Anna Hajkova, "Quartet: A Story of Survival"

Frankely Judaic: Explorations in Jewish Studies

In this episode, historian Dr. Anna Hejkova from the University of Warwick explores rarely discussed queer histories and enforced relationships during the Holocaust. The narrative delves into the lives of concentration camp guard Anneliese Kohlmann; Helene Sommer, a female prisoner who Kohlmann forced into a relationship; Margot Heumann, a teenage prisoner who witnessed the relationship; and Willie Brachmann, a kapo in Auschwitz. Shedding light on the complex dynamics, power imbalances, and survival strategies within labor and concentration camps, these individual stories reveal how prisoners navigated their dire circumstances, using appearance and sexuality for survival, while also acquiescing to relationships with guards. Reflecting on societal attitudes, moral complexities, and post-war ramifications, this episode provides a nuanced understanding of human resilience, solidarity, and the multifaceted nature of historical memory.