The Documentary Podcast

Bergen-Belsen: Among graves, we were born

4 snips
Aug 1, 2025
Karen Lasky, a Canadian woman born in the Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp, shares her poignant story as part of the Bergen-Belsen babies group. She reflects on the historical significance of the former concentration camp and its transformation over 80 years. Lasky discusses the enduring identity struggles of survivors and their descendants. The touching narratives highlight themes of resilience and hope, exploring the profound impact of personal histories on memory and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
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ANECDOTE

Life Born Amid Death

  • Karen Lasky shares how her parents met after liberation at Bergen-Belsen and started life anew despite the devastation around them.
  • She views the camp as a symbol of life and new beginnings rather than only death and loss.
ANECDOTE

First Visit Transforms Identity

  • Karen Lasky describes her first visit to Bergen-Belsen in 2007 as a key moment to embracing her identity.
  • She realized the importance of understanding her full heritage once she saw her birthplace and the enormity of the camp.
ANECDOTE

Minna's Nazi Oppression Story

  • Minna Kleinzala’s experience shows the brutal reality of Nazi oppression, including being banned from university and humiliated in camps.
  • Her story highlights the inhuman treatment, such as forced hair shaving to strip victims of dignity.
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