The other night I had dinner at a friend’s house and sat, transfixed, as she recounted her mother’s amazing story fleeing Hitler’s Nazi regime when she was aged just four. But it was the stories of human kindness in this black period of history, that also amazed me. Read on……
Liesel was living in the German town of Hildesheim where her father worked as a kosher butcher, when the Nazi regime came to prominence. In 1937 he was viciously beaten in the street by a group of Nazis, and two weeks later died. The family business was taken away under Nazi rules and the Meier’s lives had changed forever.
Liesel Meier Aged 4
But it’s what followed that brings truth to the word ‘humanity’, and a fundamental understanding to the concepts of networking and people coming together to help another. One night Liesel’s brother ran away fearing that he would be arrested as part of the Gestapo round ups. Her mother applied to leave Germany and was given a 24 hour window to make for England, but was forced to leave Liesel behind to live between remaining family members and even an orphanage.
However, some months later her ‘escape’ was in place. From herein, these are Liesel’s own words: “I left Germany alone in December 1939 – I was 4 years old. I was put onto the train in Hildesheim and left with the Guard. I had a notice around my neck which said, “My name is Liesel Meier and I am going to England.
“I was collected from each train by strangers who looked after me and then put me on the next train. This was my journey to safety. I travelled overland across Germany to Sweden then Norway and finally by boat to Newcastle, arriving in England in January 1940.
“I survived only as a result of the kindness of people that I did not know. The official who warned my mother that the Gestapo were coming for my brother gave him time to escape. My mother’s employer in England who helped her to get me out of Germany. All the people who collected me from one train and put me on the next part of my journey to England. These people did not know me, did not receive any payment and some took risks to help me. I have wanted to thank them but I cannot remember them all as I was so young.
“I do remember one family in Norway who looked after me over Christmas, took me to the theatre, and gave me a doll and pram and a white fur coat and muff. These are the memories I have taken with me – those of a child. Perhaps this is good and has allowed me to look forward and not be affected by those frightening first years of my life. My life has been happy and full of lasting memories.
Liesel Meier Today
I was married for 47 years to a wonderful man who was not Jewish. He supported me and helped me to keep and understand my important memories. He encouraged me to write down my early life as a witness to the dark part of Europe’s history.”
What an amazing story – and that’s just the abridged version. Everything begins and ends with people – the good, the bad and the ugly. ‘Stuff’ doesn’t matter, people do, so start talking to your neighbour and the rest will follow, doors will open. Witness Liesel’s story.
Dear Phil
I wanted to leave a comment after reading your wonderful take on my Mother’s story. Her escape story itself is remarkable – I do not think it could be conceived let alone actioned in today’s world, perhaps an indication of a simpler world.
My Mother is a remarkable woman who has had a “cup half full” philosophy in spite of her early dramatic and frightening life. It is not surprising that this is fiercely underpinned by her commitment and protective attitude to her family and friends . As you say, people matter and not more so than in her life. Thanks for adding it to your blog. Janet