust. Their new affirmation was to help people remember and to do good deeds by directly loving others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493161393

Book preview

God’s Water Two

Berel Arrow

Copyright © 2014 by Berel Arrow.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014900386

ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4931-6138-6

Softcover 978-1-4931-6137-9

eBook 978-1-4931-6139-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Scripture taken from the Tanakh: The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text. Copyright © 1962, 1985, 1999 by the Jewish Publication Society. Used by permission.

Rev. date: 03/25/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

542049

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

I dedicate the book to all the

lives who have gone before this time.

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men

and keep the paths of the righteous

Proverbs 2:20

CHAPTER ONE

Don’t eat the candy! the man shouted. A little girl stood, holding her mother’s hand, among a large group of women and children separated from their spouses. The men were about fifty yards down the street, all of them standing, waiting for instructions. A German soldier handed the little girl a piece of candy. Her father kept yelling, but to no avail. The young girl took the candy, swallowing it quickly. The father stared at her for a few moments, not knowing what to do.

These people were forcibly removed from their homes and lined up in the streets. Their possessions were carried with them. They stood in utter silence. The Third Reich was in a process of eliminating all vermin from their country. All Jews were taken to concentration camps in Germany and other conquered countries. The reason was simple: Jews were dangerous and had to be removed from German life. They never created a vicious act against Germany, yet they were to be destroyed. The Germans confiscated their homes and their money was taken away. Human rights were no longer existent—a Jew was identified with a yellow star sewed onto their coats.

Mordechai kept his eye on his daughter. She seemed all right at the moment.

A German officer came to make a few announcements. He let the people know their destination and that they would be safe. Women and children would be separated from their spouses; they would be assigned to a truck for transportation to trains. This stirred much conversation.

In the distance, gunfire peppered the air and everyone quieted. Mordechai continued to watch his daughter. Her mother slowed, beginning to drag her body. It was apparent she was becoming weak.

A German soldier came over and took the child from her mother. Mordechai shouted and came running toward his daughter. An officer saw him, removed his pistol from his holster, and shot Mordechai. Mordechai fell to the ground and noticed blood on his coat. His wound was superficial, not a threat to his life. He quickly rose and looked to his daughter. She was on the ground, and her mother began to shake and yell at her. Her mother stood up and looked at her as a soldier dragged her away. Mordechai stared, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks. His daughter was murdered.

An officer gave orders to board the trucks. Everybody moved to their assigned truck, and Mordechai watched his wife get onboard, knowing he may never see her again. A devoutly religious man, what Mordechai was witnessing was beyond anything he could imagine. This thought would permeate his psyche for the rest of his life.

The Third Reich was in the process of enslaving the world and dictating German ideals and philosophy. The Jews were just part of the killing machine that Hitler used to promote his way of thinking. One tenet of Hitler’s philosophy was to destroy Jews at any cost. Jews were one problem that would interfere with the future of Germany.

Mordechai was on the truck, now on his way to the train. When he arrived there was confusion. The German soldiers were shouting orders, but some people were just too weak and fell to the ground. They were removed quickly and shot. Their bodies were trucked to an open grave and everything of value was removed. The Germans kept a record of everything: times, names, dispositions, and descriptions of all clothing.

Mordechai wasn’t sure where the train was going, but he knew it couldn’t be good. What sense would it make to fight? He only would be shot, so he kept his silence.

All the people were herded like cattle on the train, which had the most horrid conditions. Most endured. They finally reached the camp and offloading began.

Everyone was assigned barracks and clothing after being deloused. Everything they owned was stripped from them and recorded with precise accuracy.

Mordechai sat alone in his bunk and looked around. This has to be the most horrid place I’ve ever seen in my life, he thought. I feel like an animal with no control of my surroundings. He began to wonder. He bowed his head and thought of his family, then started to pray very quietly and continued to have his family in his heart.

He lifted his head for a moment and saw nothing. The barracks were gone. He was alone, surrounded only by bright blue light. He sat on a chair, the fabric smooth. Embedded in the material was a picture of an old Rabbi. The face showed power and gentleness at the same time. Mordechai began to calm—he was delighted to see the picture.

In front of chair was a small table with a silver goblet and a pitcher of water. He slowly leaned over, picked up the pitcher, and poured a glass. When he took it to his mouth, he felt a coolness that resolved most of his fears. He started to feel warm and quiet. He felt something was going to happen, but wasn’t quite sure what. True sadness had crept into his life—why he and his family had to suffer was beyond his comprehension. He asked with a loud voice, Where are you, my GOD of the universe? I have not been a bad or evil person; what have I done to deserve this treatment? Answer me, please. I need to know. Mordechai closed his eyes and began to cry. He again said, What have I done?

There was nowhere to go or walk. Mordechai looked in all directions for some hint of where he might be and found nothing—just an expanse of blue. He closed his eyes for a moment; suddenly standing in front of him was a woman dressed like his wife. She was beautiful, adorned with jewelry that appeared to be of the finest quality.

Stunned, Mordechai just stared at her. He spoke with difficulty, but finally said, Who are you?

She smiled and replied, My name is Ariella.

Where did you come from and what is your purpose?

The woman replied, Not so fast—everything will come in due time. First, I will be here to help and guide you. You must have patience and realize that GOD knows all and always is there to listen to your prayers.

Mordechai wasn’t sure what to say. I know God recognizes evil as a bad thing, so why should the good die and evil win?

That is not all there is. GOD has purpose and desired humankind to do good deeds; at the same time, evil must always be fought with strength and survival. No one wants to die. Life is limited and we all pass on, but we hope that heaven is a possibility that can bring us to peace.

She continued, Please look on the desk. There is a book with pictures I want you to see.

Mordechai lifted the book and opened it. There were pictures of his wife Tova and their daughter Esther. Mordechai stared at the pictures and lifted his head. There were no tears this time. He just looked at their faces.

The book disappeared and Ariella spoke. I want to take you somewhere to explain something you should know. Both of them appeared in a noisy street with police and members of the German army. Thousands of people were there. It appeared that a major conflict was about to occur.

Ariella turned to Mordechai and said, Don’t worry, nobody can hear or see us.

Mordechai answered, Where are we?

It is time for a history lesson. We are in Munich, Germany circa 1923. She turned from Mordechai and in an instant handed him an open book with the place marked.

Mordechai began to read, standing in the middle of a throng of people. Ariella said, Please read; you won’t be distracted till you finish. A silence surrounded Mordechai and he was able to read without interruption.

In November 1923, Hitler attempted to start a rebellion and overthrow the Weimar government of Germany. The Nazi party started as a terrorist group, but became well organized under the direction of Adolph Hitler. He employed young men as well as his gangs from old soldier groups, recruited to join a private army called the SA.

Thousands were ready to rebel in support of Hitler; however, other politicians close to Hitler called it off. On the night of November 8, Hitler gathered his troops, inserted his authority, and the revolution was started again when Hitler and his Nazis went into Munich. He thought this would be his opportunity to seize power. However, the army and police were called up and the rebellion was squashed. In a few days Hitler was arrested. Some were killed on both sides. This was called The PUTSCH of 1923.

Ariella turned to Mordechai and told him to focus on a couple in the crowd with a little girl. The street was crowded and very noisy. Another young woman a few feet away from the man and his wife was shouting, Free Germany. The couple, trying to get away from the crowd and the violence, was shoved by an SA soldier.

Watch where you’re going! the man yelled.

In an instant the soldier was angry and shot the man and his wife, killing them instantly. The daughter shook her parents’ bodies and screamed.

The young woman shouting wore a banner on her sleeve of the Nazi party. Her eyes were on the little girl left alone on the street. She quickly ran through the crowds of people and picked up the girl, then tried to quiet the little girl, who was crying for her parents. No one noticed as she carried the girl away.

The woman ran for some time and finally stopped. The little girl had fallen asleep resting on the young woman’s shoulder. After catching a trolley, they finally arrived at the apartment and went inside. She placed the little girl in bed and began to make some tea and food.

When the girl woke up, the woman came over to talk to her. The woman said, I’m sorry your parents went to heaven. My name is Anna. What’s your name?

The girl replied, Rebecca.

Anna said, That is really a good name. You have to stay with me for a while till we can find some of your relatives.

Luckily Anna received some information about some of Rebecca’s cousins and uncles. She planned to call or meet them and explain what happened. Perhaps by the following day, the relatives may know and be alarmed about Rebecca. Perhaps it would work out. The next day, Anna talked to several relatives and was going to meet one of Rebecca’s uncles. Anna told Rebecca that she contacted her uncle and would be meeting him tomorrow.

The next day they met with the other members of the family and Rebecca was taken away. Anna had a quick conversation with the family. She noticed they were in a rush to leave. The uncle worried about Anna, for what she might do. Anna came close to man and said, I know you’re Jewish. She turned away and began walking to the trolley. She never looked back.

Many years later, Anna rose in the ranks of the Third Reich and became personal secretary to a member of importance in the Gestapo—the Geheim Staatpolizei, the secret state police. They were the arm of Hitler and imposed destruction of anyone who disagreed with the dictator’s philosophy. They oppressed Germans, opponents, and Jews. The Gestapo were behind the plans to destroy every Jew—a plan termed the final solution.

Anna never saw Rebecca again. Often she would wonder what happened to the little girl. Many years later while doing some paperwork, she found a report that gave the names of people eliminated by the Germans.

Anna turned the pages of the lists, which were long. She found the names of Rebecca and her relatives. Anna was stunned, but showed no emotion in front of her superiors. She finished work that day and went home.

Many years had gone by since she grabbed Rebecca from the ground, yet she always thought of the girl. Anna was now married and had a young son. She got home late that night and went in to see her child. He was sleeping. She closed the door, sat on a chair, and stared at the mirror across from her. She wondered what made her take Rebecca from the street. She had saved her from ultimate elimination. Maybe she would have been a great musician or an artist. Nothing mattered now—she died and would be forgotten. Anna leaned back in the chair, thought and cried a little, then got up and looked at her son sleeping. She closed the door, sat down, and waited for her husband.

They will shoot them! someone yelled. The inmates in the barracks were confused. Everyone was running and trying to figure out what was happening. A man said, Hurry, come to the window and watch. Some men rushed to the windows, but several were too weak to get out of bed. One man lying in bed said, Tell me what’s going on.

As the men gathered at the windows, they stared and were silent. The ground was covered with snow and the air was biting cold. The men cleaned the windows as best as they could, but it still was difficult to see. Two men at one end were trying to understand why these men were being punished. Several men whispered among one another, concluding the men outside were smugglers.

The men outside were lined across and told to kneel down. Several German soldiers stood behind them. One by one they were shot in the head and fell to the ground instantly, murdered. The Germans left them there for a while so everyone could view them.

A German officer with a bullhorn stood in front on the bodies lying on the ground. Several shots were fired in the air to get attention of the prisoners in the barracks. This is the punishment anyone will get if they do not obey orders, the officer said.

Later in the night the bodies were removed and placed in a common pit with other dead prisoners. Their bodies were stripped of everything they wore, including gold teeth.

Mordechai went back to his bed and sat down. He was quiet and remorseful. A fellow prisoner came over to speak with him. The man said, Look, it could have been us. Mordechai got up and went back to a window, just stood there and looked out.

A German officer came in the barracks and called Mordechai’s name. Mordechai, frightened, quickly ran to the officer. Identification was checked. He waited outside the door and finally the officer came out and stood by him. Mordechai understood German and conversed with the officer, who told Mordechai that the next day at 9 a.m. a soldier would come for him, The next day the soldier walked into the barracks, seeking Mordechai. Mordechai stood and went with him. They walked from the barracks area down a long path, where a truck was waiting for them. The engine started and the truck drove down the road for a distance until Mordechai heard the brakes and the truck come to a halt.

A soldier came to the back of the truck and yelled for Mordechai to come out. Mordechai obliged, jumped out of the truck and stood perfectly still. He felt a little weak because he missed breakfast. Though the food was minimal, it was somewhat sustaining. Mordechai didn’t want to show any weakness for fear of being shot as he stood there. After a few minutes he was accompanied by a soldier to a house.

It was a fine home. After speaking to the soldier Mordechai learned this home, on sight of the camp, was the office and home of a high-ranking German officer. Mordechai was instructed to sit in a chair and wait. The soldier sat in the room and watched him.

After about an hour an orderly came out and asked the soldier to take Mordechai and follow him to another room. There they met a general. He may have been in charge of the entire camp; Mordechai wasn’t sure. The three men walked together and made their way down to lower level. Mordechai was confused, but did not utter a word. Finally they stopped in an empty room. The high-ranking officer spread a plan of his desire to convert this area into a shelter. He then turned to Mordechai and told him that German engineers and other experts would be in charge of this project. The officer told Mordechai, Any infraction or trouble brought upon this building will end in your execution. Is this clear to you?

Mordechai nodded, signifying he understood. He was taken away and marched into another room. Sitting at the desk was another officer who was to be his immediate boss. He was told that he would handle all instructions and tools. A guard would be posted while he worked to ensure no problems arose. A car would bring him back to the barracks at night and bring him there in the morning.

Afterward, Mordechai was marched out of the building and driven back to his barracks. Before leaving the car, he was instructed not to tell a soul about his work. If information was leaked out about the project, the blame would be his and elimination would take place quickly. Mordechai was released and he found his way back to the barracks. A few men approached Mordechai to find out where he went and what he was doing. He refused to tell them anything, even though their questions continued for several days. They watched him come and go, but none knew what he was doing.

After four or five days, Mordechai spoke to a few men and explained if he mentioned what he was doing, he would be executed. He explained to the men that nothing he was doing would affect them. They thought about Mordechai’s words and decided to leave him alone.

Every day, Mordechai came and went. He reported to the officer in charge and was told what needed to be done that day. The German soldiers gave Mordechai extra food, an act that perplexed him. The food sustained him and he started to gain a little weight. During lunch one day, Mordechai was allowed to sit outside with his trusty guard watching him.

He was searched every day before he was returned to the barracks. He began to think of a possible escape. He found it necessary to try to steal some keys that would allow some advantage, but he couldn’t find where to hide them, so he abandoned that effort. Several days later, another inmate joined Mordechai in doing odd jobs on the building, then ten days later, a crew of ten German workers arrived, followed by some large equipment. They kept the prisoners busy. At times, Mordechai tried to talk to the other worker, but was watched by the soldiers. He and the other men were kept away from the workers. Both of them spoke German and tried to catch