ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author details an autobiographical memoir of his childhood in Vienna. From the age of ten to fourteen, culminating in the Anschluss and nine months under Nazi rule, was perhaps the most formative period of the author's life. At this time, his Jewish and Zionist commitment became the dominant trait of his personality. Even before the Anschluss, he did not feel secure. Their Christian neighbors were, let them say, unfriendly. Yet, among fellow Jews, and especially at the Chajesrealgymnasium in the Staudingergasse — the only Jewish high school in Austria — they felt at home, free and equal members of a large community. Many of their teachers came from Czernowitz. Their Klassenvorstandwas Professor Victor Lowenfeld, a good-looking man in his thirties, and very popular. By far the most capable and experienced teacher of their class was Dr. Gabe. Another favorite teacher of the author was Dr. Anna Adler.
