Lola

In 1942, her father was taken to a forced labor camp. By 1944, her mother had been deported to Bergen-Belsen, leaving Yolanda and her brothers under the care of their older brother, Harry. Alone and vulnerable, the children survived by hiding in makeshift shelters—former synagogues turned into children’s homes—during the final, chaotic months of the Nazi occupation.

Against all odds, both of her parents survived, and the family was reunited in 1946.

Yolanda went on to study chemistry and, in 1967, emigrated to Canada, where she built a new life.

Her story is one of separation and survival—but also of reunion, resilience, and the enduring strength of family.