I'm Still Here - My Voice

I’m Still Here

The following is a synopsis of Margit Cohen’s book which recounts her life before, during and after the Holocaust.

Margit was born in Vienna on 2 February 1922. She was an only child and lived a comfortable life with her parents. Her father was an electrician and owned a large shop. She left Vienna to come to England on the Kindertransport when she was 16.

Margit moved around a lot when she came to England, staying with different people. She could not speak English at first, but gradually learnt. She was skilled in embroidery and dress making and started a job making handbags. She moved to Wales, where she lived for a few years, working in different roles within the leather industry.

Margit married Lionel on 12 January 1944 and moved to Manchester. They had two children. Sadly, her husband died following an accident when he was only 48.

At a time when many women did not work Margit found a job with Martin’s the Cleaners. She went from working behind the counter to becoming an area manager. She later remarried and lived in Benidorm for several years, where she helped to build a Jewish community. She is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“I think I grew up that night when I left my parents on the railway station; I never saw them again.”

Margit Cohen

“A new Government ruling came out stating that no foreigner was allowed to live within 20 miles of the coast as they suspected there could be spies amongst them. I moved to somewhere inland – I remember the Salvation Army - they took me in. I wasn’t very happy there.”

Margit Cohen

“The happy memories fade away. It’s the horrors that haunt you every day.”

Margit Cohen

I’m Still Here

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