cellar of the Police Station on that fatal Sunday. Mr. Feinstein
had preached with a loud voice and appealed to the hearts
and consciences of his fellow prisoners. They were not to
have illusions about a soon deliverance, but rather should they
prepare themselves “to meet your God.” His words made a deep
impression, many talked individually to him. In the afternoon,
German soldiers came down the cellar and wanted to shoot down
all Jews. Feinstein stepped in front of them, addressed them in
German and pleaded for his comrades. They went out again and
all were amazed at the effect his words had had. This story was
later confirmed to me by others who had also been present.
THE BENUMBING SHOCK
Toward the end of September 1941, hence 3 months after the
abduction of our father, it was reported in the city that a number
of Jews had been freed from concentration camps to be used
here, in town, for “Raumungsarbeiten” (clear-away rubble jobs).
The same evening, two men reported to me. They had much to
tell me. I recognized them as former attendants of our meetings
and knew I could believe their words. What they told me left me
nearly benumbed with shock. They related the following
“We were with your husband that very Sunday. In the cellar
already he was a help to all. In the evening they led us out into
the yards of the Police Station. There were so many of us that
we lay on top of each other like sardines. Our tormentors were
doubtless hoping we would be hit by bombs. But regardless of
the blasting around us, we were spared, alas! During the early
morning hours we were led in long lines to the railway station.
It was said that we were to be brought to Concentration
Camps. Feinstein was in the same car as I. We were penned
in until we could not catch a breath and no one could move,
about 140 men in one cattlecar in which there would have
been normally room for only forty men. Then doors, windows,
all holes, and cracks were sealed tightly and steam was
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