SURVIVOR’S VIEW: MANFRED GOLDBERG

V “THE [national HMD] ceremony was beautifully put together. I have been attending it for several years and this one really was special.

I stood up there, having lit the candle. I think there was a minute’s silence during which I closed my eyes and all the family I lost went, not really through my mind, but before my eyes. I could visualise it all again.

The Duke and Duchess came to spend some time with each one of us in turn. And for me, it was a reunion.

In July 2017, William and Kate were on a visit to Poland and Germany and at their request, a visit to a concentration camp was included. The nearest camp to their itinerary was Stutthof. And they also requested, if possible, to meet a couple of Jewish survivors.

It was the first time in 72 years that I had returned to any camp. It was quite traumatic for me to agree to go back.

When we met again [at the ceremony], of course they remembered that visit. For them, it was unforgettable.

It was the first time they had seen any camp in the flesh, so to speak. And they both remembered me.

They’re a remarkably friendly and unassuming couple when you get speaking to them. After a few seconds, you forget that you are addressing a future king and queen of this country.

I do a fair bit of speaking to nonJewish schools. [The children] tell me again and again that listening to a survivor who actually went through this hell is an unforgettable experience.

Even adults benefit from understanding the truth, which they learn if they watch Holocaust events. That is why I think remembering is all important.”

ALEKS PHILLIPS