Ruth was raised in an environment that valued creative arts and fostered a sense of joy and happiness. However, this idyllic childhood was abruptly interrupted by the start of the Holocaust. Despite the passage of 80 years, Ruth was able to recount her experiences with vivid emotion and raw feeling, leaving a lasting impression. During the Holocaust, Ruth faced numerous challenges, including the separation from her parents, forced labour, and the need to conceal her identity to avoid being identified as a Jew. Tragically, her young, innocent cousins were killed in a brutal act of violence that Ruth perceives as the manifestation of human evil. I was brought to tears upon numerous occasions, but she persevered throughout the war years and was able to seek refuge abroad following the allies’ liberation.

What was most striking to me about Ruth's account, however, was her resilience and determination following these traumatic events. Despite facing challenges as an immigrant in the UK, including the difficulties of adapting to a new language and culture, Ruth persisted in her pursuit of a career in the creative arts (of both dancing and acting). She achieved her goals, enjoying a successful career and earning degrees from prestigious universities. Ruth emphasised that it is wrong to stereotype a group based on the actions of a few individuals, and expressed no ill will towards Germans. After many years, she was invited to return to Germany for an acting job and embraced the opportunity, finding closure in her return. She refuses to generalise all Germans for the actions of the Nazis. Her strong will and hope for the future will be remembered in the minds of the hundreds of children listening, such as myself. This interview was a moment that I will certainly never forget and I am thankful I got the opportunity to listen to.

To learn more about Ruth Posner BEM, visit the website here: https://www.het.org.uk/survivors-ruth-posner

Westminster Academy also commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day by having one of our Year 9 students write about the Holocaust Education Trust's theme of 'Ordinary People'. Read about it here.