Today, it is 75 years since the second world war broke out in Norway and it has been marked by many. I would also like to mark it by writing a letter to the last living Norwegian survivor of the nazis’ concentration camp: Samuel Steinmann.
Dear Samuel Steinmann!
Today we mark the 75th anniversary of the German invasion of Norway. The king has laid a wreath and speeches have been held. I would also like to mark this day, and my way of doing it is to send a letter to you.
I have seen you on TV several times these past years. I have heard your story and it has made a deep impression on me. It is to incredible to think that this has really happened - that so-called civilized people could made such a sadistic plan that all Jews should be exterminated. It is almost unbelievable if it hadn’t been for the large amount of evidence and survivors like you that tell their gruesome stories.
I am sure it has not been easy for you to tell what happened. It must have been very difficult to recall the memories about the atrocities that one wants to forget. However, I am very glad that you have shared your story with us, because you have personified what happened and in this way made sure that the listeners will never forget. It will continue to live in us and we will pass it on to future generation as a testimony about the injustice that happened and a warning that we cannot sit silent and watch if this is ever about to happen again.
Your story has touched me and I am sure also numerous others. Through you we have learned to be on guard not only against anti semitism, but also against extremist ways of thinking no matter from whom it might come. We need to have mutual respect for each other regardless of ethnicity and religion if we are to live peacefully with each other in this world. Thank you for reminding us of this important principle through your story.
I am so glad that you managed to return from the concentration camp and that you managed to resume a «normal» way of life. It is wonderful to hear that you have achieved a continuation of your heritage through children, grandchildren and now also great-grandchildren. I wish you and your family all the best! And once more: thank you for sharing your story with us. We will make sure that it is not forgotten.
Kind regards
Hall Skåra
Kolsås, April 9th, 2015
