Holocaust survivor to tell her tale

Banbridge District Council Chairman Cllr Junior McCrum pictured with Holocaust Survivor Joanna Millan © Edward Byrne Photography INBL11-200EB

Students and the public are invited to Iveagh Movie Studios, Banbridge on Friday March 14, at 10am to hear the moving and inspiring testimony from Holocaust survivor, Joanna Millan.

This free event has been arranged as part of a visit organised by Banbridge District Council Good Relations Programme through the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Following her testimony, Joanna will take part in a question and answer session to enable those attending a better understanding of the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth.

Council Chairman Oliver Mercer, said: “It is a privilege for us to welcome Joanna Millan to our district.

“This will be her third time to come and give her testimony as a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.

“We are grateful to the council’s Good Relations Programme for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Joanna’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust.”

Joanna was born Bella Rosenthal in August 1942 in Berlin, Germany.

In June 1943, Bella and her mother were taken from their home and sent to the Theresienstadt ghetto.

In 1944 when Bella was two, her mother contracted TB, leaving Bella orphaned and alone in the camp. On May 3, 1945, the Red Cross took over control of the camp and Bella was liberated by the Russians.

After liberation Bella and five other surviving orphans were flown to England. After living in a series of children’s homes, Bella was adopted by a Jewish couple living in London.

They decided it would be better for Bella to have a less German-sounding name so it was changed to Joanna. J

oanna was told not to mention that she was Jewish or that she was born in Germany and to pretend that she was their natural daughter.

Joanna went on to marry a Jewish man and has three children and eight grandchildren.

Speaking of the event Dolores Donnelly, Banbridge District Council Good Relations Officer stated: “by hearing Joanna’s testimony, those attending will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.”

For further information or to reserve a seat please contact Banbridge District Council Community Services Dept on 028 4066 0605 or email [email protected].