Southeast of Budapest lies the important agricultural center of Szeged. It is in this direction that you flee. A Hungarian friend of yours has given you the name of his cousin who owns a farm east of Szeged, near the little town of Mako. He thinks his cousin will hide you.
When you arrive at the farm, you discover that your friend was right. His
cousin has been having trouble getting workers for his paprika and onion
crops. He is desperate for anyone who will do the hard work of tending the
onion plants and picking the paprika, a spice that seems to be the staple
of any truly Hungarian diet: veal paprikash,
chicken
paprikash,
everything is paprikash.
You are grateful to the farmer-cousin for his hospitality and for the risk he takes in hiding you. You work very hard to repay his kindness. Despite your fear that the Germans will discover you, you continue to work in the fields, even making friends with many local citizens.
When the Russian army finally liberates this region, you expect to feel safe again. However, you soon learn that the Russian secret police are everywhere, arresting anyone whose loyalty is in doubt. You are no more sure of your safety under the Russians than you were under the Germans. Perhaps it would be wise to leave Hungary and head for western Europe. Then again staying in Hungary might not be so bad if, you could give up your Jewish identity.
If you leave Hungary for western Europe, continue to page 143
If you stay, giving up your Jewish identity, continue to page 144.