Chapters 1-4 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What happened to the foreign Jews in Sighet and how did people react?
Foreign Jews, including Moishe the Beadle, were taken away by Hungarian police. People initially didn’t question this, and some thought it was part of the war.
How did Moishe the Beadle change after being taken, and what did he warn the people about?
Moishe lost his faith and warned the people about the Gestapo and the atrocities he escaped, but they didn’t believe him.
What happened in Sighet after the deportations?
Things returned to normal, people started forgetting the deported, and some heard that the Jews in Galicia were working and even happy.
What did Elie suggest to his father, and how did his father respond?
Elie suggested fleeing Sighet and emigrating, but his father refused, claiming he was too old.
How did people in Sighet react to the arrival of German troops and the rise of fascism?
People began to worry as stories of Anti-Semitism spread, but many still didn’t believe that Jews could be annihilated.
What were the first restrictions placed on Jews in Sighet?
Jews weren’t allowed to leave their houses for three days, had to give up their gold, and were required to wear yellow stars.
What other restrictions did Jews face in Sighet?
Jews were not allowed to go to restaurants, travel by train, or be outside after six o’clock.
How did Elie’s family fare in the Ghetto?
Elie’s family could stay in their home since it was within the barb wire fence. Life in the Ghetto returned to normal for a while, but not for long.
What did a Hungarian officer do, and how did it impact Elie’s family?
A Hungarian officer knocked on their window and could have saved their lives, but they weren’t quick enough to answer.
What did Elie’s father learn when he returned from speaking with the police officer?
Elie’s father returned to say that the Ghettos would be emptied, and all Jews would have to leave Sighet with only a backpack.
What happens when Elie and his family are taken from Sighet, and how do they feel during their journey?
Elie and his family are transported in cattle cars with little food or water. They realize they’re not staying in Hungary, and Elie comments, “Our eyes opened. Too late,” as they are now under the German Army. They are dehumanized, told to give over valuables, and subjected to harsh conditions during the journey.
What happens when Elie and his family arrive at Birkenau, and how are they treated?
They see the flames from the crematorium, which Mrs. Schachter had warned about. They are separated by Dr. Mengele during Selection, and Elie and his father are deemed suitable for work. The rest, including children, are thrown into the flames. Elie struggles with his faith, questioning how God could allow such suffering.
How are Elie and the others treated and dehumanized in the camp?
They are shaved, stripped of their clothes, disinfected, and forced to run like animals. Elie is tattooed with the number A-7713, losing his identity. He reflects that his childhood and soul were consumed by the flames of suffering. Elie’s focus shifts to survival, only caring about his rations, describing himself as a “famished stomach.”
What happens with Bela Katz, and how does Elie react to it?
Bela Katz, chosen to work in the crematorium, reveals he had to put his own father in the flames. Elie and the others are forced into hard labor and treated brutally. Elie’s gold crown is targeted by Franek, who tortures Elie’s father until the tooth is removed with a rusty spoon.
How does Elie struggle with his faith, and who helps him after being beaten by Idek?
Elie continues to struggle with his faith, questioning why God allows such suffering. After Idek beats him terribly, a French woman helps Elie and provides him with comfort. Many years later, Elie meets her again on the Metro in Paris.
What happens when Elie is punished by Idek, and what occurs with the prisoner and the soup?
Idek punishes Elie by giving him 25 lashes for getting involved in his business, and Elie passes out from the pain. Later, an alarm is sounded when a prisoner tries to get soup from unguarded cauldrons. The prisoner is shot after he looks into the soup, letting out a death rattle.
How does Elie react to an airstrike and what gives the prisoners hope?
During an airstrike, the prisoners are in great danger but do not fear the bombs, as it means they could be closer to rescue. The airstrike lasts longer than an hour, giving them hope that they might soon be liberated.
What happens during the hanging of a young boy, and how does Elie react?
A young boy from Warsaw is hanged for stealing during an air raid. His last words are, “Long live liberty! My curse on Germany. My curse!” These words give Elie some hope, and that night, the soup tastes better than ever.
What happens after the sabotage and the punishment of the Dutch Oberkapo and his pipel?
The sabotage leads to a power outage, and the Dutch Oberkapo is tortured and sent to Auschwitz. His pipel is also tortured and hanged along with two other prisoners. That night, the soup tastes like corpses.
What happens when Elie and his father are moved to Buna, and what new conditions do they face?
Elie and his father are moved to Buna, where they are re-organized into Blocks. They are told to avoid the Construction Kommando and placed in quarantine for three days. Elie visits the dentist to have his gold crown removed, but he lies about feeling ill to avoid the procedure. Elie befriends Yossi and Tibi, who lost their parents in Birkenau, and they are treated kindly by Alphonse, their Blockalteste.
