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media type="custom" key="9317768"Four Perfect Pebbles By: Lila Perl and Marion Blumenthal Lazan Entry #1- 3/18/11-Pages 1-9

Marion Blumenthal, her mother, father, and her older brother, Albert, have been taken to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. I guess it should be a privilege, unlike the other camps who usually have to wear striped uniforms, they are allowed to wear their own clothes, which isn't much, and the males and females are allowed to meet briefly while in the main yard. The females are in a bunk house made for 100 people. They now have 600 people fitted into that bunkhouse. Most nights are cold with the icy temperature of the German winters. With all the clothes she owns on, a thin sheet, and her mother by her side, Marion barely makes it through the night.

Vocabulary Words: Barrack- any large, plain building in which many people are lodged 'Appell'- roll call Horde- a large group of something Vaguely- not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed 'Sternlager'-star camp

Entry #2-3/21/11-Pages 10-19

Marion was born in a small German town named Hoya. She remembered when she was a little they would sit around the dinner tables every night and talk about politics, the economy, and war. "That man Hitler" was often brought up into the conversations. In some ways it seemed strange that Hitler should pick on German Jews, because there were so few of them. Marion had come up with this idea that if she found four pebbles of the same size and shape, her family would make it out of Bergen-Belsen and possibly even the entire Holocaust. One pebble for each of them. She has found three so far, and she is determined to find that last pebble. Superstition? Perhaps. But the sets of pebbles were her lucky charms, and they gave her hope and purpose.

Vocabulary Words: Denounced- to give formal notice of the termination or denial of something Remedy- something that corrects or removes an evil of any kind Prosperity-a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in financial respects Frenzied- wildly excited or enthusiastic 'Judenrein'- totally free of Jews

Entry #3-3/22/11-Pages 20-28

Then, in early 1938, Marions grandmother passed away. They knew know that she was gone that had to move everything out of her shop before the Nazi's could get to it. It was then that they heard from a neighbor that the best way to escape from the Nazi's was to get papers and export to the United States as fast as they could. But this would take a good 2 years for the papers to be seen and approved. There were other people who wanted to escape the madness that was soon to come in Germany too. The foreigner would have to get put on a quota list and would also need an affidavit. So the Blumenthal's sent in their application, and the only thing to do was wait. But the worst had not even come yet... Later that month, the Nazi's had come for Marions father to work at a work camp. They showed up at the door one night only saying "Get dressed, and come with us"

Vocabulary Words: Affidavit- a written guarantee from a relative, a friend, or some other acceptable sponsor already living in the United States Quota- a proportional part or share of a fixed total amount or quantity Visa-an endorsement made by an authorized representative of one country upon a passport issued by another, permitting the passport holder entry into or transit through the country making the endorsement Hobnailed- rustic or loutish Hastily- brief; fleeting; slight; superficial

Entry #4-3-24-11-Pages 29-37

The day that Mr. Blumenthal returned home was a surprise to the whole family. At around midnight the doorbell had rang. Mrs. Blumenthal had answered the door assuming that it was the Nazi soldiers again coming to raid their home or take them away, but when she opened the door she was relieved to see her husband alive and healthy. He was wearing the same clothes as the day he was taken, but they were much dirtier and torn up. He hadn't shaved or bathed cause Nazi's do not allow them to do that. He wouldn't say much the next day about his last few weeks at the concentration camp, just that in order to leave he had to sign a paper saying that he had been treated good and that he had been taken care of, although it was much opposite. One night, Kristallnacht had been happening. The Blumenthal's had every one of their windows smashed by a rocks. Mrs. Blumenthal had wanted to move and escape and possible flee to Holland or Russia. Mr. Blumenthal had disagreed with that saying that they are safer here than the risk of being caught escaping and being shot. Mrs. Blumenthal had replied to him, "Who would want to stay in Germany after that? It was more than just a warning. It was the beginning of the end."

Vocabulary Words: Synagogues -a Jewish house of worship, often having facilities for religious instruction Dignified- characterized or marked by dignity of aspect or manner; stately; decorous Impoverished- deprived of strength, vitality, creativeness Expiation- the means by which atonement or reparation is made Trousseau- an outfit of clothing, household linen, etc., for a bride

Entry #5-4-6-11-Pages 45-54

When the Blumenthal's decided to flee to Holland, Marion was just 7 years old. Mr. Blumenthal and Mrs. Blumenthal had gotten a job at Westerbork an orphanage called cooking, cleaning, and housework. The children, Albert and Marion would have to stay in the bunkhouses with the orphans though. It wasn't that bad. With seven hundred refugees in the camp, the food was plain but plentiful. Pea soup, potatoes, and cabbage dishes. Eggs, meat, and dried fruit were also available. But what Marion had longed for the most were sweets. But then, on May 10,1940 the Nazis invaded Holland. How long people in the Netherlands wondered, would the Nazi's respect Dutch neutrality? "We worried," Mrs. Blumenthal said, "about all the changes of address we'd had since moving from Hanover to here, so we left a careful trail behind us." At last, in January 1940-after a wait of 15 months- they had received their American visa in the camp of Westerbork. Immediately they booked space for March 1940, the first available sailing out of Rotterdam. Two more months in Holland, and they would be out on their way.

Vocabulary Words: Transit- conveyance or transportation from one place to another, as of persons or goods, especially, local public transportation Regime- a mode or system of rule or government Erected- upright in position or posture Lupines- any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Lupinus, of the legume family, of Europe, bearing edible seeds, or of the eastern U.S., having tall, dense clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers Conquest- the act or state of conquering or the state of being conquered

Entry #6-4-6-11-Pages 55-64

As the Blumenthals suspected, there were worse things. By June 1942 reports of Jews' being gassed in Poland had already appeared in American and British newspapers and been aired on the BBC. But the horrifying accounts of the slaughter of 700,000 Polish Jews were so monstrous that most of the world refused to believe them. On July 15, 1942, the first of ninety-three transports left Westerbork for the East. And almost every week after, sometimes twice a week, a long train of empty cattle cars pulled into the camp siding to take on its human cargo. Most transports averaged a thousand people. But some were as large as three thousand. Men, women, and children, of all ages-some brought on stretchers from the Westerbork camp hospital-were crammed with their belongings into the bare wooden carriages, each carriage provided only with an empty bucket and a pail of sand for toilet functions. As Mrs. Blumenthal put it, "We knew that our time was coming; our turn to get on those trains, and we knew we may never see each other ever again.

Vocabulary Words: Inmates- a person who is confined in a prison, hospital, etc. Emerged- to come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity Foreboding- a strong inner feeling or notion of a future misfortune, evil, etc.; presentiment. Vouched- to sustain or uphold by, or as if by, practical proof or demonstration. Degraded- reduced in quality or value; debased; vulgarized

Entry #7-4-11-11-Pages 93-101

The Blumenthals were notified that they were to get on a train, to a place where it would be decided if they were aloud to go to America. They got a train that was soon filled with people. There were other trains too filled with people, also hoping to get to America. When the train stopped in front of a building, everyone was asked to get out and line up. A Nazi officer stood on a podium and started yelling out names alphabetically of families that were to go to the side, and those people would be emigrating to America. When the B's were being called, the Blumenthals' waited, but before they knew it they were onto the C's. Mr. Blumenthal approached the Nazi officer, saying that there must be some kind of mistake, without warning the Nazi officer struck him across the face, and said "Filthy Judenrat." The Blumenthals were hoarded into a train with many other Jewish families. They were told that they were going to a prison camp called Bergen-Belsen. They had been tricked. The Nazi's had tricked them. Out of the 1,010 Jews' that came to that place to emigrate, only 203 were allowed the long journey to America.

Vocabulary Words: Emigrate- to leave one country or region to settle in another Foraged- the seeking or obtaining of such food Delirious- wild with excitement, enthusiasm, etc Amputees- a person who has lost all or part of an arm, hand, leg, etc., by amputation. Outskirts- the outlying district or region, as of a city, metropolitan area

Entry #8-4-12-11-Pages 102-110

After their time at Bergen-Belsen, the Nazi's had began to fall. The war was over, and the Russians were invading concentration camps arresting Nazi officers and freeing Jews. But the guards at Bergen-Belsen were ahead of the game. They had taken all the Jews in the camp (The ones that were still alive) and put them all into boxcars. They drove a train around for days, occasionally stopping at rivers and small streams. They also gave them bread, and rotten turnips. Sometimes the trains would stop in one spot for days and stay there. The Blumenthals knew this was so that the Russian planes could not spot them. But they did not complain. They were all still alive. But then disaster struck, typhus fever broke out among the Jews, and many died. Sometimes 5 every day. "I remember," Marion said, "that there was this one Jewish man named Albala, who everyone disliked cause of his selfishness. He had to bury his 7 year old son, who had died of the fever. No, not even he, the hated Albala, deserves such sorrow." Soon after, Marions father, Walter Blumenthal, had died of the fever. They had buried him in a shallow grave with a small grave stone and bricks surrounding it. Marion had only found 3 perfect pebbles. She never found the last one.

Vocablulary Words: 'Toten raus'- typhus fever Pleurisy- inflammation of the pleura, with or without a liquid effusion in the pleural cavity, characterized by a dry cough and pain in the affected side Scourges- a whip or lash, especially for the infliction of punishment or torture 'Strafings'- small portions of food Midst- the position of anything surrounded by other things or parts, or occurring in the middle of a period of time, course of action, etc

Entry #9-4-15-11-Pages 111-119

The population in the boxcars had intensly decreased. The Blumenthals now had elbow room, and could walk about the boxcar. Many had died through out the passage. One of the days, the Nazi's had given them a pound of bread (this was alot considering what they have been given) and were told it was to last them 8 days. The bucket in the corner of boxcar which was used for people to relieve themselves was overflowing and no longer was cared to. Then, when almost all hope had run out for the Blumenthals, they were driving through a small town in Germany. The train was going very slow due to the tracks being badly damaged from the war that had passed through that town. Suddenly the train stopped, and Marion had heard yelling, in a language that was not German. The doors opened and they were in uniform, but it wasn't the SS. They spoke roughly in a strange accent, saying over and over again a word that sounded German for 'watch,' "Uhr Uhr!" They were Russian soldiers. And they had come to save the remaining Jews. Those SS soldiers who had not escaped during the night were lead away as prisoners. They were free. They were saved. They were alive.

Vocabulary Words: "Uhr Uhr"- Russian for-"Up! Up!" Accompany- to go along or in company with; join in action Varied- characterized by or exhibiting variety Liberated- to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage Herded- any large quantity

Entry #10-18-11-Pages 120-128

The Blumenthals were taken to an abandoned German farm and were told they were to live there for now. It was a small place, but in the attic were hams, and ribs, and porkchops. Eggs and milk too. Marion needed all the protein she could get, for she only weighed 35 pounds at the age of 10. They stayed there for a year, and were moved to the city to live with another family in a house. Marion had eventually had to shave her head though, due to the lice outbreak that had happened. Then there family went to live with their Uncle Ergst. He had payed for Marion to get surgery on her eyes, she had a stigmatism, and for this reason she was slightly cross eyed. She recovered quickly from the surgery. Her hair was growing back, she was gaining weight, and her eyes were fixed. Marion was recovery very well from the Holocaust. Then on March 27,1948 they were told that their departure for America would be on April 19th. The date of their landing in New York was April 23, 1948. By coincidence, it was exactly three years to the day since they had been liberated from the death train by the Russians.

Vocabulary Words: 'Veendam'-The name of the boat they were sailing to America on. Russian for 'Journey' Foretaste- a slight and partial experience, knowledge, or taste of something to come in the future Coindicence- a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance Matzoh- a brittle very thin biscuit of unleavened bread, traditionally eaten during Passover Bewilderment- a confusing maze or tangle, as of objects or conditions

Entry #11-19-11-Pages 129-132 Epilogue

Marion Blumenthal Lazan went to an academic school called Peiora University. She graduated at the age of 18. Along the way, she fell in love with a boy. It was love at first sight. They dated all through high school and into college. He got his degree in medical science. Although he was 4 years older than her, they fell in more love every day. He convinced her parents and his own to get married young so they did. His name is Nathaniel Lazan. They moved into together and had three children; Their first child, David Walter, was born in 1955, their daughter, Susan, in 1957, and their third child Micheal, in 1960. Today Marion and Nathaniel have five grandchildren. They have made their home for many years in Hewlett, New York. For the past fifteen years Marion has been giving talks and interviews about her experience to both children and adults. This womans amazing story about surviving one of the darkest times in history, will be known throughout the world.

Vocabulary Words: Postwar- of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a period following a war Reception- a function or occasion when persons are formally recieved Scholarly- having thke qualities of a scholar Presence- the state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place Sustained- to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure

The Diary of Anne Frank

Entry #12-21-11-Act One Scenes 1-5

Anne Frank, her mother, father, and her sister, Margot, have gone into hiding after catching the drift that the Nazi's have invaded. They will be staying in a secret warehouse hidden behind a bookcase at Mr. Franks place of work. They will be sharing the warehouse with the Van Daan's. Anne is excited about being their, but she is saddened due to the fact of leaving her home and friends behind. Anne gets treated like a baby, and she just wants to be treated like an adult. They don't know how long they will be in hiding, and they don't know how dangerous it will be, not only for them, but also the people who are hiding them, Mr. Kraler, and Miep, a pregnant woman. Anne will go through this journey learning and loosing alot, just in the hope to survive the Holocaust.

Vocabulary Words: Carillion- a set of stationary bells hung in a tower and sounded by manual or pedal action, or by machinery Skylight- an opening in a roof or ceiling, fitted with glass, for admitting daylight W.C.- water closet (toilet) Concealed- to hide; withdraw or remove from observation; cover or keep from sight Arrangement- an act of arranging; state of being arranged

Entry #13-4-26-11-Act Two Scenes-1-2

It is New Years for the Franks. Miep has brought them cake and flowers. Unfortunatly their is no joy in the household; An arguement has broken out between the guests, conflicts about the portion sizes of the cake and who gets more. Mr. Van Daan is a selfish man who always wants more to himself. Mr. Kraler has become ill and has not gone to a doctors yet. Mr. Kraler takes Mr. Frank out of the room and has a small word with him. He had informed him that someone, a former business employee of Mr. Franks, had asked if their, as he recalled, was a secret door behind the bookcase that led to the attic. More arguments break out between Mrs. Frank and Anne about Anne's negative energy about the war, and how they are better off dead.

Vocabulary Words: Foreboding- a feeling that something, especially bad or harmful, is about to happen Inarticulate- speechless; unable to speak effectively or understandably Guilders- the basic monetary unit of the Netherlands at the time Disgruntled- displeased and irritated Blackmail- Keeping something from the public in exchange for money, food, etc.

Entry #14-4-27-11-Act Two Scene 3

Once again, a fight has broken out within the household. Mr. Van Daan has been caught stealing bread from the safe by Mrs. Frank, and she is furious. She went off in a rage finally channeling out all the anger she had kept hidden from everyone for so long. 2 years have past and the members of the secret sanctuary are getting fed up with each other and can no longer take it. Mrs. Frank screams at Mr. Van Daan telling him and his wife to pack up, and get out. Where are they suppose to go? Out on the streets? Their are no other hiding places... But who would steal bread from children? They are all hungary, but that doesn't mean Mr. Van Daan is allowed to steal food. But then suddenly, the buzzer rings, its Miep, and she has brought good news with her. The invasion has begun. They will all be liberated soon.... Or as they thought.

Vocabulary Words: 'Komme schnell'- German meaning "Come quickly!" D-Day- The day France invaded Germany Remorse=- a bitter regret or guilt after having done wrong Pandemonium- wild confusion or noise; an uproar Orthodox- Orthodox Jews who strictly observe Jewish laws and traditions

Entry #15-4-27-11-Act Two Scene 4-5

It is an afternoon day. The people in the household are in the main room. Suddenly they hear the telephone from downstairs ring for the 3rd time. Mr. Dussel suspects its Miep warning them that the Nazi's are coming. Anne and Peter are in the attic. Anne is explaining, that you can imagine yourself outside, and you would be; you could imagine yourself anywhere doing anything. It was a wonderful thing. Then suddenly they hear sirens outside and the screech of the tires. Peter kisses Anne; As if he knew it would be the last time he ever saw her... They hear the doorbell ring and pounding on the door, and mens voices. It was the Nazi's... They had found them... Everyone went to their room and packed up their things. They knew they were caught. Mr. Frank was the only survivor. He tried to find out about his family and if they had survived by asking around. Thats how he found out about the death of his wife, Margot, Mr. Dussel, and the Van Daan's. But Anneke... Their was still hope. Until he met a woman who had met Anne and explained how she had died of the fever. Mr. Frank flashes back to when he and his family were taken, as he had said "We have lived in fear, now we can live in hope."

Vocabulary Words: 'Auf machen!'- German for "Open up! Inside there!" 'Schnell'- German for quick Auschwitz- a Nazi concentration camp located in Poland, notorious as an extermination center Belsen- a village in Germany, the site of a Nazi concentration camp. Buchenwald- a Nazi concentration camp in German.

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