Current:Home > reviewsTwins who survived Holocaust describe their parents' courage in Bergen-Belsen: "They were just determined to keep us alive" -Ascend Finance Compass
Twins who survived Holocaust describe their parents' courage in Bergen-Belsen: "They were just determined to keep us alive"
View
Date:2025-04-11 16:33:33
The Hess family, like millions of Jews, was taken from their home in Amsterdam by the Nazis in 1943.
After spending time at Westerbork, a transport camp in Holland, the family of four was sent by train in 1944 to Bergen-Belsen, a concentration camp where more than 50,000 people were killed — including Anne Frank — twins Steven and Marion Hess, just 6 at the time, credit their parents for keeping them together.
"The Holocaust seems like ancient history, so we have to find a way for it not to be that, for it to be a lasting lesson," Marion Ein Lewin told CBS News.
Steven and Marion are believed to be the last surviving twins of the Holocaust.
"They never ever gave up," Steven Hess said of his parents. "And they were just determined to keep us alive. The food at Bergen-Belsen was kohlrabies, turnips, about 600 calories to keep you alive."
Their father was assigned to heavy labor. Eight decades later, they still remember their mother's sacrifice.
"She realized that my father needed a lot more nourishment than she did," Steven said. "And even though we were all starving, she gave half of her portions to my father…to keep him going."
"They had a real sense of inner courage and strength," Steven added.
The twins, now 85 years old, hope their story can be a lesson of remembrance. Marion says the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas militants on Israel is "something that makes you watch television morning, noon and night."
"There's got to be a better way, that it can't always be kind of a scorecard of how many get murdered and how many get displaced," Marion said. "I hope that something will happen where, when these conflicts happen, that there's a real kind of effort to have a long-term solution, you know, where both sides feel like they have a chance for a future."
The Hess family found their future in the U.S., arriving by boat in 1947.
"Our parents got us up early to pass the Statue of Liberty," Steven said. "In later life, it became a very precious memory."
"Whenever we see the Statue of Liberty, it rings bells, because that was the symbol of our freedom, and the ability for us to have a new life," Marion added.
- In:
- Holocaust
Norah O'Donnell is the anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News." She also contributes to "60 Minutes."
TwitterveryGood! (59)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Man arrested on arson charge after Arizona wildfire destroyed 21 homes, caused evacuations
- 'America’s Grandmother' turns 115: Meet the oldest living person in the US, Elizabeth Francis
- 2024 Olympics: Team USA’s Stars Share How They Prepare for Their Gold Medal-Worthy Performances
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- 2024 Olympics: Team USA’s Stars Share How They Prepare for Their Gold Medal-Worthy Performances
- Aunt of 'Claim to Fame' 'maniacal mastermind' Miguel is a real scream
- Man arrested on arson charge after Arizona wildfire destroyed 21 homes, caused evacuations
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- 2024 Olympics: Team USA’s Stars Share How They Prepare for Their Gold Medal-Worthy Performances
Ranking
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- American Olympic officials' shameful behavior ignores doping truth, athletes' concerns
- Maine attorney general files complaint against couple for racist harassment of neighbors
- San Diego Padres in playoff hunt despite trading superstar Juan Soto: 'Vibes are high'
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Squatter gets 40 years for illegally taking over Panama City Beach condo in Florida
- Can’t stop itching your mosquito bites? Here's how to get rid of the urge to scratch.
- Dylan Cease throws second no-hitter in San Diego Padres history, 3-0 win over Washington Nationals
Recommendation
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
Olympians Are Putting Cardboard Beds to the Ultimate Test—But It's Not What You Think
UN Secretary-General Says the World Must Turbocharge the Fossil Fuel Phaseout
Chicken wings advertised as ‘boneless’ can have bones, Ohio Supreme Court decides
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
2024 Olympics: Team USA’s Stars Share How They Prepare for Their Gold Medal-Worthy Performances
Who has won most Olympic gold medals at Summer Games?
'America’s Grandmother' turns 115: Meet the oldest living person in the US, Elizabeth Francis