Jona’s Journey
In loving memory of Yona (Jona) Goldrich (formerly Goldreich)
by Andrea Cayton
On a bitter summer day in 1942, Jona’s mother hugged him tightly. She could hardly bear to let Jona and Bumek (his younger brother) out of her embrace. Urgently, Jona’s father hastened the boys’ goodbyes to their parents and older brother, Eizo. It was time for the children to try their daring escape to Hungary with the help of a smuggler. In preparation for the trip, Jona’s father insisted the boys change their appearance to look like gentiles so they would not arouse suspicion. Jona never forgot the day of his departure. In the morning, his mother made sure he was dressed properly for the cold Ukraine nights. She guided his hand across the hidden pockets, and he could feel the concealed gold chains and rings. She had packed their knapsack with bread, cheese, a few pieces of clothing, his report card from school, and family pictures.
It was midday and time to leave. Jona’s father would walk with them to the next village until they successfully met the smuggler and another young boy named Jacob. Now it was time for Jona’s father to return home and let the boys begin their long trek to Hungary. The smuggler instructed the boys to walk in a single line. He led the way, followed by Bumek, Jona and Jacob, each in the footsteps of the one in front of him. All night long they marched along paths leading through the forest with no rest. Jona concentrated on his steps and made sure to stay close to his little brother who walked in front of him. Jona’s leg muscles hurt yet he did not make a sound. When the first light came up, the smuggler stopped. He told them to get off the path and hide inside a thicket. “You’ll hide here all day,” he ordered them. “I am leaving and will be back at nightfall.” He quickly disappeared among the trees.
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