Ernst Goldstein was drafted into forced labor on construction sites in Berlin after anti-Jewish regulations prevented him from working as a sales representative for tobacco products. On February 27, 1943, he and his wife Herta and their young daughter Evelyn evaded the major raid on Jewish forced laborers in Berlin. They hid in the attic of their building for several days, narrowly avoiding arrest. The grocer Christine Engler, with whom they had previously discussed escape plans, took the family in. Her niece Hildegard Knies had also promised them help.
When their hiding place with Engler was at risk of discovery, the Goldsteins looked for separate quarters. Hildegard Knies took in the child, while Ernst and Herta Goldstein rented rooms under a false name. The couple were supported by the former liberal politician Wilhelm Külz, the property manager for their building. They also spent around a month hiding with Ilja and Catherine Worobjoff, who were active in the political resistance.
At the end of June 1943, Ernst Goldstein was caught by the Gestapo. He was deported to Auschwitz in August 1943 and murdered there.
