Hannah was born on 17.7.21 to a highly cultured, a Jewish family. Her father, a celebrated author and playwright, passed away when she was six years of age. In those years, Hungarian Jewry enjoyed freedom and civil rights and scoffed at the idea of Eretz Israel. Hannah's family was no different in this respect and ignored Zionism.

At the age of thirteen she began writing a diary which ends on the eve of her mission. This diary has been fully preserved and is a testimony of her life, her inner thought, struggles, decisions - her uniqueness.

''When I began writing a diary, I was determined not to blabber about boys, as do other girls, but... my diary is becoming like that of any other girl'' (18.6.36)

Yet on the pages of that diary began a special chapter in the history of Zionism. Hannah, a young girl, an outstanding athlete and student, writes about being influenced by Zionism and immigration to Eretz Israel.

''I don't remember if I have already told you that I am a Zionist. I feel now that I am with all my heart a conscious Jew... I am proud of my Judaism and I am committed to emigration to Eretz Israel and taking part in it's up building.''(27.10.38)

Further on, young Hannah writes:

''Today is my birthday, and I am eighteen. One idea occupies me continually - Eretz Israel. There is but one place on earth in which we are not refugees, not emigrants, but where we are returning home - Eretz Israel.'' (17.7.39)

Less than a year after these lines were written, Hannah had already arrived at the Nahalal agricultural school in Eretz Israel. A young girl, full of faith, who had left everything behind and immigrated alone to fulfill her dream - to live and build Eretz Israel. Her mother, Katherine, to whom she was deeply attached, remained on her own in Budapest. Her brother, Giora, had gone to study in France a year earlier.

''At last I am home in Eretz Israel''

Writes Hannah in her diary, four days after her arrival. From this point onwards she writes her diary in Hebrew. In her diary notes is reflected the change that occurs in the soul of a person who moves from tennis shoes on the courts of Budapest to the boots of the Nahalal cattle-sheds.

''A few days ago I noticed two things - a postcard which Eva sent from a ball in Budapest and my hands wounded by physical labor. For a moment I asked myself whether it had not been but foolish romanticism leaving my comfortable life and choosing the life of a worker? After a moment my mind rested: here, in Eretz Israel, this is where I belong!'' (17.2.40)

in Eretz Israel, those were days of building and creating, while in Europe World War II raged and with it ''the final solution''.

''The Germans are standing at the gates of Paris and here it is still quite, the sky is bright and blue, but where are inner quietness and tranquillity? With Giora communication has been cut, and what about mother?? I see her in my dreams at night.'' (26.6.40)

Next   Back