Page 224 - LEIBY

224 Leiby – Border Smuggler 7

ago and I’m totally exhausted.”

“A long journey? I assume that you are engaged in border
smuggling and the information that I have to offer will help
you no end. The borders are mere fabrications of human design,
and there is moral justification in invalidating them. You have
nothing to fear.”

Leiby smiled. The man’s naivete amused him. He had no need
for moral justification in order to feel totally at peace with the
forgery of documents and the smuggling of Jewish refugees
whose lives were at risk if they stayed in Poland.

“Tomorrow I have a meeting scheduled with the Jewish
Historical Committee, here in Lodz,” the professor revealed.
“Would you like to join me there? I feel duty bound to tell the
world about Poland’s rich Jewish history, so that the facts will
be recorded for the next generations.”

Leiby didn’t respond. He had no desire to spend his time in a
room crammed with dusty tomes and historical volumes, bored
out of his wits. He’d far rather spend his spare time, if he had
any, in a leisurely walk through one of the city’s lush parks.

The professor’s face fell at Leiby’s unenthusiastic response.

“I’ll go with you,” Leiby promised, feeling sorry for the man.

“The Jewish Historical Committee of Poland,” the modest sign
on the neglected, disintegrating building informed them. The
building’s old-fashioned arched windows and crumbling walls
emphasized the lack of interest that the postwar public had in
its activities.

The professor strode confidently into the building, enriching
Leiby’s knowledge with tidbits of history as he walked. Leiby