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There is a talk in the office this afternoon by a Holocaust Survivor, which should be very interesting.
In June 1943, Rudi Oppenheimer and his family were rounded up in Amsterdam and sent to the transit camp Westerbork, situated in the north-east of Holland, not far from the German border.
Because his father had previously registered Rudi’s sister Eve as a British subject, the family was classified as ‘Exchange’ Jews which meant they received certain privileges in Bergen-Belsen: they lived in separate compounds from the other prisoners; they didn’t have to wear the striped uniforms other prisoners were forced to wear; they didn’t have their hair shaved and they were able to keep their luggage.
Nevertheless, during the winter of 1944-1945, Rudi and his family suffered dire living conditions. In January 1945, Rudi's mother fell severely ill and died. Just two months later Rudi’s father also fell ill and died.
On 10 April 1945, Rudi left on the last train to leave Bergen-Belsen. After travelling for 14 days, he awoke on the train to find the SS guards had gone and, recognising soldiers from the Red Army, he realised he had been liberated.
The Oppenheimers had a relative in England, so it was here Rudi and other members of his family headed to join their uncle and aunt, in London.
Rudi is now retired and talks regularly about his wartime experiences, in schools and universities all over the country.
Holocaust Memorial Day is on Sunday 27 January: http://hmd.org.uk/
In June 1943, Rudi Oppenheimer and his family were rounded up in Amsterdam and sent to the transit camp Westerbork, situated in the north-east of Holland, not far from the German border.
Because his father had previously registered Rudi’s sister Eve as a British subject, the family was classified as ‘Exchange’ Jews which meant they received certain privileges in Bergen-Belsen: they lived in separate compounds from the other prisoners; they didn’t have to wear the striped uniforms other prisoners were forced to wear; they didn’t have their hair shaved and they were able to keep their luggage.
Nevertheless, during the winter of 1944-1945, Rudi and his family suffered dire living conditions. In January 1945, Rudi's mother fell severely ill and died. Just two months later Rudi’s father also fell ill and died.
On 10 April 1945, Rudi left on the last train to leave Bergen-Belsen. After travelling for 14 days, he awoke on the train to find the SS guards had gone and, recognising soldiers from the Red Army, he realised he had been liberated.
The Oppenheimers had a relative in England, so it was here Rudi and other members of his family headed to join their uncle and aunt, in London.
Rudi is now retired and talks regularly about his wartime experiences, in schools and universities all over the country.
Holocaust Memorial Day is on Sunday 27 January: http://hmd.org.uk/