Irene’s Family in The Netherlands (1937-1944)

After Irene's father found work in Amsterdam, the family moved there from Berlin in 1937. Life was simpler than in Berlin, but comfortable until May, 1940, when Germany invaded and occupied the country. 

A collage of five black and white photographs of young girls, with handwritten text in the center reading 'December 1947.' The girls are posed sitting or standing, dressed in vintage clothing from the 1940s.
Irene with her brother Werner at the shore, circa 1939.

Irene with her brother Werner at the shore, circa 1939.

Irene, Werner, and cousin sledding along the canals of Amsterdam, circa 1941.

Irene, Werner, and cousin sledding along the canals of Amsterdam, circa 1941.

Irene and Werner, circa 1942.

Irene and Werner, circa 1942.

Irene, Mutti, and Werner shortly before being rounded up by the police and sent to Camp Westerbork, circa spring 1943.

Irene, Mutti, and Werner shortly before being rounded up by the police and sent to Camp Westerbork, circa spring 1943.

Irene's identity card photo, circa 1943. German identity card photos required that the left ear be visible as an added identity detail. 

Irene's identity card photo, circa 1943. German identity card photos required that the left ear be visible as an added identity detail.