Watch the testimony clip of Michel Fried, who recalls his family’s relation with the Jewish religion. After watching the clips, read his short biography.
Michel Henri Fried was born in 1936 in Anderlecht, Belgium into a Jewish family. He was raised by parents who are originally from Transylvania (today’s Romania). Michel's early years were marked by relative stability and a sense of belonging in Anderlecht. His father arrived in Belgium in the early 1930s, while his mother initially came to visit. Their family lived in the heart of Brussels, and Michel had fond memories of his childhood there, including a kindergarten run by Madame Desjardins, who was sensitive to the events happening in Germany during that time. Michel's upbringing in Belgium was marked by a multicultural environment, and he didn't experience significant antisemitism. He was open about his Jewish identity among friends who embraced him. During World War II, Michel witnessed the challenges of bombings, nights spent in cellars, and the mass exodus of people. Michel was separated from his parents, who were later arrested by the Germans due to their involvement in the resistance. His father was sent to Buchenwald, while his mother was sent to Ravensbruck. Despite being incarcerated, Michel's parents maintained communication through censored letters. Michel's father, a polyglot and a member of the resistance, played a significant role in the Belgian Resistance, even providing forged documents for fellow Jews. Michel reunited with his parents after the war. He emigrated to Australia, he got married and had two children. His interview was recorded in 1996, in Brisbane, Australia.