Annelis Callender, now 106 years old, reflects on her teenage years in Berlin during the early 1930s. She was a content teenager with affectionate parents, attending a reputable school, and enjoying family trips to Switzerland and Austria. However, her 14th birthday marked a turning point when none of her friends showed up, revealing her Jewish heritage amidst a changing political climate.
Despite the upheaval caused by the Nazis, Ann’s memories remain vivid and her spirit undimmed. As a Holocaust survivor, she emphasizes the importance of sharing her story to prevent history from repeating itself. Her experiences during her teenage years in Berlin profoundly influenced her outlook on life and shaped her resilience.
Forced to leave school due to her Jewish background, Ann witnessed the escalating control of the Nazis over her family’s life. Her father, a civil engineer, lost his job and faced challenges under the regime. The family endured the horrors of Kristallnacht in 1938, with her father’s vivid diary entries recounting the brutality and suffering they faced.
Through a series of fortunate events, including attending Housekeeping College in Geneva, Ann eventually found her way to the UK with her family. She navigated various jobs, including domestic service, before meeting and marrying an RAF pilot. Their life together took them across the world before settling in London, where they raised a family.
Ann’s resilience and determination shine through as she reflects on her past, urging younger generations to embrace opportunities and learn from others’ experiences. She emphasizes the importance of remembrance and understanding to prevent the atrocities of the past from recurring. Despite the challenges she faced, Ann remains a beacon of strength and hope, advocating for a future free from the shadows of history.