Games in Kaunas (Kovno) Ghetto
The children in the ghetto had very few toys, but still found many ways to play. Read Shalom Eilati’s story about his childhood in the Kaunas Ghetto.
Highlight in blue the games that Shalom used to play with his friends (try to find at least five games).
What challenges did Shalom and his friends have to overcome in order to play? How did they overcome them?
Click 2 to see a photo of children playing in Kaunas Ghetto.
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“… I don’t remember that period as a period of boring idleness. I spent most of the day with my friends, Arkeh and Meimkeh, and their friends. When the weather was good and the circumstances suitable, we were outside. It was the great time of games. On cold days, rainy days or “not-good” days we stayed in one of the apartments. In winter we built snowmen and had snowball fights like children all over the world. […] We improvised sleds made of wood – a wide board supported by two narrow beams – polished at the bottom. We slid on them, after giving a push, in every possible direction […] In summer we played all kinds of ball games, although real balls were very scarce […] And when outdoor soccer was not possible, and we were sick and tired of chess, a new game became popular – table soccer with buttons. The button soccer was invented and developed by 10-13-year old children in Kaunas ghetto […] There were house games and league games, and an enthusiastic audience around the table followed the game”. 
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