Gretel Lorenzen

Abstract

Gretel wrote to me on March 8, 1995: “I have read your article in the Hamburger Abendblatt [daily paper] and am ready to talk about my ‘mixed marriage.’ The precondition is—just as you wrote—a confidential and anonymous conversation. [Later she consented to use her name.] Today I am eightyseven years old, live in a place for seniors, am a Hamburger, and left because of the bombing of Hamburg in July, 1943. After about ten years, the possibility arose to come back. I will wait for your call or written answer.” Gretel signed with her married name and then with her birth name, Steinfeld. Two weeks later I arrived at the retirement community. I knew that Gretel was somewhat reluctant to talk and that she had been encouraged to do so by her daughter, Sigrid. I reported in with the receptionist and was given permission to go up to Gretel’s apartment.

“God took my life into his hands and I’m forever grateful for that.”