Stigmata of Auschwitz Part 2

By Gabor Bartos

The Stigmata of Auschwitz is the brief story of the life and love of Rebekah and Gabriel.

The two main characters of the story are a young Jewish couple whose lives bringing up their young child are cut short and sacrificed to an evil Nazi ideology.

The story takes place between March 1938 to September 1941, in the time of the Shoah (the Holocaust).

Gabriel is from Budapest in Hungary, where he is sent on a mission to Munkács in Western Ukraine. There he meets Rebekah. They fall in love, marry, and settle in Munkács, where the population is 42% Jewish.

In Munkács, Gabriel and Rebekah build up a successful business and public life: he becomes a councillor representing the Jewish community, while she is a member of the Union of Jewish Women. To complete their enviable lifestyle, they have a much-loved baby son.

But their dream is destroyed by the antisemitism unleashed at the outbreak of the Second World War; their life together is ruined by the ruling fascist elite. Consequently, they departed to Auschwitz, where they are murdered.

However, their two-year-old son is rescued and raised by their neighbour.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781035818297

Gabor Bartos

The author’s name is Gabor Bartos. He was born in Budapest 71 years ago. Gabor is a retired ex-piano tuner, inventor and former mayor of Poynton in Cheshire. He loves reading books and he has managed to collect a very eclectic collection of mainly factual and historical books, particularly biographies of interesting people. Gabor has never planned or thought that he should write a novel. He has been inspired to write this novel after a terrible spiritual and emotional experience during a visit to the concentration/death camp at Auschwitz.

Book preview

About the Author

The author’s name is Gabor Bartos. He was born in Budapest 71 years ago. Gabor is a retired ex-piano tuner, inventor and former mayor of Poynton in Cheshire. He loves reading books and he has managed to collect a very eclectic collection of mainly factual and historical books, particularly biographies of interesting people. Gabor has never planned or thought that he should write a novel. He has been inspired to write this novel after a terrible spiritual and emotional experience during a visit to the concentration/death camp at Auschwitz.

Dedication

With this fictional story of a young couple who have lived in Transcarpathia at the darkest time of the twentieth century. I am presenting these facts to all those people who seek the truth of the historical event, of the Shoah (Holocaust) when six million innocent children, women and men were murdered in Europe alone.

Copyright Information ©

Gabor Bartos 2023

The right of Gabor Bartos to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781035818280 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035818297 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

But why??? Please let me live!

Part Two

Chapter 63

New Car, Dynamos for Rural Communities Bank Delegation

Well, it’s a big day for us, Monday, the 3rd of October as we are back again to Mr Czerny Garage on Sugár ut, to collect our new automobile Škoda Superb Luxury.

The taxi driver came to collect us from our house to taking us to Mr Czerny Garage. I have introduced Mr David Adler who is a local taxi driver to Rebekah who is going to teach her to drive of our new car.

Mr Adler came with us to see our new car, as we walked to the garage Mr Czerny welcomed us in his office and after we’ve completed the paperwork of the sale then he gave me the car keys he walked us to the car. When he opened the door on the passenger side for Rebekah and there was a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates on the seat. Rebekah was so touched by Mr Czerny’s thoughtfulness that she pecked a kiss on Mr Czerny’s face, in responding to that in a mannered gesture and a good salesman attitude he kissed Rebekah’s hand and said, ‘I hope you will have a pleasurable use of the car, it’s matching your look perfectly.’

While we were chatting with Mr Czerny, Mr Adler was looking over the car’s features and technical details as he is going to teach Rebeka to drive this automobile. Then he turned to us and said it with an approval in his voice; ‘Well Gabriel you have chosen well this is the best and most luxurious automobile on the market. It must of have cost you a lot of money, but it is worth it. I cannot wait to test drive it and give you driving lessons, Rebekah.’

Then we both got in the car and drove away from the garage heading to our factory on Partalja utca. What a sheer joy to drive this car it is truly on experience despite I am a little rusty with driving as I have not driven since I have completed and passed my driving lessons.

When we arrived at the factory and got out Viktoria and Isaack came out from the office to have a look at our new car. A proud Rebekah has walked around the car and shown it to her father and to Viktoria of the inertia and the comfort of the car. She said, ‘You know the leather seats are so comfortable they have coil springs just like in our settee. Isaack got into the driver’s seat and checked the instruments on the dashboard. With a typical engineering comment, yes it looks very modern and so many instruments to keep you to informed of the engine’s performance.’ He asked me to open the bonnet and studied the engine and with an approved smile he said, ‘Well done my boy Mazel tov to you both.’

Rebekah gave Isaack a hug and said, ‘Look Papa, we have an automobile this is what I have dreamed of as a young girl and now it has become reality.’

Isaack pulled Rebekah to his chest and kissed her on the head and with an emotional voice he said, ‘Well just praise the Lord Rebekah he is favouring you with giving Gabriel as your husband I am very pleased for you, my beautiful daughter.’

After all the excitement, we got back to reality and went into the office behind our desks to get on with our work. I was looking through my mail and with all the expectations I have received some orders which have made me even happier to know of all these luxurious items we have committed ourselves to will be paid for by the business we are working so hard for.

One letter made my day, the one that came from Zoltán. He has confirmed that our discussion over the idea of portable electricity generator /dynamo has been positively welcomed by the board of directors at Ganz Works and they have a backing from the influential members of the Hungarian Parliament. They like the idea, and they will support it financially as well. So, we have a designer team who have come up with a design for different sizes and specifications of generators to be manufactured. Hoping to exhibit this complete system at the forthcoming Budapest International Spring fair.

Your system’s will be ready to be dispatched by the end of this month and you should receive them by Wednesday of 19th November. Yours and Isaack’s order is on its way already.

And most importantly thank you for the payment you have transferred for the units we have sent to you at our first consignments on a sale or return basis. Ps. The directors have approved your dealership and they are committed that they would give you as much support to explore for a much wider region to cover and support us as main agent for Ganz Works.

‘At dinner time, I have volunteered that I will drive all of us to the Star Hotel Restaurant and I will pay for the meal.’

‘That will be fantastic Gabriel, at least we can test the car in action I will ask Rita to come and join us at the Star Hotel so she can have a look at your new car. What a joy it takes only three minutes to get to the restaurant instead twenty minutes walking the same distance.’ Rita just arrived at the hotel as we were getting out of the car. She has applauded us for the car as her way to approve our new car. Rebekah has shown the inside of the car to Rita then she encouraged Rita to sit in the back seat of the car while Rebekah was telling her that she is going to have a driving lesson from Mr Alder the taxi driver.

Sándor walked into the restaurant, but he was not going to stop but he has seen our car in front of the hotel, so he knew that we should of be there.

‘Look Gabriel I must talk to you about a very important subject, if I come to your house about seven would that be alright with you?’

Rebekah said to Sándor, ‘You could have a meal with us, how about that?’

‘That would be very good of you Rebekah, let us make it at seven.’

‘Look forward to seeing you Sándor at seven.’

Rebekah and Rita were chatting about event since two of them not see each other mainly about the Škoda.

‘Isaack was telling me that he had a letter from the officials from Hungarian Agricultural Ministry that a delegation from their River-Engineers who are coming to Beregszász to set up their offices there want to come over here to test our conveyors.’

‘That is fantastic news Isaack! Well, it makes sense as you are the nearest conveyor to the River Tisza and to Beregszász. If any machine would break down, we are the nearest ones to get it fixed or replace it with a new unit.’

After we finished with our lunch, I have drove a small tour around of Munkács just to test our new automobile, Rebekah was sitting in the back seat with Rita and Isaack next to me in the front passenger seat. I was surprised to see on the size of Munkács as I drove around on the cobblestoned roads from the Star Hotel on Rákóczi utca, Zrinyi Ilona utca, Bethlehen utca, Bocskay köz, Sugár ut, Bathányi Lajos utca, Nagyhegy utca, Fő utca Kossuth Lajos utca and then back to our factory on Partalja utca. This journey would of have taken us probably a good couple of hours. We have decided that we will drive to the hills on Sunday for a picnic. We all got excited over that as Yom Kippur will be over by then.

I had nothing else but appraisal for the car and everybody has agreed that it was a good investment which we are all going to have the benefit of travelling in comfort.

‘Rebekah was saying, and what shall we call this automobile?’

‘Her name is Rebekah, like you my love. She is a feminine looking machine so let us call her Rebekah.’

Rebekah blushed and said, ‘Thank you my darling you are so kind to me.’

‘This is our new baby my love until our real baby will arrive this car will substitute the real baby.’

Isaack and Rita looked at us and before they could say anything I said, ‘No there is no baby on the way as we haven’t really started to plan it yet as we both have been far too busy and exhausted in the hard work that we are putting into our secure future.’ ‘First, we have to establish our life and business before we could commit our self to having a family.’

‘Rebekah was grateful for my quick intervention as she were getting worried that her papa would have believed of us that we have told him about a lie over our hurried marriage arrangement.’

‘Just looked at Rita and Isaack faces as they have relieved of my correction of the truth that we are not having a baby just yet.’

‘In all embarrassment, Isaack has invited Rita to have a look at the factory as it is in full steam of production, and he has shown her the new conveyor as well.’

‘When they walked into the shop floor, some people have greeted Rita as: good afternoon Mrs Grósz.’

‘Rita has enjoyed the tour around the factory floor and at the end they both came back to the office where Rebekah and I were working away at our desks.’

Rita has sat down with a cup of coffee in the office with Isaack then she said goodbye to all of us and with a big smile on her face as she walked past and stroked our automobile, and she has walked home alone.

Then we all buried ourselves in our work without noticing as the time has passed already six in the afternoon. Viktoria has gone and Rebekah has been horrified that we have invited Sándor for a super and we are still at the office. We have locked op the office and got into our new member of our family into the Škoda I have dropped Isaack off at the corner of Partalja utca and Latorca utca as we were continuing home to our house.

As I got out of the car to open the large gate, I drove into our courtyard where I have parked it up for the night. I thought that we must have a garage to keep this car in a secure area. As we got out of the car both dogs rushed to the car and started sniffing the wheels and the body. There was a kind of confusion on the two faithful dog’s faces and behaviour.

Rebekah has gone straight to the kitchen to prepare the food that she cooked yesterday, Cholet with smoked beef and fresh bread. I went to the cellar to get some jars full of new wine for the meal.

Sándor has arrived at seven as he promised it and he brought a bouquet of very nice flowers for Rebekah. He looked exhausted which I have not seen him in that state since I have known him.

Rebekah was ready to serve the Cholet, but Sándor went to our bathroom to wash his face and hands for the meal on his return he looked a bit more relaxed as we have prepared to have our seudah ha-mafaseket (literally, meal of separation or concluding meal).

Rebekah has commented on the state of Sándor. ‘You look like someone who had a very busy day Sándor.’

‘Yes, you are right Rebekah, I would not wish a day that I have today not even to my enemy either.’

‘Hmmm, I like the smell of this delicious meal Rebekah already even I have not tasted the food yet.’

Sándor has not said anything about why he wanted to talk to me but really it would not be the right time for it as we have a relaxed conversation with our meal. At the end of our meal, he has opened while Rebekah was doing the washing up in the kitchen.

‘He told me that he had a very heated argument with the present mayor and his other deputy mayor over the election for the next year’s new mayor for obvious reasons the mayor was pushing his other deputy to be the elected mayor from the first of January 1939.’

‘One thing they have forgotten, Gabriel that I am still a practicing barrister and as they have tried to accuse me of interfering with the banking sector in Munkács favouring foreign investors against Czechoslovakian investors interest.’

‘But the Czechs business influences days are on the downhill as the changes are happening already influenced from Hungary in the matter of weeks. This is all the dirty trick of the Transcarpathian Prime Minister Avgusztin Volosin. He is a very nasty person Gabriel, so is his spy who is in Munkács council, he is a womaniser, and on ex-army officer, he has been kicked out of the Czech military because of his behaviour, his name is H. Murskovits if you ever come across of him just avoid him, because he is a bully and he doesn’t like Jews and Hungarians at all.’

‘It was Avgusztin Volosin who has instigated András Bródy PM’s to be imprisoned.’

‘The Czech Government is just ignoring the First Viennese agreement Resolution which concludes in that agreement that the Czech’s are committed that they will handover Transcarpathia to the Hungarians.’

‘Thank you for the warning I will remember this name Sándor I won’t forget it.’

‘The real reason I wanted to talk to you Gabriel I cannot be seen with the delegation from the Royal Hungarian National Bank representatives who are going to arrive on Wednesday the 5th of November actually the day after tomorrow. They are planning to seal the deal on the property on the Corso and they want to start the alterations on the building.’

‘I understand Mr Segal wants to open the bank by January next year. This is where we want you to help them with your local knowledge like getting their license and overseeing the works on the building till date of opening. They will look after you and your business for the future Gabriel. Not to mention as you know they are members of our organisation, and we owe them this support.’

‘Sándor, you know that I will do anything for our organisation as I have relied on, their support since I arrived here in Munkács. Of course, they can count on my support whichever way I can help them. I can take over the restoration and alteration of this building to suit the banks specification. May well be I can use Mr József Klein he is a good tradesman he did an excellent finish on my house just like the Sutyai Béla Furniture Company, I know the foremen called István they are an excellent company too. As you know the Sutyai company furnished the Ungvár Parliament in 1935–36.’

‘Well, Gabriel it’s looks like you have the team of contractors already for the job.’

‘I must employ someone to help me at the showroom who could take off the weight from my shoulder who is good with sales and also in the office as well. I hope you could recommend someone for me.’

‘I will make some enquiries, Gabriel and will let you know tomorrow. Also, if you would tell Isaack that I have sent some welders who are good enough to do his conveyors.’

‘Also, I was telling him about the good news over the petrol motor driven portable electricity generators from Ganz Works and their successful meeting with Hungarian governmental officials to support this project in financially.’

‘That is going to help our effort to distribute these electricity generators among those in Munkács and Bereg County’s rural communities.’

‘Sándor has apologised for he has to leave so soon as he is very tired from the day of war he had to fight with the opposition gangsters for the top job, of the Mayor of Munkács.’

‘After Sándor went home, we both had a time to reflect on the exciting day that we had with the new automobile and generally the successful day we had today.’

Rebekah asked me; ‘what has happened with Sándor? I have never seen him in such state.’

‘I was telling her the way the Czech administration is getting nastier towards the Hungarian and Jewish origins as the changes are getting nearer to the end.’

‘According to the First Viennese decision making resolutions that are forcing them to follow that decision they have agreed and signed up to it.’

‘Anyway, darling just let us not think about them as they are spoiling our nice day.’

Before we went to bed, we went to our front door just once more to have a look at our new automobile which looked sparkling in the moonlight.

As we were getting ready for Yom Kippur, I kissed Rebekah as she has cuddled into my arms and soon as she did that, she was already fast asleep.

I did not get to sleep immediately as I was making some plans for next week in my Town Hall as I am going to present my report to the full council. That thought diverted me to sleep.

Chapter 64

Yom Kippur, Bank Delegation

In the morning, Rebekah and I got dressed for the occasion in white robes covered on top of our cloths, as we were walking to the synagogue to celebrate⁷⁰Yom Kippur on the 4th of October. The whole business and entertainment life have stopped in Munkács as in 1938. The Jewish community numbered 13,488 it was representing 42.7% of the total population.

I have never seen so many Jewish people in one place who were all dressed for Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) this is the day of repentance, the most holy day on the Jewish calendar.

For me who was growing up in Budapest, it was an amazing experience to see the people who were able to practice our religion so openly, freely and in unity. It was truly an uplifting feeling for me to be Jewish.

As we were walking to the Hoif Complex Synagogue Jokingly I said to Rebekah, ‘Look my love we’ve just bought an automobile yesterday and this morning we are walking. Hmm.’

We have chosen the morning service Shachrit as we planned to stay home till tomorrow morning and celebrate the end of Yom Kippur again in the synagogue on Wednesday 5th of October.

It was a very special day, a solemn celebration as we reflected on our past year. And my goodness what a busy year it has been.

We are both fasting for the rest of the two days of the holydays and just praying and meditating on our spiritual life.

At the synagogue, the scene and the atmosphere were so upliftingly pure as we all dressed in white then the way we have offered our souls to the Lord for cleansing and blessing.

At the end of the service, we walked straight into our home and just relaxed and praised the Lord that He has chosen us to be His people.

This celebration has followed the Sukkot⁷¹ the Eighth Day of the Solemn Assembly (Feast of Booths, Leviticus 23:34), which has ended our month long Jewish Holydays.

Early morning, I have overslept this morning as I was very tired after a busy day that we had.

Rebekah was dressed already and made me an omelette with onion it was still hot when she served it with fresh bread and a delicious Russian tea. This was our first food since the beginning of Yom Kippur. After we finished our breakfast, we both got into the car, and I have driven Rebekah to the factory then I drove to the Town Hall where I have left the car in the carpark.

As I was walking into my office, I kept turning back to look at it.

Andre was in the office already and he asked me if I had bought the car yet.

‘Yes, I have its Andre we’ve picked it up yesterday morning. I will take you out for a test later at lunch time.’

‘I can’t wait to see it Gabriel. You have received a letter from your friend Miklós I haven’t opened it as I thought that is personal to you, but I have opened all the others which I have put it on your desk.’

Eagerly I was going through Miklós letter to learn if everything was alright on his organised tour throughout the towns and villages in Transcarpathia.

‘Was everything alright for Miklós arrangements Gabriel?’

‘Yes, Andre you’ve done a great job to organising the events of poetry evenings for Miklós. It was a well-received and successful tour for them. But the rest of his personal for me.’

Trying to work out with Andre all the requests we have received for our next seasons live theatrical events and for an overwhelming demand for the movies.

‘Andre, we are going to get stuck, with the lack of available copies of films and there is a much greater demands for the comedy movies. We have received only a limited number of copies and there is a demand for a greater number of musicals, comedies, and western movies from Hollywood, like Chaplin, Laurel, and Hardy. John Wayne, Cecilia Parker>, Forrest Taylor, George Gabby Hayes, Mae West.’

‘Why are the western movies so popular, Gabriel?’

‘It is like Hans Christian Andersen’s stories; the poor boy will marry the princess.’

’Well, I guess because the public want to see more happy endings. Like the good cowboy who wears a white hat always wins over the cowboy who is the baddie the one who wears the black hat. Basically, it is based upon the old story Good will win over the Bad person.

‘It has been taught to us from childhood by the Rabbi in the synagogues shul that The Lord God is Prevail over evil.’

Just look at all those great movie directors or studio owners, actors, and actresses most of them Jewish origin, mainly Hungarian origins. Like:

Béla Lugosi,

Harry Houdini, (Erik Weisz, a rabbi’s son)

WILLIAM FOX, the Founder of Fox Film Corporation,

ADOLPH ZUKOR, the Founder of Paramount Picture

The Korda brothers: Sándor and Zoltán

Michael Curtiz (Kertész Mihály)

Lya De Putti (Amália Putty)

Sári Fedák (born in Beregszász)

Mari Jászai

‘And there are many more of these great Pioneers Andre, who have set the example from the silent movies to the modern sound production (Talking pictures) movie stars who shaped and influenced the moving pictures industry for ever.’

Andre’s face illuminated on the brief examples that I have told him on the true facts of contribution that made to the industry by Hungarian Movie pioneers.

‘Look Andre I am training you to become the best agent for the entertainment world not just here in Munkács but wherever your destiny will take you. Remember this Andre you always stand in the back of the auditorium and watch the reaction of the audience faces, when they have been entertained by any artist it could be music, drama, or comedy or a movie.’

‘If the audience is applauding an artist, they are the ones you should promote not the mediacy or the one who has been booed off the stage. Take no personal preference on any artist because they are good looking, or they look pretty on stage. Always judge them by their talent, how can they hypnotise grab the attention of their audiences and that is called charisma. They are the one who you should represent them and be their agent.’

‘Thank you for educating me Gabriel, for all this advice you are giving me to what to look out for and how to present myself in front of unexpected situations.’

‘Good, I am very pleased to know that you understand what it is all about and the meaning of the entertainment business.’

‘But I am going back to that main and very important fact that we are having a situation over the lack of numbers of movies which are available for us for distribution, and we have to reorder more from our suppliers from Hungary or otherwise the cinemas in the regions will be complaining to the council that we don’t do our jobs properly. So, we don’t want that, Andre, do we?’

‘Just look at the time Andre it is half past twelve already come on I’ll take you out for a drive to experience my lovely new automobile which we now called Rebekah. You will see why we call it Rebekah.’

As we got outside the town hall Andre has spotted my car immediately in the carpark.

‘Well, is that the car over there in the carpark? It is unmistakably yours Gabriel. Am I right?’

‘How did you know that Andre have you seen me parking it up on my arrival?’

‘No, but it is different it has two tone colour for a start with and it somehow looks flamboyant. You could have a black car but you like being different and the things you like are not like what other people would settle with, that is the way you are, an individual.’

‘I feel this mentality of yours is now greatly influencing the way I think, and I behave. You are like a big brother for me Gabriel you are caring and encouraging me and Viktoria as well. I thank you for that.’

‘Do not be silly Andre, Rebekah and I are very fond of both of you and Viktoria.’

‘I am glad that you like my automobile, I can see that it won’t be much longer when you will be able to have a car like this one.’

As we got back to our office from the test drive around Munkács and we got some sandwiches from the downstairs Moskop Restaurant and gone back to our office where we shared it, then we have finished our report for the next morning Full Town Council Meeting session in the town hall for this coming Thursday the 13th of October.

By the time I realised it was four in the afternoon as I was leaving from my office in the town hall, I was dashing to our factory and managing of the agency’s business affairs as I was expecting the notification from the freight company over my order from Ganz Works.

My stock has gone down tremendously, and it worries me that I would end up without a balanced stock from which I could supply my customers. I have to have a stock taking again to know which the most populist product is and reorder them.

I just can’t wait for that helper the one Sándor was recommended to me to take the pressure off of my shoulders as I feel it again that I am doing far too much on my own.

Rebekah walked to my desk she kissed me on my head and said, ‘It’s time to go home my love it is six a clock, it’s home time.’

‘Yes, this is it, there is not enough time in the day which would be enough to finish with our work.’

We locked up the office then I have taken Isaack and Viktoria in my new car as far as the town hall square where I have dropped them off, then we have continued our journey to our beautiful home on Latorca utca.

‘I just did not feel to go out this evening for an evening meal with Rebekah as she is visibly looking very tired so just to protect her to do any cooking for tonight. I asked her if there is some Cholet left from the last night meal, that I would like to have it again this evening.’

She looked at me and said, ‘Yes, of course my darling. As you know I felt so tired today as we are working on my papa’s year end accounts with Viktoria. My eye was tired and burning from the constant bending over the account books and working out the figures. Luckily, we have the comptometer which helps me in my work, you know the one we have purchased at the auction.’

After our meal, we’ve settled into our armchairs and just talked and updated each other of our plans for next week.

‘What is your program for tomorrow, Gabriel?’

‘I am coming to work with you to the office as I have to do the stocktaking at last.’

‘Then on Friday the 8th we will celebrate Shabbat together.’

‘On Sunday, I am going to have Mr Klein here to discuss the garage situation for our car.’

On Monday the 10th, I am collecting the delegation from the station who are arriving to finalise the purchasing of the building on the Corso for the Royal Hungarian State Bank.

‘Are you going to entertain them for the evening meal Gabriel?’

‘No darling I won’t, but I will collect them from the station at midday and will take them to the hotel so they will have a time on their own, so they will be able to look around in the centre of town. I guess they also have to study the standard of shops, and businesses for their report. But I will be with them on Tuesday to help them with all the purchasing process and the licensing permit for banking which I think will be straight forward as they have applied for the licence from Budapest.’

‘I have made on appointment for Wednesday the 12th of October at the estate agents office to finalise the deal. Then in the afternoon we meet up with the contractors at the building to discuss of the specifications for what alteration need to be done for the new bank building.’

The members of the delegation have met up with the contractors on the Wednesday with Mr József Klein builder and István from Sutyai Béla Furniture Company and had agreed and signed the contract with them to complete the alteration by the 10th of December 1938.

I have reminded Rebekah that, ‘This evening you and I will be entertaining the delegation at the Star Hotel Restaurant. The leading member of the delegation and the design engineer for the bank Mr Abraham Schwartz thanked us and asked me to keep my eye on the workmen which would relief him from keep travelling to Munkács from Budapest to oversee the progress on the building. He told me that they are planning to open the branch in the beginning of January 1939.’

By the time Rebekah and I got into our bed, we both were so exhausted just wanted to have a shower and a good night sleep, but Rebekah had a different idea she said, ‘Darling I need a cuddle and a lullaby before I’ll get to sleep.’

On the following day on Thursday 13th, they went to the station on their own and travelled back home to Budapest, I had the presentation at the Full Council meeting at the Town Hall.

I suppose that the members of delegation will report back to the bank governors on next Friday the 14th of October.

Well just looking back on this past week it was one of the busiest weeks so far. Meeting the delegation, more importantly they were very happy with the achievement of the purchasing of the building and receiving all the necessary documents and operating license for an independent branch in Munkács and the deal with the contractors had been agreed and signed.

They were very satisfied with the contractor’s quotation and with their completion timetable for the opening date of the bank which is by early January next year.

With all of this information they have collected and taken back with them to the Head Office in Budapest, and they reported to the governors on the successful trip they have had with my assistance in Munkács.

On the following week, I have received a very nice thank you letter from Mr Segal for my assistance for the planned successful opening date of the new branch on time for the Royal Hungarian State Bank in Munkács.

‘Mr Segal also mentioned your name Rebekah and he is sending his kind regards to you my darling wife. Well, that is a recognition for you Rebekah, what an impact you have made on Mr Segal.’

‘I hope you are not jealous, Gabriel.’

‘Of course, not darling I know your loyalty and your love for me Rebeka, it was just a joke.’

Also, there was a separate letter for me from Mr Lipót Baranyai who is the Head Governor of the Royal Hungarian State Bank for my consultancy and for being the site manager to oversee of all contractors works to be carried out to the standard for the bank specification.

Well, here is another successful achievement is in unfolding, and I just cannot wait to see of the opening day of the bank.

---

⁷⁰ Yom Kippur↩︎

⁷¹ Sukkot↩︎

Chapter 65

Orders from Ganz Works, Orders for Conveyors and News and Reverberation of Kristallnacht

Well, it’s time again to take my presentation to the council on Thursday 13th October.

After my successful workplan presentation to the Full Council Meeting on the future entertainment projects, there was some councillors who have questioned me over the lack of movies that have been distributed to county wide cinemas. I have pointed out in my major point that the distribution was halted by the lack of supply which is due to a much greater demand from other parts of the country and of the current situation throughout the European film distributions.

Also, the reason is due to the lack of discipline of some cinema owners who are projecting those movies for a longer period than it was agreed in the first place. The councillors have accepted my explanation and they have moved onto the next council agenda point, so I was free to leave the Council Chamber. As I was leaving the Council Chamber Sándor sent me a massage on a piece of paper that he wanted to speak to me urgently. Well, I did not know the reason, so I was panicking it may well be something serious as he would not contact me in such an urgency.

‘Andre criticised the councillor who was questioning me. I’ve explained to him the story what this councillor motives are and his campaign against Sándor and they know that we are friends with Sándor, so they are just trying to find some faults with our work to get rid of us from the council and put their own supporters into our positions. This is called dirty politics Andre just keep away from them it doesn’t make you happy a mainly doesn’t pay enough to be go along with them.’

‘At the midday council meeting break, Sándor came into our office and asked Andre to stay with us as he should hear the news that he has just received from Budapest about what happened in Germany and in Austria over the weekend. I have never seen Sándor in such a state, his voice was angry and coarse.’

‘He told us what the new Nazi party members did to Jewish businesses in they antisemitic rage they ransacked and burned properties and synagogues and beat to death people who tried to protect their businesses from the Nazis who were smashing the windows on their properties.’

‘Cynically they codenamed this evil event Kristallnacht.’

We both, Andre, and I, were just stunned at Sándor’s news and there was a kind of fear, anger and disbelieve that the Germans would do something like this.

‘This is more than just a provocation Sándor; this is an opening up of a much wider war against us the Jewish world.’

‘No Gabriel this hate campaign goes against the Gypsy’s, the communists, and various other organisations as well.’

‘Well, the Germans have never forgotten and forgiven to the Armistice leaders (like Thomas Masaryk who has supported the leaders of the negotiation team of the Armistice and for his loyal support he has been gifted with a newly created country called Czechoslovakia. This was the one of the results of the Armistice Agreement which created so much division and discord among many nations like here in Transcarpathia). For this reason, the Nazis closed all opposition societies in Germany, and they have become a banned organisation.’

‘The French premier, Georges Clemenceau, in particularly insisted on imposing enormous reparation payments on Germany, despite of the objection of the British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, had foreseen the consequences this would create with this harsh punishment but the French leadership has insisted against objections and they have punished Germany with such a harsh fine which amounted to $ 37 Billion in 1920.’

‘This fine resulted in high unemployment, poverty and unrest among the German people and created the nationalists to take over the political power in Germany which consequently has created the Nazi Party which is basically an anti-Semite organisation. The Nazis have preached the Aryan Race and claimed a strict hierarchy over the human race "The Aryan Northern Race".’

‘Nazi controlled political party with Hitler the Führer has become a dictatorial propaganda regime by claiming that they are the Third Reich.’

‘I didn’t know this Gabriel, is it really that bad?’

‘No of course not as you went to a Czech run school where they have only taught their own propaganda. Don’t forget that history is always written by the conquerors.’

‘I don’t know Andre if it is that bad. What do you think Sándor?’

‘Yes, Andre it is bad news I do not think it is only for us but may be for the whole world.’

‘Over 7,000 Jewish businesses were damaged or destroyed, and 30,000 Jewish men were arrested> and incarcerated in concentration camps.’

‘Just let us keep our eyes on the news which is coming from Germany. In the meantime, we are just getting on with our life as normal as Germany is far away from Munkács.’

‘Sándor, what is the feeling in Budapest over the alarming situation in Germany?’

‘What advise do they have for us?’

They are studying the development Gabriel and that is all they say, ‘So far so good.’

‘But they will be advising us on what we should do as this is unfolding.’

‘Just changing the conversation from this bad news. How is your business getting on Gabriel?’

‘I was telling Sándor that we have a greenlight from Ganz Works over their supplies of the petrol motor driven electric power generators as they have received a financial and political backing for these generators. It won’t be long when we can deliver these generators. I think Sándor and Andre we should have a meeting to decide on the delivery priorities.’

‘That is excellent Gabriel when should we get together? Do you think this Sunday at your house Gabriel.’

‘Yes, that is a good idea, we could have a dinner for five of us. You, Sándor, Andre with Viktoria, and myself with Rebekah.’

‘Could we ask Rabbi Baruch to set up a meeting in the Hoif Complex with all the Rabbis of Munkács and Beregszász Counties and we could do a presentation to them and ask for their cooperation on the selection and distribution.’

‘I will talk to Rabbi Baruch Gabriel. How many generators are available?’

‘I have ordered 100 units Sándor but if we would have more demand for this generator, I always can reorder them.’

‘What would be the cost on these generators Gabriel?’

‘Only the shipping cost Sándor, as I’ve explained it to you for these generators cost has been divided between the government and Ganz Works as a promotional gift to Munkács and Bereg Counties.’

‘They want us to supply these communities with as much documentation like photographs and newspaper articles for their own propaganda purposes.’

‘That will not be a problem Gabriel. But tell me how you managed to achieve this deal with such a high profile.’

‘Well, we have a very helpful friend at Ganz Works you know him Sándor he is Dr Zoltán Hacsek.’

‘He is a very helpful connection Gabriel I will make appraisal for him in my report at OMZSA.’

‘I am sorry Sándor I have to go I have promised to Rebekah that I will pick her up at the factory.’

‘Are you coming with me Andre?’

‘Yes, I am coming, we are going out with Viktoria tonight so you will save me to walk to your company.’

‘During our evening meal I was very quiet Rebekah kept looked at me to see if I was alright. Is everything alright with you my love?’

‘No, I am alright but after the meal I will tell you.’

‘After the meal when we sat back into our favourite chairs in the lounge, I was telling Rebekah this alarming news what Sándor was telling me. Rebekah’s face just turned white as if she would have fainted at this news.’

‘You know Gabriel I am glad for I am sitting otherwise I would of have fainted by hearing this terrible news.’

‘But please just don’t tell it to anybody until it is printed in the newspapers.’ ‘Why is it so secretive Gabriel?’’

‘Because I don’t want to be seen that I am involved with any kind of political gossip or other views which would be used against me by the people who aren’t favouring me.’

‘Why Gabriel are there is anyone who doesn’t like you at the town hall?’

‘Oh yes, my love there are people who would like to have my job. But they don’t know how to organise a dinner party never mind the complex department that I have control of they think it is so easy to do that so they can do it as well.’

‘I was telling Rebekah that Sándor had to fight hard for his opportunity to become the Mayor of Munkács.’

‘Well, please don’t tell me about any more bad news for tonight Gabriel.’

‘No, I promise you my love.’

We both went to bed in a sad mood and tried to work out this bad news we’ve heard today in our mind before we have fallen asleep.

Early next morning when we got into our office at the factory, I’ve just tried to catch up with my paperwork and my accounts which I have prepared for Rebekah to look through and complete in a proper accountancy format.

‘Isaack asked me to do some translation for him as he has received a letter from Miss Jennifer Wood, The Conveyor and Elevator Company in Accrington England.’

‘Oh, Isaack this is just a courtesy enquiry about if the advice that they have given you if it was helpful and how are you progressing with the production.’

‘That is very good of them Gabriel after all they have given us so much advise which was very helpful to overcome some technical tricks which helped our better understanding of the system. I guess these are a kind of trade secrets. Would you please reply back to them a thank you letter in my name for their courtesy and let them know that we will share our experience with them in the future then I’ll sign the letter. Thank you, Gabriel.’

‘Mr Béla Róth, a journalist from the Független Újság (Independent Newspaper) called into the office and asked for Isaack.’

‘I haven’t forgotten our appointment with you Gabriel, but I’ve got your cancellation request. So, any time when you are free, I still would like to have that interview with you.’

‘He sat down with Isaack, and he was telling him that Mr Aladár Vozáry from the Transcarpathian Trade and Commerce office has told him that Isaack will be part of the exhibition team and asked Isaack if he could take some photos of Isaack with the conveyor what he is going to take with the Transcarpathian traders team for the next years International Spring Trade Exhibition in Budapest.’

Mr Róth was quite excited about the conveyor as he never seen one before. ‘I am very impressed with this Machine Mr Grósz please tell me more about this shiny conveyor.’

‘Isaack proudly told the history of the Archimedes Screw this principle originated from its inventor of Archimedes (in c. 287 CE-212 BC) he was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer. The whole machine is based on his principle with the modern technology of powered either by electricity or petrol motor. These thousand years old technology is still working perfectly, and it’s widely used around the world for moving solid, semisolid, and liquid materials.’

‘After when he finished interviewing Isaack, he came to me and asked me if I would have some story for his Independent Newspaper.’

‘I have given you the story of the piano recital and also, I have given you already the list of the next year’s entertainment plan.’

‘Yes, thank you for that Gabriel. Have you heard that the Czech Government has agreed to the new Russin Autonomy on the 11th of October in Prague and appointed Mr András Bródy to be its first Prime Minister.’

‘I am very pleased to hear this news Mr Róth, at last the Russin nation will have their autonomy with a perfect choice for the leader in Mr András Bródy. I have met him once in Ungvár and he was a warm and genuine person. I believe he was a journalist in the past as well.’

‘Yes, Gabriel, I know him well. You are right he is the best person to be the new Russin Prime Minister for his people.’

‘But he has an enemy at the Parliament in Ungvár he is a very nasty Czech politician from Prague his name is Avgusztin Volosin. He has objected to his appointment, and I understand that he is already plotting something very nasty to Mr Bródy.’

‘I like your automobile, Gabriel; did you buy it from Mr Czerny’s garage on Sugár ut.’

‘Yes, I have bought it last week from Mr Czerny. Look Mr Róth, I cannot give you any more news at this moment, but you know you will be the first one to let you have everything I have.’

‘Could you tell me more about of the delegation from Budapest. I believe that they have just purchased a large property on the Corso. What are they going to use it for?’

‘Look, please give me a couple of weeks before I can reveal the story for your newspaper, I promise you that but not just yet.’

‘Well, I have a lot of material to work up for the weekend edition. So once again thank you both Mr Grósz and for your story.’

I was glad to see him leaving us to complete our workload for today it is Friday afternoon in mid-October and the Sun sets earlier in every day. At last, now we can lock up for the day and go home to celebrate our Shabbat with me Rebeka.

⁷²During the Kristallnacht shops damaged and Jews are being forced to walk with the star of David

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⁷² Kristallnacht↩︎

Chapter 66

Generators Arrived, Distribution with the Rabbi Baruch and Quitting from Town Hall

At the Hoif Complex Synagogue, the 15th of November’s Shabbat Service was dominated by the recent tragedy in Germany of the Kristallnacht which was the centre of conversation and Rabbi Baruch has encouraged us to pray for our brothers and their families in Germany.

It was a sad day as some members of the congregation have relatives who are living in Germany, and they have no news from them.

‘At the end of the service, Sándor had a word with Rabbi Baruch and he agreed that we should have a meeting in his office in the synagogue about the generator’s distribution plans.’

‘When Rebekah and I got home, from the synagogue, we have invited Elisabeth to have dinner with us. After the meal, we had a chat on the porch just to enjoying the last October sunny afternoon.’

‘I told her that Mr Kleine will come to alter the barn into a garage where I could keep my car for the Winter.’

‘She was telling us that our gardener Samuel when he comes to and check the fermentation on our new wine, he is often having coffee with her, and she is telling us that he is nice to her. I did not want to ask her if they have become kind of friends, but Rebekah has beaten me, and she asked if that relationship is mutual? (As girls would ask a direct question like that)’

‘Elisabeth told us that Samuel is a widow as well so there would be no conflict between any third party’s concern.’

‘I have always looked at you Elisabeth as my adopted sister and I have to say how pleased I am for this friendship with Samuel. I agree Samuel is a good man and both of you will look after each other for the future.’

‘Thank you for these good words Gabriel I am appreciative of both of you?’

Rebekah replied, ‘Of course Elisabeth we are just like a family.’

‘When can I expect to hug your little one, I could be the best Nanny for the little Rebekah or Gabriel?’

We both blushed and for a second or two we just could not say a word.

At the end, Rebekah jokingly said, ‘Trust me Elisabeth we are working on it.’

We all laughed at what Rebekah replied to Elisabeth, then Rebekah said, ‘Look Elisabeth you are our choice to be our baby’s nanny and no one else.’

After the meal, Elisabeth helped Rebeka to do the washing up. While they were being busy in the kitchen, I walked to the far end of our garden and just looked, the autumn has truly arrived to Munkács. Both dogs were shadowing me and as I looked at them, they appreciated my kind attention of them. I just wondered what they would say to me if they could speak. This close bond that I have built up with Floki and Szuka is so strong, and their company of security is comforting both Rebekah and me too.

In the evening as we were both reading a book which we have started reading weeks ago but we often both fall asleep with the book in our hands being so tired, during the day, so we just try to finish reading of it.

Rebekah just stopped reading, put a page marker into the book and asked me, ‘I was thinking Gabriel, what do you think if we would ask Elisabeth to take care of our domestic housekeeping?’

‘Yes, my love, which is an excellent idea it would take all the pressure from your shoulders with the cleaning and cooking. We both trust her, and she is almost like a family to us. Not to mention that we would help her financially as she is not that well off. And she would be the best choice nanny for our future children.’

‘But there is a problem, Gabriel.’

‘Like what is it my love Rebekah?’

‘Well, we haven’t got a child yet.’

I felt embarrassed and said, ‘Well so we just must try it more often until we are going to succeed in having at least a half a dozen.’

‘Could we start it today my love?’

‘Yes, Gabriel this is the best time for me, my body is ready to receive your love.’

‘We did not need a lullaby tonight, we were just like on the first night when we have met in the hotel in Lvov, where you have gifted me with your innocence. My lord our future has been sealed on that magical night for ever.’

‘Yes Gabriel, and there where I have told you that I will love you for ever and that was my pledge to you darling if the Lord favours us he will give us a gift which will bear our love in his life for future generations.’

Next morning, when I have woken up with Rebekah in my arms and she has looked at me and welcomed me with her usual passionate kiss then she asked me if I had a good night sleep.

‘Yes darling, I did have a good sleep, but I hope it was not just a beautiful dream. No, my love it was a reality in the most uplifting mode. I have been up in Heaven and back hundreds of times. Thank you.’

‘Could we stay in bed longer just for a bit more?’

‘No, my darling, so sorry I have an appointment with Rabbi Baruch and with Sándor at the synagogue. And do not forget that you are due to your papa’s house as well.’

‘I have driven Rebekah to Isaack’s house then I drove to the synagogue for that meeting with Rabbi Baruch and Sándor.’

‘The terrible current situation in Germany was dominated the conversation between us.’

‘Sándor suggested that we should use our contacts to rescue some of the Jews who are in immediate danger from the Nazis. He said that he is still waiting for instructions from Budapest leadership.’

‘Well, Sándor and Gabriel we just must sit tight and wait for more information regarding possible rescues through Poland. In the meantime, we just must pray for these unfortunate developments that are unfolding in front of us.’

‘Sándor we can only rely on your contacts and then act on their instructions.’

‘Could you tell me more on these electricity generators, Gabriel?’

‘Yes, I have briefed Rabbi Baruch, on the simplicity and the effectiveness of these electricity generators and of its main importance in education and communication through projection of movie films and newscast for a most remote community.’

‘I like the idea Gabriel I will get in touch with all the Rabbi’s and when we are ready to organise a meeting then teach them how to use them for the benefit that this new energy source could bring to the community.’

‘Well, I have a new automobile now so you and I could travel to these places taking a system with us and giving them a demonstration on how to operate of these generators. Also, we could update them on the current situation which is happening in Germany.’

‘Oh, yes, I have seen your beautiful new automobile Gabriel, Mazel tov. It will be very useful for our efforts.’

‘I do not think Sándor you should be involved directly with this project as your political career is more important than giving room to your enemies to attack you for this activity.’

‘Yes, you right Rabbi Baruch, I will be staying in the background and will help you whatever you would need for the contribution or on the propaganda side.’

After a couple hours of constructive meeting we had with Rabbi Baruch, we left as we have been invited to Isaack’s house for a dinner engagement.

‘I was updating everybody at Isaack’s house of my involvement of overseeing the project on the new bank building which will be open in early January next year in Munkács.’

‘Also, the way the delegation was impressed on the dynamic growth in our towns outlook and the opportunity that is available for the bank to support businesses and for the public too.’

‘I was proudly telling Sándor and Isaack of the letters that I have received from Budapest. Mr Lipót Baranyai who is the Head Governor of the Royal Hungarian State Bank. He praised me for my consultancy and for being the site manager to oversee of all contractors works to be carried out to the standard for their bank specification.’

‘Mazel tov my boy, well done, we are very proud of you Gabriel.’

‘Sándor was updating us on the present situation which is now the talking point among the Jewish Community.’

‘Rita was chatting to Rebekah in the kitchen as they were doing the washing up and I guess just catching up with Rita as she has not seen her for some time.’

‘Isaack was telling Sándor that his engineering business was becoming a success at last with this new venture of the conveyor and elevator business. He also has taken up some more Jewish engineers and has trained them as welders as this trade is the most sought-after position needed for manufacturing the conveyors. Now we are working with a steady speed with our productions.’

‘Thanks to Gabriel to suggesting this for me at the first place but now we are struggling with the sales in the office. (then Isaack turned to me and said) I wish if you could be spending more time with us in our office Gabriel.’

‘Well, Isaack it’s looks as my position at the Town Council won’t last for a long time as there are