In Nazi Germany,relationships between Germans and prisoners of war or forced laborers,notably from Eastern Europe,were strictly forbidden,with severe penalties for even minor interactions. Despite the risks, such connections sometimes resulted in the birth of children. A new exhibition titled ”Trotzdem da!” (“Nevertheless – Here!”) at the memorial complex in Sandbostel, Germany, sheds light on the stories of these children and their parents. Featuring the biographies of 20 individuals from germany,Austria,and the Netherlands,the exhibition highlights the impact of these “forbidden” relationships during a tumultuous period in history,offering a poignant reflection on love and resilience amidst oppression.
During World War II, the Nazi regime’s racial ideology severely impacted the rights and freedoms of forced laborers, particularly women from Poland and the Soviet Union, who were deemed “inferior” and stripped of basic rights. In stark contrast, forced laborers from the Netherlands, Flanders in belgium, Denmark, and Norway enjoyed greater mobility, although interactions with the German population were discouraged.Initially, pregnant workers from Poland and the USSR were sent back home, but this practice ceased in 1943, forcing many women to return to work shortly after childbirth. Tragically, their children were frequently enough forcibly adopted or placed in Nazi-created “foreign children’s care centers,” which were typically located in barracks or stables, were proper care was systematically neglected.In a poignant exploration of family history, Gerd A. Meyer has dedicated decades to uncovering his roots, ultimately discovering that his father, Anatoly Mikhailovich Pokrovsky, was a young soldier who went to the front lines in 1941, shortly after the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. Tragically, many children born in the aftermath of war faced dire circumstances, with mortality rates in certain camps soaring to 90% due to inadequate medical care and nutrition.This dark chapter in history has left countless families grappling with hidden truths, as some mothers concealed their pregnancies or misattributed paternity to protect their children from societal stigma. As the legacy of these “forbidden” relationships continues to unfold, the stories of survival and resilience remain crucial to understanding the past.In a poignant story of revelation and reconciliation, Anton Model, who grew up on a farm by Lake Constance, unearthed his adoption documents at the age of 12, revealing his biological mother to be Ukrainian, Varga Taran. After years of searching, Model embarked on a journey in the 1980s to find his biological parents, ultimately uncovering that his father was still alive. This emotional reunion highlights the enduring impact of family ties and the complexities of identity, as Model navigates his heritage against the backdrop of historical challenges.In a poignant reunion, Anton Model, a 50-year-old man, discovered his long-lost mother, Varga Taran, in the Ukrainian village of Voronivka in 1993. Taran, who had been forcibly taken to Germany at the age of 15 to work on a farm, was the mother of Model, whose father, a former wehrmacht soldier, had never sought them out after returning from captivity in France. The emotional meeting was marked by Taran’s heartfelt words, “My child!” as they embraced, highlighting the enduring impact of war and separation on families. This story sheds light on the personal histories intertwined with the broader narrative of World War II and its aftermath.In a remarkable journey of self-discovery, Folkmar “Hannes” Harvanegg, born in Vienna, Austria, uncovered his Greek heritage after years of searching for his father, Georgios Pitenis.Growing up in a blended family with five siblings, Hannes always felt different due to his darker complexion and hair. At the age of 10, he learned from his godmother that his father was Greek, sparking a quest that would last over a decade. In 2006, after reaching out to the Greek ambassador for assistance, he received the life-changing news that his father had been found. The following day, Hannes rushed to the mountains of Greece to reunite with Georgios, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.aspect-ratio=”16/9″ alt=”История Фолькмара “Ханнеса” Харванегга на выставке “Trotzdem da!” в мемориальном комплексе на месте бывшего нацистского лагеря Зандбостель” style=”padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; max-height: 0;”/>Фолькмар “Ханнес” Харванегг узнал имя отца благодаря родительской перепискеФото: johanna Becker/Gedenkstätte Lager Sandbostel
Питенис был угнан в Австрию на принудительные работы в 1942 году. Временами ему приходилось рыть противотанковые рвы киркой и лопатой. В Вене 23-летний грек встретил Элизабет – будущую мать Харванегга.
Когда Вторая мировая война закончилась, Питенис вернулся в Грецию. Он знал,что у него есть сын,и дважды безуспешно пытался проникнуть в советскую оккупационную зону в Австрии,где жили Элизабет с малышом. Неизвестно, пыталась ли Элизабет снова увидеться с партнером, однако они продолжали переписываться.
Поездка в СССР в попытке прояснить историю семьи
Анна Земан (Anna Sämann) трудилась на молочной ферме недалеко от Бремена, куда привозили молоко из окрестных деревень. Такую работу обычно выполняли военнопленные. Одним их них был Василий Петрович Козлов. Молодые люди с трудом могли общаться, но полюбили друг друга.Полиции стало известно об их отношениях, лишь когда Анна забеременела.
Вскоре после рождения дочери Катарины, а было это в сентябре 1944 года, ее мать арестовали, а в январе 1945-го окружной суд Бремена приговорил женщину к 15 месяцам лишения свободы и лишил ее гражданских прав на три года. Незадолго до окончания войны Анну освободили досрочно. Василий Козлов в декабре 1944 года был переведен из шталага X-B (основного лагеря) в Зандбостеле в тюрьму гестапо в Бремене. Мужчине грозила смертная казнь, о его дальнейшей судьбе ничего не известно.
Катарина Земан узнала имя отца от матери и бабушки лишь в 21 год, когда решила выйти замуж. В 1980-х Катарина посетила СССР вместе с матерью. Она надеялась узнать что-то об отце, но получилось это сделать лишь в 2000 году, когда Катарина и ее мать участвовали в докумеIn a poignant exploration of the impact of World War II on families, a new documentary sheds light on the lives of women persecuted for their relationships with forced laborers and prisoners of war. Among the stories featured is that of Annemarie Hofinger, the daughter of an Austrian mother and a Polish laborer, who tragically died of diphtheria in 1943 after her mother was sent to a concentration camp. Another narrative follows Helmut, the son of a German woman and a French laborer, who was taken in by a German family in 1944. Today, his story is being pursued by René Wince, the grandson of Helmut’s half-sister, highlighting the enduring quest for family connections lost in the shadows of history.A groundbreaking exhibition titled ”Children of Forbidden Love” is currently on display at the memorial complex in Zandbostel, shedding light on the often-hidden stories of individuals born from relationships deemed unacceptable during the Nazi regime. Running until March 14, 2025, the exhibition aims to foster a community for those grappling with their origins, many of whom face stigma and reluctance in reconnecting with biological families. Following its Zandbostel run, the exhibition will travel to Bremen from march to May, then to Cologne from June to September, before concluding in Berlin later this year. This initiative not only highlights personal narratives but also seeks to break the silence surrounding these complex histories.
Time.news Editor: Today we’re discussing a powerful exhibition titled “Trotzdem da!” at the memorial complex in Sandbostel, which sheds light on the complex history of forbidden relationships during the Nazi regime. Can you elaborate on how these personal stories reflect the broader socio-political context of that time?
Expert: Absolutely. The exhibition presents the biographies of individuals born from relationships between Germans and forced laborers or prisoners of war—primarily from Eastern Europe. Under Nazi ideology, these relationships were strictly forbidden, reflecting the regime’s oppressive racial beliefs. These stories highlight the resilience of individuals navigating their humanity in an inhumane context.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartbreaking to think that many children from these relationships were either forcibly adopted or placed in care facilities with poor conditions. How did these separations impact the children’s lives?
expert: The separations had profound psychological effects. Many of these children grew up without knowing their backgrounds or biological parents, leading to identity crises and feelings of abandonment. Some mothers concealed pregnancies to protect their children from societal stigma,while others were forced to misattribute paternity. This created a legacy of hidden truths that frequently enough haunted families for generations.
time.news Editor: The stories of Gerd Meyer, Anton Model, and Folkmar Harvanegg that you referenced in the article are notably striking. What do their journeys reveal about the process of reconciliation with one’s past?
expert: Each of these stories demonstrates a powerful journey of self-revelation and the quest for familial connections. Gerd Meyer’s exploration of his roots links him to the tumultuous history of his father during WWII, while Anton Model’s reunion with his mother not only emphasized familial bonds but also the emotional gravity of separation caused by war. Folkmar Harvanegg’s search for his Greek heritage underscores how personal identity can be intricate by historic events. these journeys are essential for healing and understanding—both individually and collectively.
Time.news Editor: The exhibition seems to address not just history but also themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of identity amidst oppression. Why do you think it’s important for contemporary audiences to engage with these stories today?
Expert: engaging with these narratives is critical for several reasons. First, they confront us with the human cost of war and oppression, reminding us that behind the statistics are real lives and suffering. Second,they resonate with contemporary discussions on migration,identity,and belonging,as many societies today grapple with similar issues of race,ethnicity,and acceptance. Understanding past injustices can help us advocate for a more empathic and inclusive future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for shedding light on these deeply impactful stories. It’s crucial to remember these historical narratives, and exhibitions like “Trotzdem da!” are vital for fostering awareness and reflection.