This very brief history might help us to understand the times in which Lore grew up and what her experiences were. Just try to imagine what this was like for her... just a young girl of 12.
In January of 1933, Adolf Hitler lost the presidential election in Germany but was appointed Chancellor (Prime Minister).The next month, his 40,000 strong SS personal army and SA body guards were sworn in. Within the same month, the Nazi Party created a chaotic crisis by burning the Reichstag Parliament Building and then were granted state of emergency powers to 'restore' order. The third month, March, saw the opening of the first concentration camp in Dachau near Munich officially described for 'political prisoners.'
Hitler realized he had to use the existing legitimate democratic process if he was to seize power. By swiftly passing new laws , amendments, and a series of Acts, he achieved his means in only 3 months time. By the end of March, Parliament granted Hitler full power with an army to back him.
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On April 1, 1933, a boycott of all Jewish businesses was to commence all over Germany at 10:00 a.m. On that day, uniformed Nazi guards, some armed, stood in front of Jewish business and intimidated customers who tried to enter. Storefront windows were marked with a large yellow Star of David and signs that read, "Protect Yourselves! Don't Buy From Jews! (see picture) were posted. In some cities, Jewish doctors and lawyers were blocked from entering their offices. The boycott was supposed to be peaceful, but in some instances store windows were shattered and stores ransacked and owners beaten. Some non-German businesses and their owners were also attacked.
The boycott was slated to last indefinitely , but an early announcement that such a boycott on Jewish businesses in Germany would take place, aroused a strong response around the world. American Jews in NY protested and threatened to continue to rally if the situation didn't change. This may have been one of the reasons that the boycott in Germany lasted only one day.
Hitler's agenda was perfectly clear. Still... some did not believe it could last.
The family cloth business at 21 Blumenstrasse , their living apartments located above, was not exempt from discrimination. Lore mentions that customers who bought from the shop, never left with parcels. They were careful not to be seen purchasing from a Jewish owned business. Her stepfather offered delivery...and that was Lore's job. She was afraid and hated the task which exposed her to be seen delivering the large parcels on her bicycle. The young girl never told her parents of her fears.
*2nd pic -Blumenstrasse St today...the same pre-war buildings still stand
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