The Horse Adjutant
Auschwitz Prisoner Photo courtesy of Yad Vashem
not so lucky. For them, the doctor would say to his assistant, “Einschreiben,” or put him on the list. When Katarzynski saw what was happening with me, while he was standing safely on the side, he brashly interrupted the doctor, just as he said he would, “What are you doing, letting this boy live? He is an insolent Jew. Einschreiben.” He made a motion of writing with his hand. The doctor admonished him curtly, “Do not mix into my affairs.” As they were having this exchange, my poor fellow Jews and I, watched and remained expressionless. I was at the total mercy of the outcome. Four weeks was a very long time in Birkenau, especially for a Jew. Once they sign your num- ber, einschreiben, you’re finished. Wiktor was the Erholung blockleiter assigned to barracks 14, D section. His block was where people with sickness recovered after the infirmary. He had a strange title for a concentration camp. Erholung translates to recreational. I assure you there was nothing recreational in Auschwitz for the prisoners. He also had access to some camp records. Soon after the selection, Wiktor gave my blockleiter orders to send me to him with my records. He also warned him not to touch me. So, I left and went to the D section. I remember the day well because it was also my birthday -- I just turned 17. I immediately realized the mood was completely different here; Wiktor was friendly. He asked, “Leon, do you know anything about my family?” I was sorry to report to him, “All I know is that they arrested your sister.” He probed for anything I might be able to share with him about his family. I did not know much more. “Leon,” he said, “Listen carefully, I will try to help you, but you can only stay here four weeks. I will give you a little extra food. Then, I will send you to the infirmary. I will tell them to keep you a few weeks, too. Just stay there as long as you can.” I didn’t know anything; I just did as I was told. I was in the infirmary for about 2
171
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator