Europa Europa

Solomon undergoes circumcision at a tender age, marking a significant milestone in his Jewish faith. This early event sets the stage for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah and the challenges he will face as a Jewish boy in a tumultuous time.

On the momentous day of his Bar Mitzvah, tragedy strikes as Kristallnacht unfolds across Germany. This devastating event leads to the loss of Solomon's sister and forces his family to confront the grim reality of their situation.

In the aftermath of Kristallnacht, Solomon and his family are compelled to flee to Lodz, Poland, seeking safety from the escalating violence. This journey marks the beginning of their perilous struggle for survival amid the Nazi regime.

As the German forces invade Poland, Solomon's father devises a plan to send him and his brother Isaak away for their safety. However, chaos ensues during their escape, leading to the heartbreaking separation of the brothers.

After being saved by Soviet soldiers, Solomon ends up in a Soviet orphanage in Grondo. There, he immerses himself in life among other children and eventually becomes a member of the Soviet Communist Union of Youth.

The orphanage comes under assault by German forces, forcing Solomon to flee once more. Captured during the chaos, he uses his fluent German to convince the soldiers that he is actually a German named Josef Peters.

Under the guise of Josef or Jupp, Solomon identifies himself as the son of Stalin to gain favor with the Germans. This new identity places him in a precarious position as he navigates the dangers of the wartime landscape.

During his time as Josef, he forms a bond with Robert, a gay German soldier. When Robert discovers Solomon's true heritage, he vows to keep his secret, demonstrating loyalty in a time fraught with betrayal.

In the midst of fierce combat with Soviet forces, Robert and other soldiers sacrifice their lives. Solomon is left to fend for himself, acutely aware of the danger he faces without his ally's protection.

Desperate for protection, Solomon attempts to surrender to Soviet forces but is instead mistaken for a hero and sent to a Hitler Youth school. This ironic twist further complicates his already perilous existence.

At the Hitler Youth school, Solomon grows close to Gerd, who becomes a good friend, and develops feelings for Leni, a fellow student. However, he struggles to reconcile these feelings with the need to keep his Jewish identity hidden.

During an annual medical examination, Solomon cleverly fakes a toothache to avoid being undressed for fear of exposure. His quick thinking showcases his determination to maintain his secret amidst increasing tensions.

An argument with Leni escalates tensions, culminating in Solomon accidentally striking her after she makes a derogatory remark. This incident strains their relationship further, complicating his emotional struggles.

Solomon is summoned to a police station over a paperwork issue where he is asked to provide his Certificate of Purity. Knowing the commander will investigate further, he lies about the certificate being in Grondo, heightening his risk of exposure.

In the chaos of battle for Berlin, Solomon courageously surrenders to the Soviet army and reveals his true identity as a Jew. His situation transforms dramatically when Isaak, recently freed from a concentration camp, recognizes him, leading to their liberation and hopes for a future in Palestine.