People

A lesson in tolerance

Previously, I heard about the Jews only during my parents' conversations - Konrad Kozłowski recalls - Back then I was around 8 years old. We were living in Mogielnice village, near Suchowola. One evening, a Jew came to us with a wagon and asked my father if he could stay the night. Before the war, the Jews very often traveled around the villages, buying old rags, bristle from horse manes and tails, and in exchange one could get buckets, plates, mugs or fabric. My father unhitched the horse from the wagon, led him to the stable and gave him some hay, and pointed to the newcomer a room to sleep. After some time we heard a voice coming from the room. My brother and I were curious and, through the keyhole, we looked inside. I saw him putting straps on his arm and something on his heard, he was nodding and talking to himself. It made us laugh. Instantly, the room got quiet, but only for a short time. This situation repeated itself three times. When my father came back, the tradesman left the room and asked us not to disturb his prayers. As a punishment, our father made us kneel for a few minutes. After that, we had to apologize to our guest, and later father. I realized that I had hurt someone.

Mr Kozłowski says that it was a lesson in tolerance given to him by his father.