World War II began on September 1, 1939, with Nazi Germany's attack on Poland, followed within two weeks by the occupation of eastern Poland by the Soviet Union, then an ally of the Nazis.

The two totalitarian regimes had previously agreed on the division of Poland and other territories in the Treaty of Non-Aggression and Friendship signed in Moscow on 23 August 1939. The alliance lasted until 22 June 1941, when Nazi Germany unexpectedly attacked its ally.

Silesia was occupied by Nazi Germany. We will return to the front of the house where Walter Ziffer's family lived and reflect on what this occupation meant for the Jewish residents.