A Family in Holland

This site is dedicated to peace and healing.

It is for the five de Kadt children: Pauline, Esther, Hanna and Abraham, who died in Leeuwarden in July 1942, and David Jan, the baby who survived. It is also for the adults who died by their own hands in despair.

The story will focus on three sisters, Bertha Davida (Bertie) de Kadt, Ella Pauline (Ella) Cohen and Caroline Magdalena (Car) with the maiden name of Polak and their journey, and that of their children through World War 2.

My name is Caroline Roos Meeks. I am named for my grandmother, Caroline Magdalena Polak Roos.

Where to begin

• The StoryThe three sisters and their children, before, during and after the war
• Cohen Family and DeventerElla, Dr. Johan Cohen, Leny and Hans
• de Kadt Family and LeeuwardenBertie, George and their children
• Polak Family and Groningen
• MapWhere the sisters grew up and where they lived during the war
• Shamanic JourneyThe children asked me to visit their grave