Agi D.
Child Survivor
1946 Decision
May 8th 1945
War Ending in Europe
The day that the war ended was a day of happiness of joy for Agi at the thought of reuniting with her mother. On this day, Agi had even experienced the Berlin Candy Bomber as chocolates and various candy pieces were dropped to her and other children from American planes
However, liberation by the Russian Army due to the war ending meant Communism was coming to Hungary, affecting Hungarian families like the ones Agi was staying with.
During the era of the war ending, Agi’s mother sent her and her sister to their father in the countryside, where food was more plentiful. The journey getting there was treacherous for Agi, nearly drowning getting there, but eventually arriving safely.
"Agi remembers spending time in the countryside with kind Russian soldiers who would sing and give out candies"
After The War
Leaving Hungary
Due to the growing presence of Communism in Hungary, Agi’s mother decided to leave the country in 1946. The journey escaping the country was a struggle for the family, facing a life-or-death boat ride in the process.
The family lived in several Displaced persons camps, (established after World War II in Germany, Austria, and Italy for refugees from Eastern Europe and concentration camps) in Bad Gastein and St. Gilgen, Austria. One memory Agi recalls in one of the camps was sneaking into an adults-only film with her friends, giving them a glimpse into the cruelties of the Nazis through horrific images of the concentration camps.
In 1949, Agi’s mother left for Canada to serve as an indentured housekeeper for a Jewish family Agi had to live with her father in Vienna; her parents already had a divorce at this time.
Reuniting With Her Mother
Joining With Her Mother After 2 Years
Finally working and having enough money after two years, Agi's mother was finally able to send for Agi to join her in Canda. The process of getting Agi to Canada had taken over 5 months. During this time, Agi had stated in several different orphanages until reaching Bremerhaven, Germany and boarding a ship to Canda by herself.
The boat journey took nine days, with an extra 3 days riding a train to Toronto. Eventually, Agi was able to reunite with her mother after being separated for two years.
