In a recent discussion, the historical account of the Schenwald family during the Nazi regime was shared, highlighting the forced sale of their family business, Kaufhauschenwald. Kurt Schenwald, the grandfather, was released from detention on November 27, three weeks after his arrest, under the condition that he sell the business to an Aryan, a term used by the Nazis to denote individuals they deemed racially pure.

The sale was orchestrated under duress, with Kurt selling the business to a local man, Carl Siefert, who later advertised the store as Kaufhaus Seaford. However, the transaction was marred by the Nazis' oppressive policies, which required Kurt to pay off the entire mortgage on the property, effectively stripping the family of any financial benefit from the sale. This practice, referred to as a \"shadow sale,\" was a common tactic employed by the Nazis to dispossess Jewish families of their businesses while disguising the theft as a legitimate transaction.

Following the sale, Kurt and his wife returned to Berlin, where they managed to secure an apartment despite the financial hardships imposed by the regime. The emotional toll of the situation was compounded by the fact that Siefert retained the initials \"CS\" on the building, a constant reminder of the injustice faced by the Schenwald family. The discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind historical events and the lasting impact of such injustices on families and communities.