Chapter 5, The Greatest Disappointment Summary and Analysis

Quickly the Blumenthals realized that they would not be going to Palestine. Instead, they were taken to Bergen-Belsen to the Sternlager or Star Camp where Palestine exchange Jews were held. Polish Jews were held in the same camp, to be sent to the gas chambers. Even the worst times in Westerbork were heaven next to Bergen-Belsen, which was hell. They were cold, hungry and degraded surviving only on the hope of going to Palestine. In May 1944 they discovered they were not on the list to be transported to Palestine. When Walter protested, an SS officer hit Walter in the neck and back.

Soon thereafter, the Blumenthals lost all hope. But later they learned that only 221 of the 1100 Jews sent to Bergen-Belsen for the exchange survived. The Blumenthals' existence became aimless. Marion focused on finding her...