In “Refugee” by Alan Gratz, what does the star of David symbolize?

The Star of David is a prominent symbol in "Refugee" by Alan Gratz, representing the Jewish faith and identity. The novel weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different times and places, one of whom is a Jewish boy named Josef fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s. The use of the Star of David in the book is powerful and significant, as it serves as a reminder of the persecution and violence that Jewish people faced during the Holocaust.

When Josef and his family are forced to flee their home and escape the horrors of the Holocaust, they are forced to wear the yellow star on their clothing, marking them as Jews and making them targets for persecution. The yellow star was used by the Nazis to segregate Jews from the rest of the population, and it was required by law for all Jews to wear it. The star symbolized the systematic persecution and murder of millions of Jews during World War II.

In the book, the use of the Star of David also highlights the importance of identity and heritage in times of crisis. Despite the danger and persecution they face, Josef and his family remain proud of their Jewish heritage and refuse to renounce it, even in the face of great danger. The Star of David becomes a symbol of their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Overall, the use of the Star of David in "Refugee" serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed against Jewish people during the Holocaust, while also highlighting the importance of identity and heritage in times of crisis.