Susan and Joseph Hilsenrath were woken up in the middle of the night on November 9, 1938, when they heard the glass break.

Susan and Joseph Hilsenrath were woken up in the middle of the night on November 9, 1938, when they heard the glass break. One of the bricks went through the bedroom window.

Susan remained silent in fright. Her younger brother ran to the window to find out what was going on.

Our neighbors, Susi, said Joseph. He was only eight years old.

Attacks on Jewish families were spread throughout Germany that night. Even their neighbors became hostile to them in their town of Bad Kreuznach. One of the street-lamps was dragged down and thrust into their door.

This night is called Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass.” It transformed their lives in a way.

Initially, the family had hopes of relocating to America with the assistance of one of their relatives. However, it was extremely long to get a visa.

Being left with no option that was safe, Susan parents; Israel and Annie, had to spend almost all their money to take Susan and Joseph to France with the assistance of a smuggler. They thought that France would be safe.

However, safety was not to be.

Susan continues to contemplate it many years later. As mother and a grandmother she says she cannot think of sending her children away in such a manner.

Her parents and little brother safely arrived in America later. But as Susan and Joseph were still in France their father kept on writing letters to help groups and pleading, pleading, pleading to help.

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