Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

collect a bucket, dustpan and brush, toilet brush, cloth and polish, and five
arm-lengths of paper towel … ‘Get to work!’, he said as they marched out.
I began by tearing the paper towel into cleaning cloth-sized pieces, dipped a
piece into the toilet bowl water and begin to wipe the walls as far up as I can
reach, and then the floor. And on to polishing the stainless steel items to
perfection. What a delight! I am able to clean up a place that has no dirt or
dust anywhere that I could find. This is a beautifully tidy cell.
About an hour later, I heard chatter and the rustle of keys in the corridor. I
guessed it was cell inspection time – and stand to attention well before the
officers approach my door. This time, however, it was only a brief wait
before they appeared – as if the other cells were not inspected and I was the
prime target for inspection.
I was asked to take my rubbish, as if I had any, to the bin outside at the end
of the passage, which I did. Barefooted I walk along, trying to get back into
the marching style that I had learned more than 30 years ago. Then, as I
approach the standard plastic rubbish bin I lift the lid and drop the paper
bag containing the toast into it. As I replaced the lid a sharp command
comes from one of the three officers watching me, ‘Do it properly – shut
the lid!’. Without hesitation and in silence I go through the procedure
again, successfully!
The fellows seem to have a wild look in their face as though I am the devil
incarnate! I suppose this is the first time they have come across someone
who refuses to believe the Holocaust propaganda. I march back and stand
against the wall outside the cell. Inspection is still continuing within. Then I
hear from within the cell a voice, ‘Yes’.
The officer guarding me outside motions and commands me, ‘Get inside’.
Silently I obey and enter the cell.
‘Reasonable, blankets pass the test but you missed a spot on the basin’.
I am shown a little thumbprint on the bottom of the basin.
‘Can’t be! Can’t be!’, I exclaim. That was my first big mistake.
A torrent of verbal abuse rains over me, and a warning that afternoon
inspection had better be perfect.
As the cell door slammed shut one of the officers shouts out, ‘You Nazi
scum!’
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