Yb87
My Bar Mitzvah was the last celebration with my family. Within months, the Germans occupied my hometown of Riga. There was no more school, sports or social life. I was denied the use of sidewalks, and I had to wear a Star of David. Soon after we moved to the ghetto, my entire family was killed. After two years in the ghetto, I was sent to five concentration camps. After having my own children, I tried to provide them with the childhood I didn’t have. I want them never to give up hope, to take charge of their own life and not indifferently observe what is going on around them. I want to inspire them and teach them to inspire other people to build a better world.
Yakob Basner
Riga, Latvia