Original subtitles

The Jewish Council 2. The yellow stain

I'm going to a party.

Eat your sandwich.

I'll be back tonight.

Okay?

Promise?

Promise.

Central Office, Amsterdam

You can come in.

Gentlemen, please.

Gentlemen, Mr. Böhmker has charged me with a number of executive tasks and...

clear communication is of the utmost importance for a fruitful collaboration.

I would suggest printing a weekly publication as of now.

It will publish the rules and regulations the Jewish people need to adhere to.

This will offer the Jewish community the possibility

to read official news from a reliable source.

Rumours will have less effect

and the peace that is necessary for daily labour shall return.

What is the cost of a subscription?

One point ten guilders per quarter.

And this publication is for Jewish Dutchmen only?

So, the news that 'Jews are no longer allowed to buy fish or fruit

or to consume those' is not spread in the rest of the Netherlands?

- This seems undesirable. - Agreed.

Even more, I think this is exactly what the Germans want,

to keep these degrading measures from the rest of the population.

- Mr. Kisch, I appreciate... - What I see,

and this is just one example of many, is the isolation of the Jewish community.

Everyone is free to read the magazine.

I think this magazine will counter the isolation.

It will be a connecting source of information

- about anything concerning our community. - Who is responsible for the content?

We are, the Jewish Council.

So, we can write whatever we want?

So we can write articles about, let's say... Palestine?

If it's related to emigration, of course, Mr. Kisch.

And now I would like to address the educational situation.

They're preparing for the inspection by Klaus Barbie

and they can't be disturbed.

The new club magazine?

Are they nervous about Mr. Barbie's arrival?

Rather, yes.

Look at that, a sale on kosher cheese. Fortunately, everything will be alright.

And a flower arrangement course, that's what we were waiting for.

Is this your fiancé?

He left for Palestine a month before the start of the war.

I was going to join him...

Miss Levie, could we have some coffee?

- Mr. Cohen, do you have a minute? - Not really.

Please press Barbie into opening the Wieringermeer labour village again.

- Mrs. van Tijn... - In your own diplomatic words,

but no one is served by closing the camp.

Those boys are living with strangers, with no jobs and no prospects.

We could at least give them something to do, right?

I'll see what I can do. If you would excuse me now.

So nice to see you. Thank you.

Put it over there. Thank you.

Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Cohen.

You will make sure the announcement is published in the magazine?

Herr Obersturmführer,

I did have one more final request.

We were wondering whether the decision to close Wieringermeer labour village

might be reconsidered.

The camp was intended for German Jewish refugees

to learn a profession and to give them the chance to move to Palestine.

Where are they now?

They've been placed with host families in Amsterdam.

You know what?

If you provide me with an address list for these host families,

- I will organise transport to Wöhringer... - Wieringermeer.

Wieringermeer. Yes?

- Yes, please. Thank you. - Great.

- Goodbye. - Is everything ready? Good.

- So? - Good news.

- The camp is reopening, they can go back. - That's great, David.

They need a list of names and addresses for the host families.

- Can you take care of that? - Of course.

Isn't that strange?

Him agreeing so easily?

- Mrs. van Tijn... - It's so unusual for Germans

- to reconsider their decisions. - The Council has some influence left

to relieve some of the needs. Let's be grateful for that.

Your wife just called. Are you still picking her up?

The memorial service at the Wertheim's?

Thank you.

There's not enough.

- Don't worry about it. - There's not enough butter in there.

Professor Cohen.

So nice of you to come. Mrs. Cohen.

Such terrible news, he was such a happy, talented boy.

The hardest part is not knowing anything.

We still have no idea of the cause of death.

We haven't had any news either in spite of several written requests.

I ensure you we'll do our utmost to get to the bottom of this.

My condolences, in the name of the entire Jewish Council.

- Our deepest sympathy. - Thank you.

This is for the Central Office, they're expecting it.

Virrie? Will we be seeing you at dinner tonight?

I have an early shift tomorrow.

My condolences.

I'm sorry about your friend.

Shall we go?

- I wanted... - I still have work tonight.

- Hang in there, darling. - Give Mirjam my love.

I will.

Piet?

- I... - Yes, well.

I'm sorry too. I was out of line.

I could really use a drink.

- That's nice. - Yes, it is.

- I work in the children's ward. - That sounds like a challenge.

It can be, but...

How is the studying going?

- There are more important things now. - Such as?

One more?

Can we have two more?

This is the last one or I can't get up in the morning.

So?

I'm helping Jewish fellow students to find a hiding place.

Some have decided not to wait until they're deported.

Deported?

The Germans aren't being coy about their plans.

All Jews will be deported and put to work as slaves for the Great German ideal.

Thank you.

To Emiel.

Surely he's dancing in heaven.

No.

- Come on. - No, really.

Come on. For Emiel.

Do be careful, will you?

I... I was wondering...

Those friends in hiding, they can't see a doctor when they get ill.

We're looking for someone who can get us medicines.

So we can start an emergency supply.

For heaven's sake, what is this?

Unverzüglich? We've been waiting here for three hours.

People, I have a business to run.

- Gentlemen. - Mr. Barbie, we've been here for...

Mr. Cohen, Mr. Asscher,

much to our dismay our office in Schubert Street has been attacked.

According to our information the perpetrators were a group of Jews.

- Gentlemen, it's very unlikely... - 400 men were arrested in retaliation.

Thanks to your list of names and addresses this was swiftly organised.

- You had promised... - Make it clear to your people

that any form of resistance is futile and will be punished.

My people are mainly concerned, Mr. Barbie, that they are continuously under attack

and they worry about the faith of their loved ones.

They are continuously confronted with degrading punitive sanctions.

Mr. Cohen, when you make sure your community follows the rules,

we will not be obliged to take any punitive sanctions.

They just laid a trap and we walked right into it.

- Mrs. van Tijn... - It was all neatly laid out

where they could find those boys.

- Because I gave them that list of names. - That is not your fault.

- I could feel it wasn't right. - We can't always trust our feelings.

My intuition is seldom wrong, Mr. Cohen.

And it's screaming in my ear that we've taken a wicked turn.

Maybe she's right.

- It's time to draw the line. - Bram...

It seems clear to me that we are no longer a respected interlocutor.

So, what do you propose we do? Throw in the towel?

What will that do to the community? To the morale?

We can't desert them now.

- I just want us to protest this. - And what good will that do?

I would also really like

We won't stand for this any longer.

But what will be the consequence? Do you think they'll free those boys?

Or that it will improve our relationship with the occupier?

We've accepted a responsibility.

And now we need to reduce the damage to a minimum. That's our duty.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are being tested.

The events of the past few weeks have taken a heavy toll on all of us.

Hello?

Yes, put him through.

Good morning, Mr. Aus der Fünten. How can I help you?

The heavy blow that we have had to take today has burdened us even more.

Of course, we have protested by all possible means

against this horrible decision,

but in order to prevent escalation, the only thing we can do is get to work.

We will need to streamline the distribution of the stars.

- We only have three days... - Why can't the Germans distribute them?

Then it will take much longer.

- Mrs. van Tijn... - That's a time gain.

After Sunday May 3rd, those who don't wear a star,

will be arrested and sent off to penal camp Mauthausen.

Do you want to expose the Jews of Amsterdam to such danger?

Of course, this is a dark page

in the history of Dutch Judaism, but I have told Mr. Aus der Fünten

that we will wear the star with pride.

Yes, madam. I will be right there.

Next.

- I can do it. - Yes, please.

Don't you feel like throwing in the towel sometimes?

And to let them figure it out for themselves.

If we quit, someone else will just take our place.

I prefer having something to do. Otherwise I'll just fret.

What happened, with the address list for the boys from Wieringermeer...

You can't feel guilty about it.

- How could you know... - It's extremely stupid

to underestimate your enemy.

Such a beautiful coat.

Completely ruined.

Still, I will wear it with pride, Miss Levie.

First of all, my compliments for the efficient distribution of the stars.

No, thank you.

Well then, cheers to you.

Now that has been concluded,

it's time for our next important task, namely...

organising the evacuation of all Jews from Amsterdam in an orderly manner.

Men and women between 16 and 40 will be summoned to the obligatory labour camps.

I suggest we call an emergency meeting at four.

That way, we'll have an hour

to think about how we are going to present this to the council members.

I fear that I will have to leave that to you. I have to go.

- Bram? - Trouble at the factory.

- You can't put this all on me. - I'm sorry.

It's beyond my control.

- The Council... - Not now, Miss Levie.

dear council members, it is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you

- Everyone is here. - I'm coming.

Daddy?

Hello?

Yes, I...

I just wanted to check that you were alright.

- I'm alright. - Fine.

And you?

I'm fine too.

It's just...

Well, at the moment...

I need to make decisions that...

and make choices that...

Daddy?

Shouldn't you call it a day? It's clear the Germans don't want...

- Virrie, shut up. Don't meddle in... - Just listen to me for once.

Professor? Everyone is here.

I'm sorry, I have to go.

Council members, it is with...

a heavy heart that I have to inform you

that Mr. Asscher and I were told by Mr. Aus der Fünten this morning

that on July 1st the first group of Jewish men and women between 16 and 40

will be summoned to the labour camps in Germany.

- Westerbork will serve as the transit camp. - Mr. President, this is unacceptable.

I informed Mr. Aus der Fünten that this order violates international law.

Unfortunately, I did not get any satisfactory response.

So, what would our role be in all of this?

Filling out the property register of the persons that will be summoned

and granting exemptions for those who can't be missed.

Should we do this?

Making a difference between those who can and can't be missed?

Gentlemen, isn't this the time to abolish this Council?

And then what? Leave our community to fend for itself?

The allied invasion could start any moment now.

- We should postpone it as long as possible. - I see your point.

But shouldn't we, however difficult it is,

make this difference anyway?

Isn't it our duty to consider which people

we need to keep here in order to rebuild the Jewish community

as soon as possible after liberation.

Additionally, Mr. Aus der Fünten has given us permission

to issue a special exception for collaborators of the Jewish Council,

so they will be exempt.

They and their family members will get a so-called Sperre.

So they can continue working for the Jewish Council.

Of course, we find ourselves confronted...

with a horrible dilemma,

but our beloved community, that has been hit so hard recently,

cannot be forsaken.

Otherwise, I cannot fathom the consequences.

I suggest suspending the meeting for a short break

so each of you can take the time to contemplate all of this.

Then the Council will have to formulate a fundamental point of view.

Well, it's crystal clear that this is unacceptable.

I wish it was that simple.

If we pull out, the Germans will take care of it themselves.

- Can you imagine the panic? - That will be the case now as well.

- What does it mean? - If we can organise it ourselves,

if the Jewish Council can regulate this,

we can make sure the weakest in the community stay protected.

And the people that simply cannot be missed will be exempt from evacuation.

But David, everyone cannot be missed by someone.

- Does it mean that the girls... - Certain categories will be exempt.

So, let me get this straight: you have four sons?

Had.

Emiel has already been murdered.

If my other boys have to go too...

You can't do that to me.

I'm sorry, I'll have to talk to my boss about that. My apologies.

My apologies.

Go and see Dr. Roos as soon as possible.

Maybe he can declare you unfit because of your diabetes.

This will only be a temporary postponement.

Mrs. van Tijn, the professor needs you.

In light of the death of your son, we might be able to give you one Sperre.

- Come in next week with this letter... - And who will get the exemption?

That is up to you.

It is up to you to decide who you'll miss... the least.

I'm sorry.

My mother is pregnant.

She isn't able to work.

I would like you to lead a new department.

It will provide support for those who are leaving.

Support?

Yes, since forced labour is inevitable,

we need support those who have to suffer this faith.

Both practically and morally.

Why did you think of me of all people?

Because your other duties concerning the migration and the labour village

in Wieringermeer have been suspended.

These past few months, I occasionally doubted your loyalty,

but you do an excellent job.

You're the only one I trust with this important task.

I would like to have your answer by the end of the day.

I'll do it.

Still, I would like it to be noted that, just like the rest I do here,

my work is voluntary and unsalaried.

And that I officially do not want to be part of the Jewish Council.

Do you want something to eat?

Or would you like some tea or coffee?

Booze?

You're wonderful.

I couldn't take a lot at once, that's too conspicuous.

I don't want you to get in trouble, Virrie.

- I wouldn't be able to live with myself. - Don't worry.

I wanted to do it.

Sure you don't want a drink?

Or a dance?

I'm due at my parents'. And it's almost time for curfew.

Next time, okay?

towel and toiletries postcards with stamps

favourite book

- Yes? - Mrs. van Tijn?

How can I help you?

- I'm applying for a job. - Unfortunately we are fully staffed.

- But I have to... - I'm sorry.

I really need this job.

I'm sorry, but I've already taken on twice the necessary capacity.

My mother had pneumonia in March.

I'm afraid she won't survive the labour camp.

- Madam... - Miss.

- Gomperts. - Miss Gomperts,

- I wish I could help you. - I don't need a salary.

I just want a Sperre for me and my family.

In the right-hand corner you will find the address of the family that is leaving.

I hope you realise that you have a heavy and demanding job to do.

The families you will visit will be frightened and nervous.

It is up to us, to you

to make the final days before their departure easier to bear.

- Yes? - I was wondering...

When they ask where they're being sent to, what do we tell them?

Germany is what they said at first. But now there are rumours about Poland.

What do you think?

I don't know.

Then that is probably the best answer. That you don't know.

- How did we ever come by this fish? - I bought it.

But that's not allowed?

- How did you manage? - Well...

I walked into the shop, asked for fish, paid for it and walked out again.

Cornelia, you can't do that.

You are putting all of us in harm's way. We need to be role models.

I passed by Mrs. Wertheim this afternoon.

Leon and Baruch are on the deportation list.

No. That poor Hannah.

Deportation is not the correct word, Virrie.

It's an evacuation to camps where Jews will be put to work.

As slaves for the Great German ideal?

Mrs. Wertheim asked me if you could intervene.

I can't give anyone a special treatment, that would be favouritism.

But others are being giving special treatment anyway.

We have nothing to worry about.

Just because you are working for the Council.

Tell Mrs. Wertheim that we will do whatever we can to stop the evacuations.

If you would excuse me, I still have some things to finish up.

Give me your uniform later, then I'll sew that star on properly.

- We need to be role models. - Please, stop that idiotic adoration.

When something needs sewing onto my daughter's uniform I'll take care of it.

- I just wanted... - What, Sophie? Tell me.

- Meddling in other people's business? - Mum, stop it.

It's hard on all of us, not just you.

Stop acting like a victim, it's insufferable.

I can't take this anymore.

Are you okay?

It's hard on mum. You can see that, can't you?

It's hard on everyone.

You don't know?

I thought you didn't want to talk about it, but you really don't know.

What don't I know?

That dad and aunt Sophie have had an affair for years.

My dearest,

everything is rapidly going from bad to worse here.

The first transport notices for the German labour camps have been sent out.

They have barely been answered. With the expected consequences.

Jewish quarter

Everything is forbidden. We can't ride a bicycle anymore.

We can't use the telephone.

We can't ride public transport.

And that big yellow stain on our clothes turns us all into fair game.

The professor tries to do his job the best he can.

I will make sure that people respond to the summons.

But could please put an end

- to these terrible, inhumane raids? - I don't want this either, Mr. Cohen.

- But Herr Hauptsturmführer, please... - Mr. Cohen...

There is no other way.

He doesn't seem to realise that there is no use

in making agreements with an enemy...

Miss Levie, we need to issue an extra edition of the weekly magazine.

Can you take notes? The security forces have issued the following.

700 Jews have been arrested in Amsterdam today.

If the 4,000 appointed Jews do not leave for the labour camps this week

and take the transports to Germany, the 700 Jews in custody

will be sent off to Mauthausen.