Hampton Court House ensures that an important part of history will never be forgotten with a video recounting recollections of that period by one of its survivors, the great-grandmother of two of the school’s students. The video “Inge’s Story” is being shown to all HCH students from Year 4 upwards on Monday 27 January, which is Holocaust Memorial Day.
Inge Berger’s story is one of remarkable resilience, survival, love, and the enduring strength of hope. A survivor of one of history’s darkest periods, she recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her loving family. With an emotional introduction by her grandson, Michael Bahar, a heartfelt discussion between Inge and her great-granddaughter, Rose Bahar, aged 9, and closing words by her great-grandson, Joshua, aged 6 (both pupils at Hampton Court House School), the video shares key moments from her life. From Kristallnacht in November 1938, when life changed forever; the detention of her family in Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia in 1942; through to her liberation by Russian troops in 1945 and her eventual marriage to Samuel Berger, whom she met in the camps, the conversation highlights not only Inge’s incredible journey but also the importance of preserving history through personal stories and passing them down to younger generations.
The video, shown to all students from Year 4 upwards, offers an intimate and poignant exploration of Inge’s life, including her experiences during the Holocaust. At 100 years old, Inge reflects on her resilience, survival, and the enduring power of hope.
Inge’s story captures key moments in history, from the harrowing events of Kristallnacht in November 1938 and her family’s imprisonment in Theresienstadt camp in 1942 to her liberation by Russian troops in 1945. She also recounts meeting her future husband, Samuel Berger, in the camps, and the life they built together post-war.
By connecting the past to the present through a personal story, “Inge’s Story” underscores the importance of preserving historical memory. Inge’s full life story was recorded in the book Roses in a Forbidden Garden by Elise Garibaldi.
This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the need to educate future generations about the Holocaust and the significance of resilience and humanity in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Katherine Vintiner, Principal at Hampton Court House, remarked:
“This moving account highlights the importance of ensuring that history is never forgotten. Sharing Inge’s incredible journey with our students fosters understanding and empathy, while reinforcing the value of passing personal stories down through generations.”
“For our pupils to hear a first-hand account of life in the Second World War, and survival of the Holocaust, is a unique experience. Inge’s messages of hope, resilience and fortitude are something that will certainly stay with our pupils for years to come.”
The screening of “Inge’s Story” provided a memorable and impactful way for Hampton Court House students to engage with Holocaust history, ensuring its lessons remain a vital part of their education.
