Refugee Orphange Soesterberg

I was still sleeping when we arrived at Soesterberg. The Refugees Children’s Home was in a large barn-like building. Upstairs were beds with large drawers underneath. Herbert and I put all our belongings in a drawer and looked for beds next to each other. That first day dragged on. We could not do much apart from play with the others and eat. We were not allowed to leave the building without permission. Even then only a maximum of seven children were allowed into the fresh air. When I lay in bed I missed mummy and daddy so much that I could not sleep, I cried every night. One night I heard Herbert crying – but only once – he was so brave. We spent seven long months at Soesterberg.

Orphanage Soesterberg for jewish children from Germany 1939 v.l.t.r. red dots half hidden Herbert Cohen, beside him his Cousin Erich Cohen lower row 2 v.r. Margot Cohen The Refugee Childrens Orphanage Soesterberg was close to Utrecht (NL). (B1)

Orphanage Soesterberg for jewish children from Germany 1939 lower row on the left kneeling: Margot Cohen on the outside left:Herbert Cohen and Erich Cohen (B2)