During the Nazi occupation of Belgium in 1942, Leah, aged three, and her older sister, Sylvia, aged seven, were hidden in a convent cellar. Their mother reassured Sylvia that at the end of the war she would be re-united with them. Sylvia had also been instructed to keep alive for both girls the spirit of what had been their joyful extended family, and their inherent Jewish background.

During the Nazi occupation of Belgium in 1942, Leah, aged three, and her older sister, Sylvia, aged seven, were hidden in a convent cellar. Their mother reassured Sylvia that at the end of the war she would be re-united with them. Sylvia had also been instructed to keep alive for both girls the spirit of what had been their joyful extended family, and their inherent Jewish background.