In 1939, due to the family’s difficult economic situation, Ernst was sent to Budapest to learn the goldsmith’s craft in the hostel for apprentices. On 15.5.1944 he was enlisted in a forced labor unit. After some time he escaped from the camp, arrived in Budapest and joined his movement’s underground activities. Carrying forged documents, he joined the auxiliary unit of the Hungarian army “Kiska” for the defense of Budapest and was given a weapon. When the suspicion arose that there were Jews among the enlisted, a physical inspection was carried out but Ernst managed to avoid it. Donning a military uniform, Ernst went on various missions around Budapest. He escorted Jews who were led on the streets and cooperated in saving them. During the last days of the war he served as a guard in front of the movement’s building on Benczúr Street that was under the protection of the International Red Cross. After the war he continued with his activities for the movement. On his way to Eretz Israel (Palestine) he was taken to Cyprus by the British.
