Barbara Ledermann Rodbell turns ninety-nine today. She was born on September 4, 1925, in Berlin to Jewish parents, Ilse and Franz Ledermann. She had a sister, Susanne, who was often called Susje or Sanne. In 1934, Barbara’s family escaped Nazi Germany and moved to Amsterdam.
Growing up in Amsterdam was one of Barbara’s happiest times. She was good friends with her neighbors, Anne and Margot Frank. She was also a ballerina and a good student. In 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands.
Life became harder and more dangerous in Amsterdam and across Europe. In 1942, Barbara’s boyfriend, who was part of the resistance, warned her that Jews who were deported were being killed. He got fake ID cards for Barbara and her family. Barbara was able to go into hiding, but her family did not join her. Her father, a lawyer, refused to break the law because he feared the punishment if he was caught. Sadly, her parents and little sister were later killed in Auschwitz.
Barbara survived the rest of the war while in hiding. She later learned what happened to her family and friends. Otto Frank acted like a father figure to her while she recovered emotionally. Barbara was one of the first people to read Anne Frank’s diary before it was published.
Barbara later married and had three children. Today, she lives in North Carolina. Happy birthday, Barbara!