This week I visited The National Holocaust Centre and Museum for the first time. Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire it’s only an hour from my Derbyshire home. I have wanted to visit for years, but I’ve never quite managed to bring myself. Let’s be honest, it’s not a visit you expect to be joyous.
A participant of the project had said she was interested in representing one of the ‘Windermere children’ and unbelievably one of those children, Arek Hersh MBE, was due to speak at the centre this week. So, we agreed to go together. Unsure what to expect and a little nervous we were prepared for a day of sadness and heartbreak, but what surprised us both was the hope we left the centre with.
Yes, we cried. The stories and experiences shared through the exhibitions (and we only got to see one ‘The Journey’ as there is so much to see), was thought provoking, shocking and sad. The film of Arek’s experiences was truly horrifying. But Arek himself was incredible. At 95 years old, he sat on stage in a big red leather chair and told us of his experience.
“1000 people in a barracks. We slept on wooden planks, six to a bed, 3 beds high. I rolled my striped uniform and put it under my head.”
He told us of the lack of food, the inhumane conditions and daily brutality. He showed us his Auschwitz number, tattooed on his left inner arm, and spoke about the dehumanisation of prisoners. Much of what he said was impossible to imagine, what was clear was that it is a miracle that he survived. But he did. He went on to live a full life, became a mechanic, married and had children. He is a successful author and in 2009 was awarded an MBE for service in the field of Holocaust education.
Arek was so passionate that people heard his story, he is both serious and lighthearted. A man with a twinkle in his eye who has great comedic timing. Amongst the darkness of his story, he was keen to share the moments of light, the people that showed kindness by giving food and shelter, the friends he made along the journey, this fish he stole from an officer and cooked an ate with fellow inmates and those who supported his recovery after the war was over.
It was an honor to meet him, and I am so glad he will be represented in the 80 Candles memorial Quilt. A full list of names selected so far to be included can be found here.
Every Stitch A Story 