In Belgium, four major roundups took place in Brussels and Antwerp during the summer of 1942, from August 15 to September 11. These roundups typically occurred at night.
On September 3rd, 1942, German forces organized a roundup in Brussels to arrest Jews. They blocked the streets and proceeded to the arrest of people in their homes. The Brussels police declined assistance, which meant that German forces took charge of the arrests. This refusal by the Brussels police to cooperate signaled a stance against collaboration with the occupiers. Only two local police officers were involved, while German forces conducted the majority of arrests. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 718 individuals, leaving only 18 survivors.
When the roundups began, many children were not yet in hiding. It was often at that moment when Jewish families realized the urgency of going into hiding.
Sonia managed to escape a roundup. Listen to how she remembers this event.