She managed to hide her pregnancy and give birth in secret, defying the odds and ensuring her baby’s survival. Angela Polgar, the miracle baby born in Auschwitz, now shares her family’s story as a tribute to her mother’s strength and resilience. It is a tale of survival against all odds, of love and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable horror. And through it all, the message remains clear: honor thy mother, for she is the one who brought you into this world, against all odds.
Schumann, a friend of Mengele’s, to be part of a group of women sent to work in a new camp at Hindenburg, a sub-camp of Gross-Rosen, to build bunkers for the German army.
Despite the harsh conditions and the constant threat of death, Vera managed to survive, giving birth to her daughter in November, just a few weeks before the Soviet troops liberated the camp.
After the war, Vera and her daughter embarked on a long journey back to Hungary, where they eventually found some stability and started a new life. It was a life marked by hardship and loss, but also by resilience and hope.
Today, Angela Polgar continues to tell her mother’s story, sharing it with the world as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the strength of those who survived it. Her mother’s words, preserved on an old audio tape, serve as a testament to the horrors she endured and the courage she displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity.
As the years pass and the survivors of the Holocaust grow older, it becomes increasingly important to remember their stories and honor their memory. Angela Polgar’s decision to share her mother’s story is a powerful act of remembrance and a tribute to all those who suffered and perished during one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Her granddaughter, Angela, sits by her side, listening to her stories of survival and strength. Vera Otvos, a survivor of the horrors of Auschwitz, had endured unimaginable pain and suffering during her time in the concentration camp. But through it all, she had never lost hope or her will to live.
As she recounts her experiences, Angela is filled with a sense of awe and admiration for her grandmother. Vera’s courage and resilience in the face of unspeakable atrocities inspire Angela to be strong and never give up, no matter what challenges she may face in her own life.
Despite the hardships and trauma she endured, Vera Otvos had managed to find moments of compassion and humanity amidst the darkness of Auschwitz. From helping a fellow survivor give birth to nursing a newborn baby, Vera’s acts of kindness and selflessness shine brightly in the midst of despair.
As Angela listens to her grandmother’s stories, she is reminded of the importance of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Vera Otvos may have been a survivor of the Holocaust, but she was also a beacon of light and inspiration for future generations.
And as Angela reflects on her grandmother’s legacy, she is filled with gratitude for the strength and courage that Vera had passed down to her. In honoring Vera’s memory and sharing her story, Angela finds solace and inspiration to overcome any challenges that may come her way.
Polgar recalled her mother’s haunting words, “Mengele is at the door,” a phrase that symbolized the deep trauma Vera carried from her time in Auschwitz. Despite the pain and suffering, Vera held on until after the anniversary of the camp’s liberation before passing away at 73.
Vera, known for her resilience and optimistic demeanor, carried the invisible scars of her past, much like the permanent mark of her camp tattoo. Her daughter now ensures that Vera’s story, filled with courage and perseverance, is remembered and shared.
The indomitable spirit of Vera Bein, born Veronika Otvos, lives on through her daughter’s retelling of her mother’s incredible journey of survival. The legacy of strength and hope in the face of unimaginable darkness continues to inspire those who hear her story.
(Original article from CanWest News Service, 2005)
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