Alfred Wochenmark was already exposed to anti-Semitic hostility at school before 1933. After the NSDAP [National Socialist German Workers’ Party] took power, even his best friends turned against him. The anti-Jewish mood was also increasingly felt in the city. During this time Alfred became politicized. He joined the Socialist Workers' Youth, became a Zionist and planned to emigrate to Erez Israel.

In July 1933 - at the age of 16 - he decided to first go to his uncle in Switzerland. He and his brother had already sought refuge with his uncle in March before possible riots during the boycott of the stores of Jewish owners. In Basel, Alfred began an apprenticeship as a furniture and construction carpenter.