Hester is my grandmother, and she just celebrated her 96th birthday last week! The comments on this video are very touching, it’s amazing to see how many people have heard her story and been moved by it.

What amazes me the most about these individuals who survived such horrors,  is how they seem so kind and they still smile

Thank you for telling us your story. I appreciate the interviewer just letting them tell their story instead of interrupting. ❤

I LOVE that this woman had the Map and other things to help illustrate her story!  Just wonderful !

What is so remarkable is how these survivors after these harrowing and devastating experiences, the unimaginable horror and trauma, not only survived but went on to live full and productive lives, to marry happily and raise children who in turn live fulfilling lives.

When we complain about trivial things, just listen to the stories of the survivors, like this brave lady, of the Holocaust and realize how lucky we are.  She endured heartbreaking and terrifying years as a young Jewish girl.  She used her wit to finally escape and make it to freedom in the USA.  My father was in the US Army and fought in the 3rd Army under General Patton.  He never sweated the small stuff and appreciated the simple things in life. I know there were many atrocities he must have experienced, that he didn't talk about. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  Through a miracle he survived and made it back to the USA where he was a civilian for a very short time.  He re-enlisted in the Army after marrying my mom, I was born in 1948.  He was stationed in Germany when I was just six years old.  I remember I was in first and second grade at one of the American Army schools for Army brats like me.  When we would go shopping off base to some of the German cities there was still a lot of remnants of buildings that had beened bombed down by the USA and our allies.  I asked my dad why there were so many buildings like that, because at 6 or 7 years of age I didn't have a clue.  My dad simply replied that there was a war.  We also went on a tour of one of the concentration camps.  Being so young I still didn't know much about the Holocaust.  I do remember the part of the tour where they showed us the gas chamber.  Jewish prisoners were told it was a public shower, because the ceiling grates appeared to be like shower heads.  As I grew up and became more educated, I realized the great cruelty of that insane monster Hitler.  Sorry, I think I  have gone at length, but we must never forget.

Her parents knew that she would be safe if she worked in that factory. Also makes me sad to hear that she felt bad leaving the family that “hid” her but also abused her ❤😢

What a story. Never seeing her parents again to so sad. What a strong girl she was, and still is. My Mum grew up in England during the war. The stories she tells me😮she was 32 miles SW of London. Her father (my Grandad) was in the royal navy on the submarines. My Mum was the oldest of 3, she was home with her Mum and two sisters while he was away. My Mother turned 94 in August. Both my Aunties and cousins are still in England. I grew up in Massachusetts, USA 🇺🇸

This is such an inspiring story.  My heart is sad for her losses but I'm so proud of her for her bravery. Thank you  Hester for telling your story ❤

I cannot imagine how terrifying this whole era would have been for a child, nor how difficult to navigate the dangers alone.  Kudos to your spirit and fortitude to survive, thrive and make a record of what happened so it will never be forgotten.

She was adorable.  I loved how prepared she was with maps and pictures. I think her parents are very proud of her. And her family certainly is. ❤😊🙏🏼

I am just crying and crying. Because this is my family.  The uncle from Antwerp was my grandfather.

I would like to thank Mrs Esther and all her family members. Her remarkable story of courage and strength living in fear and constant danger without parents at only 15.  Thank you so much for sharing.

A wonderful lady whose destiny was quite different from the rest of her family. It’s bittersweet for the survivors

I was born  in Den Haag in 1937.. I am not Jewish but there is so much in your story that I can relate to, God bless you and yours. Oh, I live in Australia since 1951.

She's a very nice lady. I'm Glas she shared her story with us. 96 years old and going strong! My best regards.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

I’m sitting here in the middle of the night watching Hester while I’m knitting. My life as many people in America is comfortable. It’s hard to imagine living through this.  What a beautiful story her strength and yet she seems to carry joy through all of that. I’m grateful that your family did this video and it should continue to be shown more and more to the youth. They need to understand what happened and what could happen again.

My goodness, Hester's story was gripping from start to finish and she's an excellent witness/storyteller. I could see her story unfolding in my mind's eye.

And many think they had a rough life growing up.  An amazing journey for you Hester to some how go with the tide that overwhelmed you, tested you and stole your family and childhood from you but you managed to come out of it all onto a shore to a second chance at life.  Your strength, endurance and dignity is so inspiring.  Your family that passed away in that horror would be so proud of you that you are a living testament to them and carry their legacy forward.

I started crying even before I started this video.  She was & is such a brave & strong woman.  God bless her.