I was there.
Klara Tixell and her family were eventually liberated in 1945. At liberation, they were brought by the so-called white busses to Sweden.
Klara was 15 years old when she left Sweden and returned to Denmark. She experiences many difficulties in finding a way to lead a "normal life".
Klara Tixell (1929), Denmark
The Liberation
Klara talks about the liberation
1) Listen to Klara as she talks about the liberation. Read the Red Cross report on the event. Then answer the questions.
1a. Compare how Klara describes the transport with the description in the Red Cross report. What are the similarities and differences between the two accounts?
1b. What did the Germans plan to do with the camp inmates on May 10th?
1c. On 17 April the bus transport with Klara and her family arrived at Padborg at the Danish border. From there, she and the others were transported through Denmark and then by boat to Sweden, where they stayed during the first period of time. What catches your attention the most in Klara's story about the liberation and the first time in freedom?
1d. How was the reunion between Klara and Kamma? Describe Klara's feelings.
The Beginning of a New Life
Klara talks about what it was like for her to try to adapt to a "normal life".
2) Listen to Klara as she talks about "the beginning of a new life". Answer the questions.
2a. Klara was 15 years old when she left Sweden and returned to Denmark. What was it like for her trying to adapt to "normal life"?
2b. What difficulties did Klara and the family members face?
2c. Klara tells that the family was not offered any help when they returned, and she felt disappointed. What did she miss the most?
2d. In what way did Klara's life change when she left home and started at the university?
The End of War and Liberation
A slideshow about the end of war, liberation and aftermath.
Extra Material
Historical Context Section 1: The History of the Danish Jews
Historical Context Section 2: Danish and East European Jews
Historical Context Section 3: Demark in the 1930s and During the German Occupation