Amsterdam Quote by Emuna Elon
““Two thousand five hundred. According to the documents Yoel has studied, that was the number of Jewish children hidden by Christian families during the war. Two thousand five hundred Jewish children, most of them from Amsterdam. According to Dutch law only those children with a surviving parent were eventually returned, while according to reality only those children whose surviving parent managed to find where they had been hidden were returned. Many children therefore remained with the families that had hidden them. Many of the hidden children were complete unaware that they were not the biological offspring of the people who raised them, Many are unaware of it to this days.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Hidden Children, 2018
During WWII, many Jewish children were hidden by Christian families; postwar laws returned only those with surviving parents, leaving many unaware of their true origins.
In simple terms: War displaced children; many never learned their heritage.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support hidden children’s histories.
Themes
history
identity
war trauma
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
historical
humanitarian
When to use this quote
- family reunification
- genealogical research
- educational programs
- psychological counseling
Key Concepts
Human rights
memory studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do societies have to hidden children?
- How can histories be accurately preserved?
A Different Perspective
Legal definitions of parenthood can overlook lived realities.
