Lale Sokolov page 3

 Lale Sokolov page 3 by ric gustafson

Lale and the other men briskly walked toward some dirty pink brick buildings. The columns walked through a gate. At the top were the words ' Arbeit Macht Frei'.

Lale and the others were forced into straight lines. At the head of Lale's line was an inmate sitting at a small table. He wore a jacket and pants with blue and white stripes. Behind him was an SS officer holding a rifle. 

Just then, a senior officer walked to the front of the columns. He was escorted by some soldiers. He had a square jaw and bushy black brows. " Welcome to Auschwitz".

Lale and the others stared at the senior officer.

" I am Commandant Rudolf Hoess". He smiled. " I am in charge here at Auschwitz".

Lale watched as new arrivals were asked questions. Then they were handed a receipt. Then Lale was asked his name, address, occupation and parents names. 

Then an SS man yelled. " Take your receipt to that table".

research help: ' The Tattooist of Auschwitz' by Heather Morris

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric