The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community presents "A Childhood in the Netherlands and Living Through the Holocaust."

Having "lived a pleasant normal life" near Amsterdam, Lily Con, then 5 years old, recalls in May 1940 how the Germans invaded Holland.  Life became inextricably altered; her parents found safe haven through the Dutch underground and found a family willing to "adopt" Lily as part of their own family.

Lily Harvitt recounts the bravery of this family, her own trials and how this experience forged her life as a violinist.  She herself continues today agonizing about whether she would have dared to do the same thing to save a child's life for those 3 years.

Lily shares her story because she wants people to know that there were people who took great risks to save others in a world filled with hatred.  "I wouldn't be here to tell the story if not for them."

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.