Lewyn Bert - On the run in Nazi Berlin: a memoir

Copyright 2001, 2019 Bert Lewyn and Beverly Lewyn
All rights reserved
Published by Chicago Review Press Incorporated
814 North Franklin Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-64160-113-9

On the Run in Nazi Berlin was first published in 2001 by XLibris Co.
This edition has been substantially revised.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Lewyn, Bert, 1923- author. | Lewyn, Bev Saltzman, author.
Title: On the run in Nazi Berlin : a memoir / Bert Lewyn and Bev Saltzman Lewyn.
Other titles: Holocaust memoirs
Description: New, revised edition | Chicago, Illinois : Chicago Review Press, 2019.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018049845 (print) | LCCN 2018050797 (ebook) | ISBN
9781641601115 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781641601122 (kindle) | ISBN
9781641601139 (epub) | ISBN 9781641601108 (paperback)
Subjects: LCSH: Lewyn, Bert, 1923- | JewsGermanyBerlinBiography. |
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)GermanyBerlinPersonal narratives. |
Berlin (Germany)Biography. | BISAC: HISTORY / Holocaust.
Classification: LCC DS134.42.L49 (ebook) | LCC DS134.42.L49 L49 2019 (print)
| DDC 940.53/18092 [B]dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018049845

Cover design: Preston Pisellini
Cover photographs: AP Images
Interior design: Nord Compo
Photo credits: All photographs courtesy of Bert Lewyns collection unless indicated otherwise.

Printed in the United States of America
5 4 3 2 1

This digital document has been produced by Nord Compo.

This book is dedicated to my parents,
Leopold and Johanna Lewin,
as well as all other members of
my family who perished in the Holocaust.

WHEN I FINALLY OPENED MY EYES, the first thing I saw was a ceiling.

That by itself was not enough to upset me. But the fact that I could not remember ever having seen this particular ceiling before, much less the rest of the room, set off internal alarms. I attempted to swing my legs over the side of the bed and sit up but soon learned that even this small effort was beyond me. Worse, in my weakened condition I couldnt remember where I was. I didnt know if I had been recaptured by the Gestapo or if I had found the sanctuary I had so desperately sought.

I heard a womans voice. Come see, hes awake!

I turned my head in the direction from which the voice emanated. Before me stood my friend, Jenny Lebrecht. Within seconds, her sons, Horst and Heinz, joined her. All of them stared at me as if surprised that I had woken at all.

Were very glad to see you, Dagobert, Horst said. Do you know what happened?

Not really, I muttered. I remember escaping from the Gestapo prison, walking here, and knocking on your door, but I dont remember anything past that.

Well, my boy, Jenny said, I think you could stand some nourishment. Then well talk.

Jenny disappeared, returning with a tray loaded with bread, cheese, and milk. I struggled to a sitting position and wolfed down the food while they gathered around me.

You havent had much to eat recently, have you? Leo Lebrecht asked.

Well, no one has invited me to any banquets lately, I responded, grinning weakly.

Jenny smiled at me. Her expression was so sweet and welcoming that it was a relief just to be in her presence. She was petite, although somewhat heavyset, wearing her black hair in a bun on top of her head. Jenny was a rare individual in those days, all the more precious to me because she seemed genuinely interested in my well-being. After making sure I was comfortable and had enough food, she sat down next to me and started to speak.

Now then, she began, I will tell you what I know and then you can fill in the blanks. Two days ago, shortly before I was to go to work, I heard a knock at the door. It was unnerving, as it always is these days. The boys and Leo hid and I went to the door and looked through the peephole. Lo and behold, it was our sweet Dagobert, leaning against the wall.

No sooner had I opened the door than you collapsed. I called the boys to help me and they carried you to the couch. You must have done a lot of walking, because when we took off your shoes, your soles were worn through. Then when we removed your socks much of the skin from the bottom of your feet came off with them. It was very unappealing. You have been unconscious and we have all been terribly worried about you. But now you are awake and so we are happy.

So tell us, Dago, Leo interjected, tell us what has happened. How have you come to us?

I looked at him, almost too exhausted to speak. I just missed you too much, Herr Lebrecht. I had to come back to say hello. Finishing the last of the food, I said, Give me a few minutes to catch my breath. Then I will tell all. In the meantime, why dont you fill me in on what has been happening here?

The Lebrechts sat around the couch, eyeing each other, as if unsure how much to tell me in my present state. Finally, Leo took the lead.

Well, as you probably know, Berlin is about to be invaded by a few Russians. With the Russians coming, the end seems to be in sight. I know that we had to turn you away before, but conditions have changed. I think that you can stay here without putting us in danger. Still, having Russians in Berlin is no guarantee of safety for the Jews, and were all very afraid of what will happen when the Red Army arrives.

Heinz nodded. Weve heard rumors that the Russians are stealing anything not bolted down and that there have been numerous instances of rape.

Jenny got up. I cant stand this talk. Lets not talk like this. We just have to pray and hope for the best. Dagobert, you are not yet well. You are going to lie on that couch until you feel better.

All this was great news for me. Even though the Lebrechts had refused me sanctuary in the past, with the end of the war so near it seemed probable that I would be allowed to hide here for the duration.