Josef: Refugee Mini Project

Ruthie’s Bunny: Bitzy (Symbols on the Journey)

Ruthie’s bunny, Bitzy, was used to symbolize innocence, youth, and comfort on their journey on the MS St. Louis. While Ruthie clings to Bitzy for comfort, the bunny highlights the loss of childhood during the time of World War 2. After Josef’s Bar Mitzvah, Josef shifted his mindset to understanding his responsibilities with taking care of his family. He watches his sister play around on the ship and realizes that because he has become a Bar Mitzvah he can no longer do that.

“Ruthie had begged him to go swimming in the pool with her and Renata and Evelyne that afternoon. But Josef was a man now, not a boy. He was too old for kids’ stuff.” (Gratz 60)

The Journey: (Reasons for Journey)

Josef Landau and his family are forced to leave their home in Germany to escape the Nazis during World War 2. After the Nazis came and ransacked their home, they made the decision to leave. By fleeing Germany, the family hoped to reach Cuba as a place for safety, however they were turned away while Josef’s father, Aaron, stayed behind. Josef, his mother and Ruthie then went to the United States but were turned away and sent to Paris, attempting to finally live freely and escape.

“Josef didn't want to leave. Germany was his home.” (Gratz 10)

UH OH!: (Dangers along the Journey)

Josef and his family faced constant danger throughout their journey on the MS St. Louis. First, they endure the mental danger, the threat from the Nazi supporting crew members saying that they will come for Josef’s family. Then Cuba and the United States denied them from entering and turned their ship around leaving them with no choice but to return to Europe. Josef and his family are then sent to France, until they are caught by the Nazis and Josef makes the ultimate decision to save Ruthie.

“It was a different world below decks, Josef thought … Here, below decks, was the real world.” (Gratz 53)

Time to say Goodbye: (Results of the Journey)

Ultimately, Josef Landau’s journey ends in a heartbreaking way defined by selflessness and sacrifice. After being turned away from Cuba and United States and being forced back to Europe, Josef and his family attempt to flee through France, but were captured by Nazis. Josefs mother had to make a cruel decision when given an ultimatum on which child to release. Josef bravely sacrifices himself to be sent to the concentration camp with his mother, where they both unfortunately are murdered.

“The Nazis caught us, and they gave my mother a choice—save me, or save my brother… she couldn’t choose … So my brother chose for her.” (Gratz 159)