The following are entries from the journal of Peter.

March 10, 1937 Berlin, Germany

We are planning to escape to Poland in a hope that we will not be harmed by Hitler. We must keep our plans secret and go on living a normal life. Father is working for fake identification so we may safely travel. He has let me deliver the money to the resistance worker who has calligraphy skills and is making our IDs because I am small and arouse little suspicion, for the Nazis will see me as a Jew-boy out playing. I am a little scared to go out on such missions but I know I must help protect my family. If Father gets arrested before the fake IDs are printed, I will be the man of the house and this worries me. I must be strong, though. Neither Elizabeth nor Rachel know of our escape plans, and I must keep it secret as Father wishes. It is so hard to keep things from my twin, my other half, but I must.

March 23, 1937 Berlin, Germany

It has happened! I was told to visit the resistance worker who made our fake IDs today, and they are finished. Father told the girls of our plan to escape. We are pretending to be citizens of the Reich going out on holiday to Warsaw, Poland. Because of this, we are only allowed to pack one suitcase. We are leaving tomorrow. To save space, each family member will sew their journal into the lining of their sweater. Mother has hidden our Sabbath candles within the lining of her skirt, as well as some of her jewels. Most of our money is being kept in Sarah’s blankets, where there will be little suspicion. Mother, Elizabeth, and Rachel have been sewing all day and even into the darkness to hide all of our belongings. They are also ripping the yellow Star of David off all of our clothes.

March 24, 1937 Kroftsburg, Germany

I am aboard the train that will take us to Poland. German guards frequently board the train and ask random people for their passes. The one time our family was checked, we passed. I feel so naked without my yellow star. I am afraid someone will recognize me and shout, “You are a Jew! You need a star!” Anyway, I am writing to appear normal, but if a guard comes, we shall be found out. The seven of us are sitting in a cramped car, of about 10 people. Mother is constantly moving her leg, which shows she is nervous. Rachel is breathing slowly and rhythmically to calm herself. The only one who is not anxious is Sarah, sleeping calmly in Elizabeth’s arms.

March 25, 1937 Plakocazw, Poland

We have arrived safely in Poland! It is a miracle! We spent the night in an inn, the first time we have been allowed to do so in four years. This small town is a popular vacation spot, so it fits in with our disguise. Us four children and mother and father will continue to Warsaw where Father knows a few people. Aunt Greta has decided to make her way to Krakow. We will be apart, but we are safe together in Poland!