Hester Kool Full Holocaust Survivor Testimony

Learn more about Hester Kool by visiting her Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State profile: www.holocaustc...
Hester shares her story as a Holocaust survivor.
Recorded on April 23, 2009.

[@pumpkintime]

Hester is my grandmother, and she just celebrated her 96th birthday last week! The comments on this video are very touching, it’s amazing to see how many people have heard her story and been moved by it.

[@laurenaf8367]

96... what a blessing. Happy Birthday, Hester ❤

[@kkittycatkat1990]

Please tell her Happy Belated from a complete stranger who is over the moon that she is still here! For someone like me she is a beacon of hope & strength. We must remember that history repeats itself and I fear that it's doing just that. Regardless, Happy Birthday Hestor! You have been blessed and in return you have blessed us with your accounts of such a tragic history.

[@MrViolaine26]

all around the world your grandmother will be know i am sure she is a good grandmother all love to all your family

[@gillianzohnert2323]

That's amazing. What a beautiful redemption

[@valentingarciaable]

I am so glad to run into someone that is related to Hester on here. And to me this is been a wonderful experience to hear her she was so exact and i love the maps... And it was such a pleasure to learn so many things I look at a lot of these videos and hers of course touched my heart very much and I have tears in my eyes please give her a hug from me. And I will see you all in heaven along with the Messiah

[@doranconroy5107]

I LOVE that this woman had the Map and other things to help illustrate her story! Just wonderful !

[@LoveDemi.XO_]

I love how she is very detailed and had the map as well.

[@ivanaandric5703]

😂😂 Yea, she needed it for the americans watching, we in Europe sure don't need a map to find Holandia ( Holland) and it's cities 😂🤣😂🤣😂😂

[@Sonic-dogmagic]

When we complain about trivial things, just listen to the stories of the survivors, like this brave lady, of the Holocaust and realize how lucky we are. She endured heartbreaking and terrifying years as a young Jewish girl. She used her wit to finally escape and make it to freedom in the USA. My father was in the US Army and fought in the 3rd Army under General Patton. He never sweated the small stuff and appreciated the simple things in life. I know there were many atrocities he must have experienced, that he didn't talk about. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Through a miracle he survived and made it back to the USA where he was a civilian for a very short time. He re-enlisted in the Army after marrying my mom, I was born in 1948. He was stationed in Germany when I was just six years old. I remember I was in first and second grade at one of the American Army schools for Army brats like me. When we would go shopping off base to some of the German cities there was still a lot of remnants of buildings that had beened bombed down by the USA and our allies. I asked my dad why there were so many buildings like that, because at 6 or 7 years of age I didn't have a clue. My dad simply replied that there was a war. We also went on a tour of one of the concentration camps. Being so young I still didn't know much about the Holocaust. I do remember the part of the tour where they showed us the gas chamber. Jewish prisoners were told it was a public shower, because the ceiling grates appeared to be like shower heads. As I grew up and became more educated, I realized the great cruelty of that insane monster Hitler. Sorry, I think I have gone at length, but we must never forget.

[@k.williams6846]

+q++

[@lorileclair1402]

God Love U

[@michaelwhisman]

Our troubles are nothing. I have known many people who survived the war from all European countries.

[@jennikifm2]

Yeah. The Holocaust is one of the worst things in history. It wasn’t just Jewish people who were victims. It was also non Jewish people. Roma, Sinti, etc. And Shitler wasn’t the only monster. Same with most- not all- of his crazy Nazis like Josef Mengele, Amon Göeth, just to name some. I feel sorry for survivors and victims of these psychos and I also feel sorry for all the others that died. And also for victims of Unit 731, in Japan and in China. They all never survived. Unit 731 is similar to the experiments conducted in Auschwitz.

[@sistagalsistagal8136]

Great story. I liked ready your memoirs. Thanks .

[@breannmariegrissom6661]

What amazes me the most about these individuals who survived such horrors, is how they seem so kind and they still smile

[@Pi.Kessa29]

You're right. They're bright from the inside of their soul

[@lvncr]

It shows that good truly triumphs evil ❤

[@dianestrouse3418]

She was adorable. I loved how prepared she was with maps and pictures. I think her parents are very proud of her. And her family certainly is. ❤😊🙏🏼

[@maryh3878]

I love how prepared she was too. Loved the visuals. What a lovely lady. ❤

[@gabrielefaehnrich9740]

😮

[@gabrielefaehnrich9740]

Ein bewegendes Schicksal. Und sie strahlt trotzdem soviel Wärme aus ❤

[@marieconley2029]

This is such an inspiring story. My heart is sad for her losses but I'm so proud of her for her bravery. Thank you Hester for telling your story ❤

[@blessedhighlyfavored701]

I started crying even before I started this video. She was & is such a brave & strong woman. God bless her.

[@chrisl418]

I'm so sorry. What a hard childhood you had. As I listened to you talk dispassionate about your past, I thought, "How brave she is and was to go through all that as a young person and then to face those memories so bravely, too, as an adult." Thank you for sharing your life story.

[@annameyer325]

😢

[@soundlycreative]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ this isn’t doing what you want it to.

[@karenharper2266]

Thank you for telling your story. It needed to be told.

[@douglasshadell5119]

She is a very good story teller....love and peace

[@Catmoore60]

I cannot imagine how terrifying this whole era would have been for a child, nor how difficult to navigate the dangers alone. Kudos to your spirit and fortitude to survive, thrive and make a record of what happened so it will never be forgotten.

[@judithfourie983]

P

[@dano3952]

And many think they had a rough life growing up. An amazing journey for you Hester to some how go with the tide that overwhelmed you, tested you and stole your family and childhood from you but you managed to come out of it all onto a shore to a second chance at life. Your strength, endurance and dignity is so inspiring. Your family that passed away in that horror would be so proud of you that you are a living testament to them and carry their legacy forward.

[@kg3718]

A wonderful lady whose destiny was quite different from the rest of her family. It’s bittersweet for the survivors

[@mintieu]

I believe she was kept for a specific purpose favor favor even blessed with old age

[@danielvonweinberger799]

I am just crying and crying. Because this is my family. The uncle from Antwerp was my grandfather.

[@successfulperson3304]

Bless you snd your family

[@alberthaduboulay6771]

I was born in Den Haag in 1937.. I am not Jewish but there is so much in your story that I can relate to, God bless you and yours. Oh, I live in Australia since 1951.

[@MichaelJacobi01]

Would love to hear what you experienced during those times.

[@micheled6111]

Unimaginable to see your family for the last time walking away. Thank you for your bravery for telling your story

[@Pelussowrites]

Even tho it's a painful story, it has been narrated beautifully!. Such an amazing lady!

[@nancynally4230]

❤ BLESSINGS to you Hester and yours ! How wonderful that your life story of sadness and great strength is now being shared with the world !

[@beachormond]

Fascinating. You have a wonderful spirit Hester, thank you for recording your experiences.

[@janupczak1643]

Absolutely amazing. My God, what these people lived through. We are so fortunate to have their stories. It's so difficult to even conceive of the magnitude of lost lives...

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@janupczak1643]

@@franklinstephen3268 I'm well thank you! Hope the same for you. Happy 2023!

[@franklinstephen3268]

@@janupczak1643 Happy new year to you, it’s nice meeting with you here. Where are you texting from?

[@mrbatman4robin]

An immense privilege to listen to your important and moving testimony. Thank you for sharing.

[@jenniferwintz2514]

My goodness, Hester's story was gripping from start to finish and she's an excellent witness/storyteller. I could see her story unfolding in my mind's eye.

[@nanellevantonder3767]

What a remarkable story and you narrated it all so well. You are still smiling and managed to build yourself a new life after all the trauma. ❤

[@brianlam1663]

Dankie vir jou verhaal! Ek voel so sleg vir jou! Hoe kan hulle sulke dinge aan jou doen? 'n Jong dame!! Groete van Süid-Afrika!!!

[@AnneAbraham-q6x]

Hester is amazing. I loved how she showed maps and sure held my attention. What a swwet 96 year old women.❤Anne Abraham😊

[@projectionv.accountability1010]

We are blessed to hear her story. God bless her. ❤

[@Neatcrochet2025]

Oh my ! How sad! What a beautiful lady and as I listened to her I admired her strength at recounting the terrible time of the war and so sad for her loss of her parents and family.. bless her 🙏🏼

[@lususlove]

Her parents knew that she would be safe if she worked in that factory. Also makes me sad to hear that she felt bad leaving the family that “hid” her but also abused her ❤😢

[@exeterline1930]

She's a very nice lady. I'm Glas she shared her story with us. 96 years old and going strong! My best regards.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@seemarajderkar3019]

Thanks for sharing your amazing survival story, dear Hester!! What a tough time you went through, early on in your life.

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

What a gift that book. Thanks for sharing your experience. Such a terrible thing 6,000,000,000 died and many more suffered. May God continue to Bless your life

[@Kate-fr7qc]

What a glorious person.

[@aishabenmoussa557]

Thank you so much for your testimony. God bless you and your family 🙏🌺

[@nadiahill3223]

Hester I'm sorry this happened to you and your family😢. Bless you. Thank you for sharing your story; brave lady. Love and peace ❤️

[@adunn5173]

She is so sweet, I thank her for sharing her childhood life story with us

[@carolreid4821]

This is such a wonderful story of survival, to share with the next generations.

[@tigersforever4577]

What is so remarkable is how these survivors after these harrowing and devastating experiences, the unimaginable horror and trauma, not only survived but went on to live full and productive lives, to marry happily and raise children who in turn live fulfilling lives.

[@crystalfisher2433]

How precious that green poetry book must be to her 💔

[@tdecker2937]

Thank you for this. You have made a significant contribution to future generations. God bless you!

[@karolynpieren5129]

I loved Hester’s story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@belindamehlman1448]

We must never forget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@teresahiggs4896]

And never allow it to happen again.

[@elvinkrigsman6956]

It’s happening to the Kurds, ulghars, and now Ukrainians right now

[@kerri-annmurphy2280]

Thank you for sharing your story. My mother and her family are also from the Netherlands, they lived near Leeuwarden. After the war they migrated to Australia. They are not Jewish but also suffered terribly during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Bless you.

[@Patti-iz6yn]

What a sad story. Her perseverance is stunning. Thank you for sharing her story with the world.

[@queenydollsempire9487]

Dankuwel voor het vertellen van uw verhaal.

[@ivanaandric5703]

​ Thank you so much for telling your life story so ppl can learn from this! It's such an honor to be able to hear a recount of the war from someone who was actualy there and lived and survived through all those atrocities. I to have grandparents of course, my grandma (my mothers ma) she joined the partisans with the rest of her family, while my grandpa, her future husband lived on a small island Drvenik Mali near Trogir. His family (parents and grandparents) hid his fathers sister who married a man born of a hebrew faith (she changed her faith (which was none😂, some sort of christian but she wasn't even christened, but she still underwent a long and demanding processe before they couldvhe weeding) and their five children, from ages about 16 to 8, plus her parents and her brother, his wife and their two daughters (their son joined the partizans). They hid them in the basemant and everything was allright before the capitulation of Italy in 1943 when the Italians left and the Germans came. Because everyone who lived on the island knew they were hidding there (i mean it wasn't exactly a big house) and when the Germans came in 43 it became extrenly dangereos because there was two many ppl in the house so my grear grand mother took my grandfather and his two yonger brothers and went in zbjeg (I don't know how to translate exept run away) in El Shat, in Egipt - a lot of women with small children did that. My grandpa is 3 years younger than my grandma (his future wife, the one that went to partisans, he was the oldest, 13 and his brothers Jozo and Misha, 9 and 7. They had the oldest brother Antonio, 17 who run away with partisans and died during the fighting. But the real tragedy was that right near the end of the war Germans gave orders they everyone must emptied the island and sent everyone to be stationed in Split and one of the Germans found out they had no papers or weren't registered on the island and they killed - shot them all, my grandpas sister, her small children, her husband, his family and everyone who lived in the house. They always considered Slavs inferier people (not Arian enough I guess) even though they all had blue eyes and white skin (black or brown hair though) it was a punishment for hiding Hebrews and warning to others (one other family hid Hebrew relatives too but they run away to America via Lisabon just before Italy capitulated- that family, Tironi, had lot more money because they owned the only mill and bread shop on the island, plus they hid just 3 persons, a couple and a child, and they still had to leave their 5 year old boy but they returned for him after the war ended (and they had huge problems with their visa because of laws back then that you can't leave the US for 5 years or something like that. My fathers father joined the partisans, got tuberculoses and died after the war, but the fact he joined partisans stoped comunists from taking all his land and nationalizing it. Those were brutal times but the sadest thing is how short of a memory ppl have and how quicly they forget. The sadest is that people learned nothing from the horrors of holocoust and when someone learnes nothing they are destened to repet the "lesson", one way or the other.

[@ginagina9720]

Thank you 🙏 for your story Hester watching you I had tears in my eyes It was heartbreaking what you went though, (R.I.P. to all the victims who died)

[@hoardershaven4822]

When I started to translate this little book to my son I began to cry for this little girl, but I had to remember this little girl was me. I am so happy that she could reflect back on such a horrible time and figure it was her beginning and grieve for her...but in all here years the hurt, loss and heartache of that young women was replaced by on who LIVED. ❤️ She said a lot of moving things in this interview be for me that and her daughter telling her to not be sorry for moving across an ocean...giving her a new life and a new start. WOW! She lived, so I am so happy she was able to do so and glad her daughter helped her see that.

[@nilsanarvaez7947]

Wow! What an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ianlucas7679]

Wat an absolute awesome lady you are Hester .Thanks so much for your amazing true story . So glad you got to tell your true sorry thankyou so much an inspiration to everyone that walks on gods earth

[@josiedickson6959]

Thank you so much Hester and family for your testimony. I truly appreciate all involved .

[@Fabby47]

She’s wonderful and a strong lady physically as well to have survived such a horror. I’m so glad she is got a family and she’s happy. I wish her a long life with her loved ones. Thank you for your heart felt testimony. ❤️

[@Watchmewatch5752]

Thank you Helen, for your testimonial. Bless your memory! It is so important to know and remember what atrocities happened under the Nazi’s. And it did not happen far away, long ago. And it can happen again if people are racists and nationalists! ( I was born in ‘62, raised in Amsterdam and always go to the beach in Zandvoort.)

[@dianeknox3076]

Hester is so personable, organized, and a great orator ! I loved how she explained everything such as cities-locations her expetiences- how she felt, etc. I just loved her and would like to thank you Hester for sharing your experience and your story during the holocaust.

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

I love the fact she used the map to give us an idea of where everything is. And all the other items to prove these atrocities really happened.

[@elisabethweil8975]

Being a German I am so very sorry and ashamed of what my people did to you and your people. I'm glad you are such a strong woman and I wish you all the luck in the world.

[@ingeposch8091]

it is not your fault that at one time there was a government that treated people so poorly in your country...

[@isabelakristinapercinic5329]

Dear Elisabeth,it is not your fault,you did not do this.I lived through war as a child and I hoped no war will ever happen again but now Ukraine...so sad.

[@Ruckduck72]

It is not your fault Elisabeth

[@janetblanc7658]

Elizabeth, unfortunately there are people capable of such evil in most countries. We just need to be aware and to do everything we can to stop them taking power.

[@marilyn6556]

Dear Elisabeth, You do not have to be sorry for the things that you didn’t do. What happened during the war could happen anywhere, at any time, because of the beliefs of the country’s leadership, and lies told to the population. We must all be vigilant, so it doesn’t happen again. You show yourself to be a very high morals person, to apologize for your forefathers deeds. Thank you for your kindness!

[@Fargosportsmassage]

You became orphan been so little...I am in tears right now...I love you Hester..

[@lcl7wrkr]

Thanks to whoever took the time to document this. History books are just one version of a era. Hearing from people who were there is important. Documenting history, like the person who wrote the book she found that was important to her, is such a crucial thing. Especially in this age of alternative facts.

[@janesajenkins3246]

Omggg! The way she went and got the map is adorable.

[@avoice6461]

What an important story to tell. Thank you so much. ❤

[@Mamalapp]

This was one of the best testimonies I have listened to. I love that Hester had the visual aids, especially the maps. She was so fortunate to have survived and it was due to happenstance circumstances. Having the job so that she did not go with her parents and then meeting the girlfriend who arranged for her to be hidden with that family. I can see how she regrets leaving behind the menorah and the tea set that her mother had hidden, but when you are still a teenager, those things do not mean as much to you as they do when you are older.

[@astrid5522]

Thank you for sharing your story, Hester. What an incredible person and family.

[@paulbrouwer4717]

Facinerend en heel oprecht hoe zij alles vertelt . Ben blij dat ze een goed leven had na al deze gebeurtnissen. Een typies Nederlands optimismus zie je in haar doen en laten. Respekt voor jou en je familie

[@NoctisAquila]

Horrific!!!! But these personal accounts are crucial for our true understanding of that hell!!! she describes it BEAUTIFULLY and includes all the little details that truly paint a visual picture in your mind! ❤

[@alessiabroglia6682]

I would like to thank Mrs Esther and all her family members. Her remarkable story of courage and strength living in fear and constant danger without parents at only 15. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@angelalitton5057]

Thank you for sharing your and your family's story.

[@lizroberts1569]

Some absolutely amazing people survived to tell their stories so that we could’ve vigilant, we need to keep listening. Amazing woman with fantastic recall.

[@Ruckduck72]

Strong courageous lady what a heartbreaking life 💔

[@mada658]

Wonderful narration.

[@sonilite]

It’s time us people starting putting more of these stories in limelight and focus more on using this to fight other evils in the world as it all connects. Social media should be used to address these stories and help us yes not forget though build passion and character to bring more justice and a human standard to not allow this again- rather than celebrity worshipping

[@maxsmith695]

82 years old ?

[@marymcguffin9370]

I watch all of these holocaust programs, my heart cries for these poor people, I can't imagine being so mean and hateful to so many innocent people, sometimes it's hard to watch. God bless all those poor souls, may they never be forgotten ❤

[@fowleheidi482]

So brave! I love you Hester. I am American/ Jewish blonde hair and green eyes. Was a Bat Mitzvah. @ 25 yo I moved to Switzerland. Long story short I lived on the border of Germany. Turs out same that the Swiss returned Oskar Schindler. I traveled to Munich, took a local bus to Dachau. Not one German showed acknowledgement of the Camp. Had German friends, not one would say anything except their grandparents had nothing to do with it. Still so shocking.

[@jonibrooks7731]

Bless you heart Hector! Thanks for sharing your story. You are loved!❤❤

[@teresahiggs4896]

Everyone needs to be on guard and make sure that this NEVER happens again! 6 million lives snuffed out, 6 million dreams dead… if those people had lived think what they might have contributed to the world.

[@rianaconklin6954]

What a beautiful woman, thank you so very much for sharing your story and history with everyone, my heart goes out to you and hopefully everyone can learn from you. Much love to you and your family from New Hampshire in the USA ❤❤ Your strength is so amazing ❤❤

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

I’m always blow away by each survivor telling their stories….it will be shared & stayed in my heart forever 🙏🏻💝🇺🇸🕯️🕯️🕯️…..they should’ve have the highest of Aliyah’s……RIP sweet souls ….

[@lizdavis9426]

She was very good at the details and with the visual part ,maps,letters etc... Wished she could get the candle holder back.

[@Raminakai]

Hester- You spoke well. Thank- you so much for being willing to share your experiences and educate others about what happened to you. May each person who hears your story be changed inside. I can tell you have done a lot of work, processing and organizing your thoughts as well as preparing to have a presentation that others can remember and connect with.

[@sonjaveda9832]

My father and his family lived in The Netherlands. My aunt and uncle were in the resistance. This ladt reminds me of my oma.

[@susanmckenna4506]

An amazing survivor, what a lovely lady

[@jaynesheppard9251]

I could listen to Hester all day, her memory is excellent. DOD BLESSED this beautiful woman.

[@katheywhearley7953]

Hester you are beautiful! I am so sorry for what all of you went through! So horrible!

[@anne-marie.wortley5265]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@sallyethridge1393]

I want to hug this woman.

[@lindacarr8607]

When I was watching this video I thought I got nothing to complain about .thank you for sharing what happened to you

[@robinalnborg131]

God bless you and your family 🙏🌺. Could listen to her for houers 🎧

[@iangreenberg5101]

Its very special that shes still alive i looked up pictures of Holland in 42 and you can see in people in lines had on backpacks just like she said. I guess they new they would be doing lots of walking. I hope she lives in no pain and her family makes her very happy for the rest of her days

[@louispd6828]

These videos really show the "other" stories of these survivors. God bless her and her family...

[@johnmorris5120]

As a former marine fighting in Afghanistan I've seen my share of cruelty but nothing compares to what this lady went through. What a lovely woman and story

[@andrewcross8244]

Lol another “I served in Afghanistan” statement. Ya know. When people ask me where I served I give them my FOB and a physical location. Too many liars out there

[@a_leaf]

Ya everyone likes a nice lovely story. I'm sure the orphans your kind killed in Afghanistan will have similar stories that will make you feel warm inside that sadistic thing you call a heart.

[@damonmelendez856]

47:46 interesting that she slips up and says they were ‘work camps’

[@lori5288]

Thank you for telling your story. God bless everyone who went through the holocaust.

[@catlaw1997]

What an incredible story! Thank you for sharing! I wish this was a novel so I could hear more.

[@avlisnerak]

Thank you so much for sharing this treasure with us!

[@realitycheck6]

This history is so critically important. I do grieve for his woman and all of the people who suffered, and those who were murdered so horrifically. I so admire this woman and all who share their experiences that prove that these things happened. I am grateful for all who tell their history, and I watch so that I/we do not ever forget. Much respect to this woman.

[@marinaharmon5775]

I'm born in Africa. Our ancestors came from Holland as well. And looking at you make me think about my grandparents on my father side. My eye color is also greenish. If there is any Jewish blood in is, only the Heavenly Father knows. But we all have a desire to turn back and learn Torah from a Jewish point of view. Blessings dear Hester. I'm thanking God for keeping you and blessing you. Ma

[@rickycosman33]

My family left on the last ship out of Amsterdam. My uncle was born there and is 91. Also first went to the Dutch West Indies.

[@VeraStiopul-ws6zp]

Happy birthday 🌷 beautiful Hester

[@micheled6111]

It is so terrible and yet to smile at some things you remember is a testament to your brave and beautiful soul.

[@maxsmith695]

The Red Cross did a great job delivering 1200 care packages each Friday to the people in the Auschwitz camp . Money was also delivered and was exchanged for camp currency to buy items in the general store. No such programs offered in Soviet Gulags.

[@whodearmedearnodear]

What a sweet lady, I hope she is/was well loved in her life

[@bellamoore8247]

WHAT A WONDERFUL WOMAN I AM SO GLAD SHE DID NOT HAVE TO GO TO THOSE CAMPS BUT I AM SO SORRY MOST OF HER FAMILY WERE KILLED ESPECIALLY HER PARENTS

[@harrynking777]

After such a difficult childhood, it is good to see that found happiness after the war. Her testimony is most engaging.

[@marjanteh]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I never understand how Hitler was able to influence these many people to do such a crime? RIP