*Group pictures with Leo Ullman, his war family, and our study tour family
Last night we were privileged to meet the living members of Leo Ullman's war family. The members of the family that were present at the dinner were Piet and Marion van Wesemael and their children Sander, Roland, and Annemieke. Marion's family was the Hoogenboem side of the family. Mr. Ullman told us the story of his Uncle Fritz, a man who survived the Amersfoort camp during the Holocaust, but who died when he accidentally reversed his car into a canal. Leo then explained how Pete Huoogenboem saved his family, a total of 12 people. He risked his life to place Jews in homes, as well as creating fake identity and ration tickets. Leo has nominated the Hoogenboem family for the Righteous Among the Nations designation, an award given by Yad Vashem in Israel, and I can think of no better way to honor this courageous family.
Very interesting. I would have to actually get to meet them. I wish i was there. Nice pictures and Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice that you had the opportunity to meet such influential people first hand. There are so many interesting stories of people surviving the holocaust. These stories are important for us to hear so that history does not repeat itself. Families need to know that although the stories may be hard to tell, they are reaching the next generation and making an impact.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to read about the stories your group has experienced and equally so, the ones that are shared with you from the past. The bond that this war family shares must be unbreakable. I can only imagine the emotion Mr. Ullman and his family felt as they shared these personal stories of a time of grief and suffering, as well as moving forward after the war was finally finished. The work of Pete Huoogenboem was courageous beyond measure and I hope he earns this reward and the recognition he deserves. Thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThis must have been such an interesting and humbling experience for everyone. I would have loved to be a part of such a personal discussion with survivors of the holocaust and people who actually lived through this time period. I feel like so many students only know the Holocaust through textbooks and statistics, and having a genuine face to face conversation with people who lived through this terrible time period would make the history feel so much more personal.
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