The Germans Arrive Soon after, the German army arrived. It was August 1915, at early dawn.
We watched them through the cracks in the shutters, marching in goose-step, wearing helmets and with their bayonet-pointed rifles in hand. We remained indoors all that day until the sounds of incoming troops had ceased. Those who stepped outdoors saw soldiers posted, gun in hand, mounting guard. Nevertheless, there was a visible relief among the Jews upon their arrival.
Word soon got around that the German commandant had taken possession of the biggest house in the village. Jewish dignitaries and merchants were ordered to present themselves. The Germans requisitioned more houses. They took over all available horses and livestock. A list of items was presented to the leading Jews which had to be supplied. They promised not to be brutal like the Russians. They would take care of the people on condition that orders were followed. The Jews promised cooperation.
In their systematic fashion, during the following days, the Germans went about organizing everything as if it [the occupation] were to be forever. First they purged the poisoned wells, which made a good impression. This was mentioned in the synagogue on Saturday morning. Then they established a bakery where several Jews and peasants worked under the supervision of a German soldier. A milk depot was set up and everyone who owned a cow as ordered to bring in their milk. The depot soon became known as a Fabrik, since cheese products were made there for “export”. Everyone was put to work, the community became productive -- for the Germans. But no money was paid either for the produce or the labor.
The German soldier, at the start of the war, was well fed and he also received food packages from home. Therefore, the boxes of Zwieback (biscuit) he got from the canteen were not appetizing to him. So he often gave the Zwieback to the children he met. But he always would ask the same question: “Gleichs du die Deutschen?” (Do you like the Germans?) They all seemed very eager to know.
