It's good to be back in Cracow with your family although you cannot continue your medical studies at the university there. In Poland, Jews are not permitted to attend classes. You arrange to work with an elderly doctor, learning what you can as his apprentice.
In September 1939, the Germans invade Poland and, within three weeks, the country surrenders. Anti-Jewish actions begin almost immediately. Laws are passed stating what Jews may do and what they may not do, where Jews may live and where they may not live. Soon, Jews from the countryside are forced to move into the Jewish area in the city of Cracow; it is the beginning of a policy of collecting all Polish Jews into small districts called ghettos. Because of the overcrowding, there is not enough food or space; it seems that the Germans are pursuing their policy of securing “Lebensraum,” room to live at your expense.
The Jewish community tries to maintain its schools, cultural events, and religious activities — those things that Jewish people treasure most — but it becomes increasingly difficult. The Germans apply more pressure every day. Finally, you see the handwriting on the wall; their intention is to destroy the future of Jewish life in Poland.
If you flee north to Vilna, Lithuania, continue to page 11.
If you chose to stay in Cracow because leaving your family again is unbearable, continue to page 12.
If you decide to escape south to Budapest, continue to page 13.