Photograph from the Main Commission for the Investigation of Nazi War Crimes,
courtesy of USHMM Photo Archives.
Polish children imprisoned in Auschwitz look out from behind the barbed wire fence. (July 1944)

Disappear into the Night is an iAdventure that will take you on a historical journey. You will encounter courage and fear and unexplainable hatred.

You will take the role of a pet mouse, Friedman, that travels with his Jewish owner in Germany and the surrounding countries during World War II.

You will keep a journal of your experiences and adventures. You will secretly send a message to the countries outside Germany to try to enlighten the world to this horror. Perhaps you can get the truth out---and disprove the propaganda spread by the German government.

Unlike the people living in Europe during the war, you will have the opportunity to gather accurate information. You will have internet access! You will secretly be able to gain information from survivors of the Holocaust to aid your owner in making critical decisions along your journey together.
 
 

Friedman, is a pet mouse. His owners, Peter and Beate, are very fond of him. Friedman has a secret internet connection. Through his technology (which is much more advanced than the new technology of "RADIOS" that the world is experiencing at this time), Friedman has found out the first of horrific laws passed in Germany to terrorize the Jewish people living there.

The Nuremberg Race Laws enacted in 1935 in Germany were just the beginning of the rights and property of Jews to be stripped away. Jews were banned from voting in elections. Jewish and non-Jewish people were banned from marriage. More laws in 1938 placed even more restrictions on Jews. Laws were passed that Jews couldn't walk on the sidewalk. They were to walk in the middle of the street. Curfews were imposed on Jews. They could not be out after dark. Their businesses were closed and taken over by Germans. They were not allowed to own radio sets. Jews were forced to sew yellow stars on their clothing and register with the police. Jewish children were kicked out of schools. Soon after families' belongings were taken away, and they were rounded up and taken away...
 
 
 
 

 

A loud knock at the door awakens you. You hear whispers from Peter and Beate's parents and see fearful expressions on Peter and Beate's faces. Loud footsteps tell you soldiers' boots are in the hallway of the apartment.

"Hurry, Hurry," they shout. Quickly and silently Peter and Beate gather their knapsack and begin packing a few belongings.

Choose whom you will go with-----Peter or Beate, and help them choose what to pack. The articles must be chosen carefully. Do they want to take materials to continue schooling? Do they want articles to trade with others for food? shelter? information? Can they bribe a guard to receive special treatment? Are there any health needs of the family?

What should you pack?  ...tooth brush, prayer book, pencil case, food, water, clothing, jewelry, textbooks, soap, etc...

Web Resources

Use the resources below to find out more about the state of Germany at this time in history. These resources may help you decide what to pack. Remember to take notes to include accurate data in your letter.

Who was Adolf Hitler?

Jews outlook

Tips for hiding

Trade in camps

New identity