Leichte Sprache
DGSThis is just a long overdue “thank you” note for sending me aktuell and the marvellous calendars of Berlin over the years. I get a lot of joy out of them, and they are so well produced.
Ich bin ein BERLINER!
I came to England on a Kindertransport in July 1939, and I have lived in England ever since.
I was born in Berlin, and lived the last few years in the Kaiserstrasse near the Alexanderplatz. I was 14 years old when I said “good bye” to my parents on the platform of Anhalter Bahnhof. I never saw them again. They were on the 6th Transport out of Berlin in November 1941 – the destination was Kovno. I think they were killed there shortly afterwards – one can never be sure about their actual fate.
I spent a happy early youth in Berlin, and had many friends, and I remember the town with affection. The later years became difficult – of course.
I have been back to Berlin a number of times. I had an aunt who returned to Berlin after emigration to Shanghai. The German authorities treated her well. She died in 1979. My last visit to Berlin was with my wife (who is English) in about 2000. I have admired all the progress that has been made. Especially do I admire the efforts made in Berlin – and Germany generally – to come to terms with the past. This must be terribly difficult!
The progress is well described and illustrated in aktuell , and I look forward to my copy very much, and I read every bit of it. Please accept my sincere thanks for sending it – and do not stop. I will ensure that you are informed when “I no longer need it”.
I still speak German – of course. But I am 83 years old, and it is easier to write in English.
I wish you and aktuell „Alles Gute für die Zukunft“, and my best wishes also to Berlin!
Many thanks to you and all concerned.