'Das Haus' the House and the Son of the Rabbi. Sean Ryan Stuart
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chair and listened attentively.
Dieter stated. “Those of us who lived here were totally unaware of the historical importance of November 9th and 10th, 1938. To those of us living in Niedergeyer it was a great day in sports history. We had for the first time in almost a century of organized sports won the Divisional Soccer Championship. We were all proud of my best friend, Erik Goldmann. He had single-handedly scored all four goals, and won the game for us. We had no idea that today was also the beginning of Hitler’s horrible plot to destroy all of the Jews in Germany and eventually Europe.”
Dieter paused for a second to wipe a small tear from his right eye. Cameron was amazed to see this somewhat sentimental emotion from Dieter. Cameron had never seen him shed a tear, not for anyone or anything.
Dieter regained his composure, took a deep breath and settled in to his chair. He grabbed one of his favorite cigars and lit up. He was so enthralled, that he forgets to offer Cameron one.
“On this evil and eventful day, Hitler had instructed Dr. Joseph Goebels, the Propaganda Minister, and then Brigadefuehrer (Brigadier+) Reinhard Heydrichs, Himmler’s Deputy, to carry out the carefully planned and well executed attack on Germany’s Jews. This obnoxious and cruel event took place on the night of 9-10 November, 1938.” Continued Dieter with firmness in his voice.
“I am sure you know most of this, but it will give you a historical perspective to the whole drama that occurred on those dates.” Stated a somewhat bombastic Dieter.
“A violent storm of anti-Semitism broke out throughout Germany. The well-coordinated attacks struck fear throughout the land. It seemed as if this horrible plot to destroy all Jewish businesses, places of worship and schools might succeed after all.” Dieter continued without a single interruption from Cameron.
“As you know Cameron, they used the murder of a German consular official in Paris, Ernst von Rath was his name, and by a strange coincidence he was an avid anti-Nazi. The perpetrator was a deranged Jewish refugee, and his action was the excuse, justification and catalyst for the beginning of “The Night of the Crystal, AKA Krystalnacht.” Stated Dieter with passion and conviction in his voice.
“In retrospect Herschel Grynzpan, the Jewish assassin, could not have picked a worse time to commit this murder. Some historians have even hinted at the possibility of a German Nazi conspiracy in this hideous and bizarre plot.” Dieter took a sip of his brandy and a puff of his cigar and continued without interruption.
“The unabated and violent action continued for more than two days. Just about every Jew in Germany was either directly or indirectly affected by this action.” Stated Dieter.
“Do you know why it was called Krystalnacht (Night of the Crystal) Cameron?” Asked Dieter as he looked at Cameron.
“No! I don’t, but I am sure you will tell me.” Replied a curious Cameron.
“Just about every Jewish shopkeeper in Germany had his front window smashed or damaged by the Nazi goons. There was broken glass lying everywhere, therefore ‘Night of the Crystal.’ On those two nights there was around a hundred Jews murdered or seriously injured. The figures vary greatly, but one thing is sure, there was great devastation throughout the land. Approximately 200 synagogues were burned to the ground. Even our own synagogue in Niedergeyer was destroyed by fire. You could also say that these two evenings were the official ‘Coming Out Party’ for the Nazis.” Finished a somewhat drained Dieter.
After taking another long swig from his brandy, Dieter looked at Cameron with a somewhat inquisitive glance.
“Are you really interested in hearing the rest of the story, as it really happened?” Asked Dieter.
“Of course I am. Maybe this will help me in my current investigation. The more I know about the past, the more it will help me in the future. I need to have a better understanding of what the German Jews went through, and also what the rest of the population suffered.” Replied Cameron, as he sat back on his leather chair and stared at Dieter.
“I will try tell it like was, exactly as I remember it. My memory plays tricks on me sometime, but I will try to be as truthful as I can.” Dieter finished with a sigh and a frown.
“OK, Dieter, I am sure you will do the story justice.” Stated Erik.
Forgotten Memories
A well maintained soccer field is hidden from view in the middle of the large forest. The only way to get to the playing field is through a large path in the middle of the woods. This athletic event could only be reached by climbing a steep hill at the base of the village.
The small town of Niedergeyer is located in an area called, the “Eifel.” This location has often been used as a gateway by invading armies throughout history. This part of Germany is covered in rolling hills and some heavily wooded areas. The Romans, Gauls, Charlemagne, Nordic tribes, Swedes, Napoleon Bonaparte and many others have tried to invade its territory. In recent memory it was the site of two of the most famous battles in WWII, Battle of the Bulge and the battle of Huertgenwald, AKA by the GI’s as “Green Hell.” This whole region has a long a bloody history, and has been in constant turmoil for centuries.
The village of Niedergeyer can trace its roots to ancient Roman times. At one time around the second century AD, the seventh (VII) Roman legion had a fort and a ceramic factory in this small village. It also had the distinction of having Roman grapes planted in its numerous hills, and produced some of the best wine in the region. In addition to its famous wine and glorious past, it also had one of the best soccer teams in Northwest Germany. They had won the class B division championship four out of the last five years. This year would be of particular interest to the players because if they won the championship again they would be allowed to keep the beautiful permanent trophy in their village.
The entire village, and playing field was festooned with giant Nazi flags and streamers. Every pole, tree, and balcony was decorated with red white and black flags. The weather was extremely cold, overcast and windy; typical for this part of Germany in November. A well-disciplined Hitler Jugend band (Hitler’s equivalent to the Boy Scouts) was playing a series of German martial music.
This very loud and stimulating music had the effect of energizing the entire stand. The small wooden stadium was packed to capacity, and many additional spectators were standing on the sidelines waving small Nazi, or home team flags. The mood was festive, despite the miserable weather. However this was very rypical for this part of Germany.
Erik Goldmann is Niedergeyer’s star player. He was one of those wonderful soccer players who never seem to run out of steam. Although not very tall, he made up for it by his speed and agility. Additionally, he had the capability to jump up like a kangaroo, and could score many goals with headers. He was a perfect soccer player. He had speed, agility and an endless amount of stamina.
The home team ran out on the field and the local villagers erupted in thunderous applause. The volunteer fire department band, quite good by homegrown standards, started to play up a popular tune and everyone went wild with joy. When the opposing team from Kreiss Dueren finally ran unto the field they are met with good-natured boos and catcalls. A few minutes later the referee blows his whistle and the game begins.
Niedegeyer is the underdog, but no one counted on Erik Goldmann. In the second half, the score is already 3-0 in favor of the home team. The Dueren players and coaches are in shock. No one had counted on Erik Goldmann, he had pierced their defenses like General Guderian marching through Poland.
The right forward kicked Erik the ball and it landed over his right shoulder, and about one yard in front of him. He faked to the right; cuts suddenly to the left and manages to burst through the left defender as if he was invisible. The startled goalie did not have a chance. Erik kicked the ball on long high arc and it found its way into the net. It was one of those spectacular goals that goalkeepers have nightmares about and