On May 13th, a group of students from Escola Básica e Secundária Machado de Matos, in Felgueiras, had a deeply moving and unique experience at the Holocaust Museum in Oporto. A German visitor, Mrs. Astrid Wither (maiden name Rapp), spoke openly about her family's Nazi past.
“My father was 18. He grew up in the Hitler Youth and, as a result, became a Nazi,” she explained. The students listened attentively as Mrs. Rapp Wither continued to share her family’s story.
“My mother used to describe my grandfather as a lovely, handsome man. Only later did I discover that he had been stationed at the French border, and that he had most likely shot Jews trying to escape,” she added. The students were left speechless.
One of the teachers took the opportunity to ask how children were raised to become Nazis. Another asked if she was the only one in her family who held a critical view of their past.
Her answer was honest and unexpected: “When I speak with my siblings, they have different views. Some are quite critical, while others prefer not to talk about it at all.”
Mrs. Astrid Wither and her husband, Mr. Andrew Wither, have chosen to actively rewrite their family history by participating in the March of Life movement, an organization dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, reconciliation between descendants of victims and perpetrators, and the fight against antisemitism and in support of Israel.
Mr. and Mrs. Wither in Oporto
After a few more general questions, the conversation came to an end. The students were visibly moved and continued discussing what they had just heard as they walked to the Synagogue Kadoorie Mekor Haim, where the second part of their school visit would take place.
At sunset the following day, the Wither couple returned to the Synagogue, this time at the invitation of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community of Oporto to celebrate Lag BaOmer for the very first time in their lives.
