4. August 2021 at 16:28

I followed the Jewish boy who walked through the war in a police officer's old shoes

What does it feel like to walk 130 kilometres in the footsteps of hiding children?

author
Soňa Jánošová

Editorial

The In the Footsteps of Hidden Children memorial march. The In the Footsteps of Hidden Children memorial march. (source: Dominik Janovský)
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We were slowly climbing a hill and breaking through the trees. A guide opened his compass.

Memorial to trace back the steps of Jewish children hiding from the Nazis
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Memorial to trace back the steps of Jewish children hiding from the Nazis

Here in the middle of the woods, off a path and without any reception, it was still the best way to orient yourself. On the sixth day of endless tramping, I felt exhausted and had a hard time overcoming that feeling. We still had the last 20 kilometres ahead of us.

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I subconsciously touched the pocket on my backpack, where I had put the keys from my flat a week ago. I performed this ritual several times a day, most often when I got tired or sad. I touched the keys and I felt relieved. I had a home.

When I finish the journey, I told myself, I have a place to return to.

We were in the woods where a group of 12 people used to hide in the middle of a harsh winter. Did they have anything in their pocket to help them survive?

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