DID THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO ESCAPE?

This post will study quotes that support that the Jews in Sighet had opportunities to avoid the torture to come.

Quote #1:

"The train did not move again. The afternoon went by slowly. Then the doors of the wagon slid open. Two men were given opportunity to fetch water" (27).

This is important because it appears that they did not have many men guarding their doors as they opened. This could have been an opportunity for those in the cattle car to escape.

Quote #2:

"Jews, listen to me! That's all I ask of you. No money. No pity. Just listen to me!' he kept shouting in synagogue" (7).

This is important because Moishe the Beadle had seen of the horrors to come and was trying desparately to warn the Jews of the danger. They simply didn't believe the terrible stories that he was telling.

Quote #3:

"Yes, we even doubted his resolve to exterminate us. Annihilate an entire people? Wipe out a population dispersed through so many nations? So many millions of people!" (8).

This is important because it is another example of a trusted source telling the Jews in Sighet that the German forces were invading. However, they doubted that the soldiers would ever reach their town.