On one detail to the SS, where I peeled potatoes, I took the skins. But I did not
dare to take a whole potato because we were searched after work. We washed
the skins carefully and made them into entire meals. We ran them through a grinder
and made fritters, but without any fat. In the ghetto houses we were able to do the
cooking.
Our father, because he was 75 years old already, was assigned to yard jobs. This
was not hard by itself but he had to be always there even when the weather was
poor. Mother did household work and took care of children. Everybody had to work,
otherwise their turn would come for the next transport to annihilation, we understood
that well.
Later I worked in a dairy where things were better. I always took away some milk,
well hidden. I tied a small bag to my belt under my dress. But returning to the ghetto
always caused palpitations. We were checked already when leaving the dairy.
After I had worked in the dairy for a while and was known by the Latvian women
workers, I started to bring along various items for swapping.
Thus I was able to provide better for my dear parents, as well as for Joseph who
had returned seriously ill from Salaspils. Joseph lay sick for weeks, and when he
was somewhat recovered he worked inside the ghetto.
Living conditions and survival strategies