large amount of money. âNot only that, but he threatened to report us to the Gestapo.â
Mr. Harwood nodded sympathetically. âItâs no easier to get in anywhere, as Iâm sure you all know. It was possible a few years ago. But now, Canada and many other countries are reluctant to take in Jewish refugees. Thereâs a fear that weâll be flooded with families escaping Europe. Besides, few countries want to alienate Hitler these days.â
âNot even Palestine,â added Mr. Zelenka, shaking his head. âOne would have thought that Jews could go there. But the British are worried that there might be another Arab uprising like the one in 1936. So those doors are closed as well.â The Arab revolt against mass Jewish immigration had lasted off and on for three years and had prompted a renunciation of Britainâs intent to create a Jewish national home in Palestine.
There was a moment of silence at the table. Then Mr. Harwood said, âThankfully, for you and others, Iâm able to bend the rules to allow selected immigrants into my country â not an easy task, I assure you.â He stopped short of saying that it would cost these families dearly for the privilege of entering Canada. The details of that would come later.
âWe are all so fearful of Hitlerâs plans,â said Marie. âHere, there are more and more restrictions emerging on a daily basis. Now Jewish doctors and lawyers canât practice; professors and instructors canât teach.â
âAnd what about those who are being arrested?â asked Mr. Zelenka. âThey call it protective custody, whatever that means. Whoâs being protected? And where are they going? No one seems to know.â
âFirst Austria, then Czechoslovakia. What next?â Marie lowered her head and closed her eyes.
âPoland!â declared Mr. Zelenka. âHitler recognized a valuable prize when he took Czechoslovakia. Not only did he get this vast land, but also it paved the way for further conquests. Heâs already denounced the non-aggression pact with Poland and heâs demanding the return of Danzig to Germany. Mark my words: Poland is next.â
âWill no one come to Europeâs aid?â Mrs. Zelenka whispered these words.
Mr. Harwood shook his head. âPresident Roosevelt has outlined a peace proposal for Europe, but it doesnât look like Hitler is going to listen to it. Iâm afraid weâre headed for all-out war.â
There was silence at the table as each guest digested this pronouncement. Karl was angered by the discussion. How was it that they had become fugitives? They were being forced to leave their homes and were being treated like criminals for no reason. They werenât wanted in their home country, and they werenât wanted elsewhere. None of it made sense. Karlâs family had barely acknowledged its Jewish background, but now it seemed to glow above their heads like a spotlight.
âEnough talk of war,â said Marie, shaking her head wearily. âPlease enjoy the wine, the meal, and our hospitality, Mr. Harwood. Letâs talk of happier things. Letâs talk of a future in your country.â She raised her glass and said, âTo Canada. And to peace!â The others joined her in the toast.
Shortly after that, the Zelenkas said their good-byes and went upstairs to their flat. Marie walked over to Mr. Harwood and extended her hands to him. âI know that you and my husband have discussed the terms under which we might be able to get into your country,â she said, referring to the bribe that would buy them their precious entry visas. âWe will complete our part of the agreement. Please fulfill yours. Do not let my family down.â She spoke these last words fervently, staring Mr. Harwood in the eyes and clutching his hands in a forceful grip.
Mr. Harwood nodded. âIâll meet with your husband as soon as I get
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