“Yes, I know. And I agree that it is hard,” the white-haired man said. “But we are the fortunate ones. We got out, and at least we will have our lives.”
“A life in Cuba? I have no idea what that means. My wife and I enjoy the symphony. I doubt that we will attend another concert. But what is a concert when you are talking about your life?”
“And my son was doing so well in school, but now he will have to begin again, and learn a new language as well.”
“We must all learn a new language. But we will prevail… Somehow, we will prevail.”
“It just breaks my heart to leave my childhood home, and all of the people I knew and loved behind,“ Gloria said again.
There was silence at the table, everyone lost in their own thoughts and memories.
As they waited for their food to be served, Manny noticed a girl sitting alone at a table just a few feet from their own. She had lovely long, golden-brown hair and deep forest-green eyes, and a certain class and refinement that drew his attention. He could not help but stare. When she finally looked back and smiled, he felt self-conscious, but knew he must approach her.
Alex felt himself salivating as the fragrant aromas of rich food filled the dining room. His stomach rumbled. He’d not eaten food like this since before his imprisonment. He held his hands under the table so that the others would not see them shaking with anticipation. As the other diners were served, Alex watched, his hunger almost unbearable, and he could hardly wait for his food.
When the food arrived, Alex was ravenous, and ate with such gusto that Manny feared the food might not stay down. Their plates were prepared to entice the eye as well as the palate. Individual meals were plated and placed in front of each diner. Then steaming trays of crispy potato pancakes with side bowls of chunky sweet apple sauce were placed in the center of the table. Two fresh breads baked to a golden brown, with melting butter, were also served, as well as a platter of hot, buttered asparagus.
The food was delicious, although Alex hardly tasted the chef’s magnificent creations. Instead, he gobbled so quickly that he spilled applesauce on the front of his shirt. He turned and apologized to Manny for soiling his garment. Manny just shrugged and smiled. “It’s only a shirt. Not to worry.”
At the end of the meal, the white-gloved waiters brought out trays of pastries and desserts. There were strudels and cookies; there were cakes filled with fruit; there were puddings. The diners made their choices, and then the coffee and tea service began.
Once everyone had finished eating and the plates had been cleared, a band began to play, and the diners got up to dance. Men in suits and tuxedos led smartly-dressed women across the floor.
“The music is lovely, no?” Manny asked watching the dancers whirl by them.
“I think I will go back to the room.” Alex put his napkin down on the table. “Would you like to join me?”
“No, I think I am going to stay and enjoy the music for a bit.”
“I’ll see you in a while then?” Alex said.
“Yes, I’ll be there shortly. Don’t wait up for me.”
As the band began to play another waltz, Manny approached the young girl who sat pretending she was not aware of his continued interest.
“Hello.”
“Hello.” When she smiled, he saw that she had dimples and perfect white teeth.
“I’m Manny.”
“Anna. Anna Goldman.”
“Would you care to dance?”
“Yes…” She stood and followed him to the floor. As they danced neither spoke. Once the song ended, Manny walked Anna to her table.
“Thank you for the dance.” He stood, feeling foolish. “Umm...may I join you?”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
“I hope your parents won’t mind.”
“They are not here. I had to leave them in Germany.” Her eyes grew moist with tears that she tried hard to hide. Manny looked at her with genuine compassion, which only made her feel more like crying. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spoil your evening,” she said, and got up to leave. Manny took her hand.
“Stay. You haven’t spoiled anything. In fact, you’ve lit up my entire night.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry. It’s all just so hard. You know?”
“Yes, I do. I was in hiding. My family left for America several years ago. I was attending university, so I stayed. After Kristallnacht, things started to look bad, and so my best friend and his wife took me in. I had a little money saved and I tried to pay them, but they refused. That was how I was able to afford passage and have a little money left over to start a new life in Cuba. So I, too, am alone.”
“My parents took their life savings and sold the house, as well, to afford my passage. I didn’t want to go without them, but they insisted. We have family in America who will meet me in Cuba and then take me across the ocean to New York, America. All I can think of are my mother and father, and I wish I had stayed in Germany. Whatever would have become of me would have become of all of us, and at least we would have been together.”
“Don’t talk like that. Your parents wanted you to go…to get out. Once the Nazis are out of power, they will join you, I am sure.”
“Do you think the Nazis will ever be out of power?”
“I know they will… Such a radical government cannot last. Once this has all ended, we can return home to Germany, and it will be like waking up from a nightmare.” He smiled wryly.
“I hope so. I do.”
“Come, let’s not be sad. We are here; we are on our way to Cuba. Listen, they are playing a conga. Would you like to dance?”
She nodded.
When the music stopped, Manny turned to Anna. “It’s a lovely night. Shall we take a walk on the deck?”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
A warm breeze surrounded the couple as they stood looking out over the ocean.
“Do you have anyone left in Germany?”Anna asked.
“No, they are all in the United States. I have a special visa to meet them there. My father moved there on business several years ago, but as I said, I was trying to complete my education before I left.”
“Where were you going to school?”
“University of Berlin. I know it may sound silly, but I wanted to study law. Well, the laws certainly have changed. Especially for us… Jews, I mean.”
“I know. They’ve taken away all of our rights, everything. I wish I could understand why they hate us so much.”
“I don’t know if it is really us they hate, or if they just need someone to hate… Do you know what I mean?”
“Sort of, but why?”
“Well, the country is financially devastated, and I guess it is easier to accept if one can put the blame on a race of people. I think Hitler is convincing the population that if the Jews are gone, the problems will be gone.”
“But no one could possibly believe that, could they?”
“Well, I don’t think that the Third Reich will last very long. I believe it is a passing thing. I know you are worried about your parents, but don’t be. It will all be over soon enough and you will be reunited with them.”
“If you truly believe that, then why are you leaving?”
“Ach, my father made such a fuss about me going to Harvard… He went as far as using his connections to help me gain admission. It is supposed to be a very good school. So I had to say yes. Besides, the Nazis have made it so difficult for Jews to go to school. They want us out of all learning institutions…at least for now. Actually, before I heard about this voyage I was considering staying with family in Belgium and going to school there.“
“Would you have preferred to stay in Europe?”
“Yes… No… Maybe... I am excited to go to America. I love adventure…new challenges…you know? And Cuba is supposed to be a wonderful tropical paradise. Before we left, I read so much about it, the music…the people... Why, it is filled with island magic. Before I go on to the United States, I want to spend a
few days there.” He winked at her.
She nodded her head, not convinced.
“And you Anna? Do you have anyone in Cuba?”
“No, all I have are the relatives I told you about in New York, America, my father’s very distant cousin. He has agreed to meet me at the dock in Havana and take me back with him to America. I don’t even know him. I feel so strange going to live with someone I’ve never met.”
Manny found himself at a loss for words. The silence hung like a heavy fog. What could he say to this girl to lighten her burden? He knew he must speak soon or Anna might break into tears again.
“So, how old are you Anna?”
“I will turn eighteen next month, on the fifth of July. And you?”
“I am twenty-six. I know I have been attending school for longer than I should have, but for much of the time I was just enjoying the ride. I took time off to travel Europe with friends. I suppose I am guilty of enjoying the social life too much,” he laughed, and she smiled at him.
“I wanted to go to the university, too.” She smiled wistfully. “I wanted to be a teacher. I love young children, I always have. But of course, I was not even allowed to finish high school.”
“And so you will. You will do all of it…in America. And then your parents will join you, and after this Nazi nonsense is over, you will all go back home to Germany. Of course, you may choose to stay in New York. I hear America is a wonderful place.”
“Do you really believe that it will all be over soon? Even if you don’t, it still makes me feel so much better to hear you say it.”
“Of course I believe it. Now, don’t be silly, and don’t be sad. We are off on a journey, an exciting adventure…yes? Look out over the ocean. See how the stars sparkle like silver jewels in the blackness of the night sky? Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” She smiled at him. “Yes, it is.”
Chapter 2
“It’s a beautiful night,” Manny said as he walked Anna upstairs onto the crowded deck.
“Yes, it is.” She smiled.
“It looks to me like everyone else thinks so, too.”
She nodded. “Manny?”
“Yes…”
“Have you ever looked at the ocean and wondered what was going on deep beneath the surface?”
“Actually, I’d never given it much thought. Do you wonder?”
“I do. I went to the ocean once a few years ago with my parents, and although it was beautiful, like it is now, at night the dark water scared me. It gave a chill,” she said, shivering a little in the warm night breeze.
“Well, nothing to fear. We aren’t going to sink. This is a nice, safe, large vessel. So you can enjoy the beauty of being at sea without ever being afraid.”
“The fear only comes at night. During the day, I don’t ever experience it.”
“Well, the next time you are afraid, you tell me, and I will chase all of your fears away.”
As Manny and Anna sat in lounge chairs, quietly gazing at the water, a group of two couples came out to enjoy the night air. They began talking amongst themselves, loud enough that Manny and Anna could hear everything they said. They talked about politics, and the conversation quickly turned to the Nazis, to what was taking place in Germany, and all of the speculation about what was going on in the camps.
“I’ve heard that they are arresting Jews all over Germany and sending them to concentration camps,” one of the women wearing a fur wrap and a silver gown said as she slid her matching silver sandal off of her foot.
“Well, yes, I suppose I’ve heard that too. But of course, I wouldn’t believe everything I heard. Besides, as always, that wouldn’t include us. We are rich,” one of the men said, lighting a cigar.
“Do you really believe that our financial state will keep us safe?” the woman asked.
“It already has. I mean, here we are on this lovely ship. Do you think if I hadn’t have been a successful doctor that we would be here?” the man, wearing a black tuxedo with his hair slicked perfectly away from his face, asked his wife, the woman with the silver sandal.
Just then, a man who’d been sitting with his wife on the other side of the deck came over.
“I couldn’t help but over hear your conversation. And I must tell you, you and people like you are the reason that the Germans hate us. You,” he said, pointing to the woman, “with your fur coat and your attitude. You think that you are different from the other Jews. But, let me tell you, you are not. You are the same as the rest of us. And what I believe is that there are concentration camps, and they are as bad, or worse than the rumors tell us. Things in Germany are bad now, but this is just the beginning. When they escalate, the rich and the poor will suffer alike. The anti-Semitism is growing every day. You are lucky you got out when you did. Soon, money will mean nothing.”
“How dare you!” the doctor said. “You are not a part of this conversation. We have family still in Germany. Your senseless words are upsetting my wife. Go on your way. ”
“Mark my words, I am not wrong. If you have family still there, get them out now, while there is still time. Use your money instead of hoarding it for yourself.”
“Mind your business.” The doctor’s face had turned as red as a radish.
“Anna,” Manny patted Anna’s shoulder to divert her attention from what looked like it might become a fistfight. “Would you like to take a walk?”
She nodded, getting up. Manny took her elbow and led her away while the group was still arguing.
They strolled along the deck for several minutes.
“Manny, do you think that what that man said is true? Do you think my parents will end up in camps?””
“I think the only people who are being arrested and sent to these terrible places have in some way broken the law. I don’t believe that every Jewish citizen, rich or poor, will be sent to a camp. This is just panic talking.”
“You really believe so? I want to agree with you. I want to believe that my parents will be safe until this is all over.”
“Of course I believe they will be safe. Don’t worry. You are far too young and far too beautiful to be so worried.” he said, but he doubted his own words. Manny had heard all of the rumors. He knew several Jews who had been arrested, their only crime being born Jewish. But, it would do Anna no good to think of such things. There was nothing she could do to help her family; it was best to let her believe all was well.
“Alex could tell us more if we asked him.”
“Yes, I suppose he could, but he is having a tough enough time adjusting to the ship. He is a nervous wreck. I don’t think we should bring it up.”
“Do you know anything about what happened to Alex? Why he was in the camp?”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t know anything yet. I just figured I will let him tell me when he felt ready.”
“That’s probably the best idea,” she said.
They could still hear the two men arguing on the other side of the deck.
“It’s a bad thing when Jews turn against one another. We must try to stick together. The stronger our alliance, the harder it will be for the Germans to wage war on our people. But of course, there are people like the ones we just saw. They differentiate between the rich and the poor. Or between Polish or Danish Jews, for instance, and German Jews. You know the German Jews think they are superior to Jews from other countries. That is so absurd to me. It is just another way that we weaken our own race.”
“I’ve heard that... I mean, about German Jews being superior. In fact, I remember when I was in school, a girl came from Russia with her parents to live on our block. Her family was Jewish, but all the other children treated her as if she were beneath them because she was Russian and not German. You’re right. This superior attitude is not a good thing.”
“Ach, it’s money, country, profession, or something… But sadly, Jews are always trying to outdo one another, when we should be trying to unite,” he said.
Anna nodded in agreemen
t.
“I am getting tired. I am not used being at sea, and the night air is making me drowsy. I think I would like to go to my stateroom now,” Anna said. “I’ve had a lovely evening. Thank you, Manny.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” he said as he walked her to the stairs.
“I can get to my room from here.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you?”
“It isn’t necessary. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter 3
Havana, Cuba
Once the money for the passports had been received and the ship sailed out of German waters, the anti-Semitic Nazi propaganda began. Alex was right; the Nazis did have a vicious trick planned. Goebbels, Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda, had no intention of allowing these Jewish refugees to live in peace. To ensure that the Jews would be unwelcome when they arrived in Cuba, the Nazis began campaigns. They terrified the Cuban people by telling them that the Jews were criminals who were coming to take their jobs, to destroy their homeland. In short, Hitler never planned to see the passengers of MS St. Louis safely out of the web of Nazi terror. This voyage was merely another deception of the Third Reich. Glimmers of hope, only to be stolen as the devastated passengers were returned to Germany and the horrific concentration camps. And so, this was Hitler’s plan...
Chapter 4
A warm breeze floated off the water the following morning as Alex and Manny walked the upper deck on their way to the dining room. A sense of well-being came over Alex that he’d not experienced since Hitler had come to power. It frightened him, and he hated that he could not accept the luxury and kindness on the ship. First, he doubted the authenticity, and that he knew was because of all he’d seen, but more importantly, he thought of the others…those he’d left behind in Dachau. Those who still suffered, starved, and endured the daily torture he’d escaped from. A shiver ran through Alex, and Manny noticed that Alex trembled, but he chose to pretend he didn’t see him shudder. Instead, Manny tried to make light of the situation, hoping to pull Alex out of the dark place he’d gone to in his mind.
The Voyage: A Historical Novel set during the Holocaust, inspired by real events Page 2