Hello!
Monday, on the 13th of April, on the second day of Easter I had the chance to take part in the event: Stadtgespräche - Die Freundlichkeit des Henkers.The talk held on the stage in front of a public involved two personalities, Dr. Herny Oster, survivor of the Holocaust, Dr. Karola Fings, the director of the national-socialist documentation center in Köln and two moderators, the journalist Claudia M. Burger and the dutch consul in Germany Mr. Jean Möhring. This event took place in the elegant hotel Residenz am Dom
Monday, on the 13th of April, on the second day of Easter I had the chance to take part in the event: Stadtgespräche - Die Freundlichkeit des Henkers.The talk held on the stage in front of a public involved two personalities, Dr. Herny Oster, survivor of the Holocaust, Dr. Karola Fings, the director of the national-socialist documentation center in Köln and two moderators, the journalist Claudia M. Burger and the dutch consul in Germany Mr. Jean Möhring. This event took place in the elegant hotel Residenz am Dom
Arriving a few minutes before the beginning, we could observe the people from the public. A lot of men and women with white hair, but also some young faces. The guests and the moderators took their place on the stage, a short beginning speech was held, then Dr. Henry Oster told the story of his life. Being part of a jew family, he was deported alongside his parents in 1941 at the age of 12. His father died of hunger in the ghetto and his mother died in the gas chamber at Auschwitz. Until 1945 he stayed alive in the camp, being one of the few children who could speak german at a native level. At the age of 16 he was released, the war coming to an end. He went back to Germany and then to France. From here, he was able to leave for the USA. With some luck and hard work he became a specialist in ophthalmology and now, at the age of 86, is one of the 3 survivors of the Holocaust, that lived in Köln before the war, from a number of 2000.
A few explanations from the director of the documentation center followed, clarifying the importance of these testimonials. After many years, in which this topic was tabu for the people of Germany, they begin now to see the real facts and open their heart to others.
The night was filled with strange feelings, with tears brought by sorrow memories, but also with hope for the future. Dr. Henry Oster, although he promised himself not to speak the german language again, held his speech clear and concise. In spite of his age and his suffering, he shared with the people present his experience in the two completely different worlds.
At the end, I was impressed by the city's initiative to talks on this kind of topics with an open public. Here you can find the presentation of the event.
Have a quiet evening!
R.C.
A few explanations from the director of the documentation center followed, clarifying the importance of these testimonials. After many years, in which this topic was tabu for the people of Germany, they begin now to see the real facts and open their heart to others.
The night was filled with strange feelings, with tears brought by sorrow memories, but also with hope for the future. Dr. Henry Oster, although he promised himself not to speak the german language again, held his speech clear and concise. In spite of his age and his suffering, he shared with the people present his experience in the two completely different worlds.
At the end, I was impressed by the city's initiative to talks on this kind of topics with an open public. Here you can find the presentation of the event.
Have a quiet evening!
R.C.
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