Kestenberg Archive

JV was born in Amsterdam, Holland in July 1935, the oldest of five children. They were financially secure and lived together with the maternal granmother in a large house. The father owned a factory. JV's early childhood was happy and he was educated in Jewish day schools until September 1943. The family did not live in the ghetto. JV walked from home to the school, proud to wear the Star of David. The family lived an orthodox Jewish life style. JV recalls being aware of people being deported to camps and the danger. The family was apprehended for deportation three times (the last time in July 1943) but the father's resourcefulness, connections, and money got them released. JV recalls being the last in line of those freed. Two months later, the father had arranged hiding places for the family. JV was hidden alone in a suburb of Amsterdam with a gentile family that had several children. From as early as 1940, JV was prepared for seperation by being sent to friends homes and by admonition from the father that it was OK to break Jewish laws and even lie to save one's life. ; In October 1943, JV was taken to Makkum in Friesland, Holland where he lived as the child of an older Protestant couple. He was absorbed in the village life, attending school, church, and playing but aware of the underground efforts and the dangers. JV became very attached to the couple, even inviting them, later in life, to the birth of a daughter. During those two years, JV received three letters from his parents, but none from his siblings. Shortly after liberation in May 1945, JV's parents returned to get him. JV recalls barely recognizing them. Though reunited, JV remained in Makkum while the parents sought their other children. When the whole family was reunited, they lived for a time in the father's office in Amsterdam. Two cousins, who's parents were killed in the war, joined the family. JV continued to live in Amsterdam until marrying in 1957, and then making Aliyah in 1975. JV's wife is as a psychiatrist. They have 3 children. JV describes suffering from guilt, which led to treatment, but also a strong Calvinist/Jewish work ethic. At the time of the interview, JV was a mechnical engingeer working as an independent consultant.