In the early days of Nazi Germany, you had often gone boating with friends on the Havel River near Potsdam. Those sailing experiences now appear to be your only hope for escape. Traveling only at night and hiding during the day, you sneak away from Berlin and move slowly toward the Baltic Sea. Unsure of where you are going, you are frightened by every unfamiliar sound. Three times you fling yourself into ditches at the side of the road to avoid being seen. Finally, you reach the little seaside town of Barth. After scouting around, you steal a small sailboat from the beach, push it into the water, and head north.
The night is dark, and no one sees you. By daybreak, you spot an island. The flag on the schoolhouse is clearly not German; it appears to be red with a white cross on it. You take a chance and land there, and to your great relief, you discover that you are in the Danish village of Gedser. You could not have navigated a better course if you had been an experienced sailor. The Danes help you reach Copenhagen, where you find the Great Synagogue of Krystalgade and appeal to its members for aid. They take you in and employ you at the Home for the Aged, next door to the synagogue where the old people daven, morning and evening services.
Despite the German occupation, the Jews of Denmark are still safe. But in August 1943, rumors spread that you will be arrested. Many Danish Jews begin to think about trying to leave Denmark.
If you decide to stay with the old people, continue to page 68.
If you decide to leave most of the Danish Jews, continue to page 69.