Refugee Experiences During WWII

In 1939, Joseph and over 900 Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis celebrate as they are saved from returning to Nazi Germany. After negotiations, they are divided among Belgium, Holland, France, and England. Joseph's family is assigned to France, where they settle and try to adapt. However, with the outbreak of World War II and Germany's invasion of France, they face new challenges and are forced to flee again.

What was the mood on the MS St. Louis as it approached Cuba?

• Indifferent and calm

• Joyful and celebratory

• Somber and quiet

• Tense and anxious

Which countries agreed to take in the refugees from the MS St. Louis?

• United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil

• Belgium, Holland, France, England

• Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece

• Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland

Why did Joseph hope to be assigned to England?

• He spoke English fluently

• He had family there

• It was the farthest from Nazi Germany

• It was the closest to Germany

How did the passengers feel as they disembarked in Belgium?

• Indifferent to their new surroundings

• Excited to explore a new country

• Eager to return to Germany

• Relieved but aware of the Nazi threat

What was Joseph's reaction upon arriving in Boulogne, France?

• He felt it was the promised land

• He wanted to return to the ship

• He was indifferent to the new place

• He was disappointed with the reception

What did Joseph's mother do to support the family in France?

• Became a teacher

• Did other people's laundry

• Worked in a factory

• Opened a restaurant

Why was Joseph placed in the first grade in France?

• He had missed too much school

• He preferred to be with younger children

• He couldn't speak French

• He was too young for higher grades

How did Joseph feel about learning French?

• He found it too difficult

• He refused to learn it

• He was indifferent to it

• He was determined to learn it

What major event occurred two months after Joseph settled in France?

• Joseph's family moved to England

• The signing of a peace treaty

• Germany invaded Poland

• The end of World War II

What was the impact of Germany's invasion of France on Joseph's family?

• They moved to a different city in France

• They were able to stay safely in France

• They were forced to flee again

• They were captured by the Nazis