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A memoir of the Holocaust
By Jacob Zylberman
The online version
© Copyright 1995, 2000, Jack Zylberman
Yatzek and Vatzek
Yatzek: Let’s go beat up the Jews, let’s go fight the little bastards. Come Vatzek, let’s have some fun. It’s better than standing on the corner doing nothing.
Vatzek: You know, that’s a good idea, I am glad you thought of it. Let’s go, my hands are itchy. I am ready. But Yatzek, what would happen if they fight back? Did you think of that?
Yatzek: What makes you say that?
Vatzek: I don’t know! I really don’t, it just occurred to me, that’s all. I was just thinking.
Yatzek: So don’t think anymore, you creep, you fool. Don’t be afraid of them, those Jews will not harm you. Remember the time we threw a rock through the jewelry store window – the man with the long funny coat with fringes at the sides, how he held you, his hairy hand grabbing you till the police came and let you go? Remember? It was so funny, we did the damage, and you had a watch in your hand, yet the Jew was reprimanded. So don’t worry, nothing will happen to us. They won’t beat us up, they won’t touch us, because the law is on our side.
Vatzek: That’s what you say, it’s easy for you, it was for you but not for me. I’ll never forget the way that old Jew was holding me, so tight, his eyes like on fire, I thought he would kill me. Lucky for me that the police saved me, otherwise I would have been a dead duck. No, Yatzek, I am afraid you are wrong, they not only could harm us, they could kill us. Don’t forget, they are the ones who killed Jesus, our Savior, they crucified him, they are apt to do anything; they even kill little Christian boys, using their blood to bake the round thin bread, "Matzoh." I know, I heard it many times from my father and mother.
Better yet, those Jews, particularly the older ones, the so called "Elders of Zion," are well-organized. Every night they get together, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, they conspire and manipulate trying to take over the world. Oh, how I wish I could sneak into their house, listen to their conversation, but I am so afraid and even if I could, I wouldn’t understand a word they say. They have a secret language, that nobody but they understand.
Yatzek: Don’t you ever talk like that, you silly, stupid fool, you make me so mad! Don’t you ever be afraid of them, do you hear me! It is true they killed our God, they used Gentile blood for their matzoh, but not anymore.
That was a long time ago, when they had their own land, when they were strong, powerful. Now they are weak, scattered all over the world, in little groups, here and there. They have no weapons, no guns or knives, only books and scrolls – and books never killed anyone. And for your information, even those are being taken away from them – I know. Over there in Germany, all their books are collected and burned. On every street corner there are big fires, the flames shooting sky high.
Besides, they have to supply all their books to feed the fires. If not, they are arrested and severely beaten.
I must admit I envy the Germans, it must be exciting, a lot of fun. I can’t wait. I’d like to start the fire myself, to prepare the stakes, feed it book by book, page by page, and let "them" try to stop me, let "them" dare, and I would not hesitate to throw "them" in the fire myself.
Better yet, all the Jews over there, young and old, must wear identification marks, a yellow six-cornered patch sewn on their jackets, and coats, in front where the heart is. It looks like a star, they call it the "Star of David." It is their duty to wear it at all times. So you see, they are not a menace, not to be feared, they are weak, harmless. Not only their books and writings, but also their schemes and plots, their very thoughts turn into ashes. Nobody likes them! The whole world despises them, not only the Christians. They are on this earth for one purpose, one purpose only, to be punished, beaten, killed, and with time to be wiped out entirely.
So, don’t worry. They will never beat us, never kill us, that is, and it will never change.
Vatzek: Even as they are punished for things they didn’t do? Even being blamed for crimes committed by others?
Yatzek: I don’t know and I don’t care, and even if I knew I wouldn’t answer. As it is, you are asking too many questions. And I don’t like it!
Vatzek: Now I see. It’s clear to me, you opened my eyes and I am glad to be what I am, not one of them. I wouldn’t like it at all. It’s not easy for them. It is hard to be a Jew.
Yatzek: Then, let’s go beat them up!
Vatzek: But what will happen if they resist and beat us back?
Yatzek: Why? Why?
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