My beloved children!

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The story of the Schwarzhaupt family, who relocated from Munich to Konstanz in 1933, mirrors the broader narrative of the Holocaust. It recounts the tragic fate of the parents, who perished in detention and an extermination camp, while their children survived due to the parents' foresight. Notable figures like Saul Friedländer and Serge Klarsfeld exemplify those saved through their parents' actions, even as the parents themselves could not escape their fate. A key aspect of the Schwarzhaupt family's experience is the parents’ early decision to send their children to safety in other countries between 1935 and 1939, before the full extent of the impending destruction of the Jewish population was clear. Additionally, the determination of their mother, Hella, who, after her husband's death in Camp Récébédou, intensified her focus on her children's welfare, is profoundly inspiring. Despite living under life-threatening conditions, her commitment to their upbringing remained unwavering. The existence of around 30 letters, penned under dire circumstances by Hella, prompted the author to document the Schwarzhaupt family's story comprehensively. This endeavor received support from Ruth Schwarzhaupt and other descendants, who provided access to their private archives. The book honors the bravery of Hella and Albert Schwarzhaupt.