The Loewenstein Family: A Story of Survival

Ernst Heinrich (Henry) Loewenstein was born in Berlin, Germany on July 4, 1925 to Max and Maria Loewenstein. Maria was a working artist and designer, and Max was a physician. They were active in Berlin’s thriving art scene, and frequently attended the theatre.

Henry grew up in a large apartment in Berlin, Germany, surrounded by his parents’ artist friends. These early experiences with many of Germany’s leading creators, including composer Kurt Weill, dancers, painters, architects, and writers (many of whom were fortunate enough to leave early on) left a lasting impression on young Henry.  As a child, Henry would sing and perform for his parents’ guests, but their well-intentioned laughter caused him to shun the stage, preferring in later years to exercise his creativity behind the scenes.

Henry was seven years old on January 30, 1933, when Adolph Hitler became Chancellor. Life began to change for Germany’s Jews, the oppression growing with each passing year. In July 1938, Henry celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.  Four months later, Nazis destroyed the synagogue during Kristallnacht, the ‘Night of Broken Glass.’

Henry’s thirteenth birthday would be his last in Germany.