Leo Pomeranz

Born 16 February, 1933, Berlin

When the Germans invaded Holland we were banned from attending school.

A school was opened for us in the synagogue. 

Six weeks later my sister warned me not to return home. 

"The Germans are there. Go to your Aunty's home", she said.

We hid in various places. A night here, a few nights there. 

For nearly five years I hid alone in an attic.

I was given food and would go downstairs each morning to wash.

I had a couple of little books and read them over and over.

There was a window in the ceiling. 

The sun came up in the East but went down in the West. 

I didn't know why. 

During air raids people rushed to the bomb shelters. 

I would throw the window open and put my head out.

I could see the search lights and thought it was marvellous.

I was seven when I began to hide. 

When I came out it was as though I was still seven. 

Father found me after the war. 

I remember he pedalled ninety kilometres with me on his back. 

Father had been very religious - but not after the war. 

"Six million Jews had prayed for all they were worth", he said.

"We've been the chosen people long enough. Choose someone else".