Abba sank onto a chair as if his legs could no longer hold him. “Oh, my dear ones . . . Today there was another new law from the Reichskommissar.” He cleared his throat and loosened his collar as if struggling to speak the words. “All Jewish teachers and university professors are no longer allowed to work.”

“Abba, no!” Just like in Cologne.

“I’ve been dismissed. The university community is outraged. The professors and students are all fighting against this, and there’s talk of a strike. They’re holding a public protest at the university tomorrow.”

“I want to go with you, Abba.”

“And do what? What is it you think you can do, Miriam? No, my dear, you and your child must stay here where it’s safe.”

“If enough people at the university protest,” Avi said, “the Nazis will have to listen.”

Abba shook his head. “The law will be backed by Nazi troops and the Gestapo. The Dutch people will have no choice but to carry them out.” He drew a deep breath as if gathering strength. “We need to find a way out of this country, Avraham. We must apply for visas —”

“I agree, but where can we go? How will we get there?” He released Miriam and struggled to his feet as if he wanted to run. “The consulates have all closed. I was promised a visa for Palestine, but then the British declared war and the Nazis invaded us and there’s no longer a British embassy here.”

Abba stood too, taking control, halting Avi’s frantic pacing. “Enough of this, now. We will eat our dinner and walk to the synagogue for evening prayers. The other men are also searching for a way out. We’ll find one together.”

After Abba and Avi left for work the next day, Miriam walked to the town house to ask Eloise if she knew more about the firings at the university. She found her in the breakfast room with Ans, having their morning tea. “I’m sorry to barge in —”

“Nonsense. Ans, fetch another cup for Miriam.”

She sat down at the table, determined to remain calm, breathing slowly. “Yesterday you mentioned the new laws that the Nazis have passed. But have you heard about the latest one?” Eloise shook her head, frowning. “All Jewish teachers and professors have been fired. Including Abba.”

Ans froze, her cup halfway to her mouth. Eloise slumped back against her chair. “I knew Herman was upset when he came home last night, but he just mumbled about problems at work.”

“Abba said that the other professors and students are holding a protest at the university today. They’re calling for a strike. Maybe if there’s enough public outrage . . . maybe they’ll change their minds.”