Revised and supplemented with new statements from eyewitnesses, the title is finally available again. The questions raised by the book, using the example of the two Swiss border villages of Riehen and Bettingen, remain highly relevant: How did the population experience the years of National Socialism? How did they cope with the threat and the numerous refugees trying to cross the life-saving border? Swiss refugee policy is presented directly from the perspective of those affected. The memories of eyewitnesses, who often recount their painful experiences during the war years for the first time, serve as a moving historical document. Introductory chapters provide historical background on Switzerland's restrictive refugee policy during those years.