The Verdoner Family - Gerrit and Hilde Verdoner, their children Yoka (b.1934), Francisca (b.1937) and Otto (b.1939) - were Jewish. In May 1940, when the Germans overran the Netherlands, Nazi decrees aimed specifically at Jews forced Gerrit out of his business and Yoka out of her second grade class. When the Nazis commandeered their home, the Verdoners went to live with Gerrit's parents in Amsterdam. Shortly thereafter, Gerrit and Hilde decided to place the children in hiding. Their foresight enabled the children to survive and save these family films. Hilde entered Westerbork on December 18, 1942, while Gerrit had a job with the Jewish Council. On September 29, 1943, after the collapse of the Jewish Council and Gerrit's narrow escape from the Germans, Gerrit found refuge in a hideout on a farm. On January 8, 1944 Hilde was sent to Auschwitz. After the war, Gerrit managed to reunite with his children and other surviving family members. The Verdoners emigrated to the US in 1946.
Selma Wallman was Hilde Verdoner's mother's sister. She died in Bergen-Belsen. Selma's husband, Paul Wallman, also died in a camp.
Otto Verdoner, seated at a table in his high chair, wearing a bib, and being fed by his mother. He is wearing a party hat that resembles a king's crown, most likely it is Otto's first birthday. Francisca plays with her younger brother. MCU, Otto seated on the 'potty' playing with a hair brush. CU, Otto and his mother Hilde. CU, Francisca and her great uncle Paul Wallmann playing at the table. CU, Yoka and her great aunt Selma Wallmann at the dinner table; great aunt Selma is making sure that Yoka eats all of her food. Yoka shows off her clean plate. CU, Yoka learning to knit. CU, Francisca playing with Uncle Paul and Aunt Selma. Both Paul and Selma Wallmann, Hilde Verdoner’s aunt and uncle, died in Bergen Belsen.
Verdoner children at home