After the bombing of Rotterdam on 14 May 1940, many people with homes in the bombed areas were temporarily housed in the new housing estate around the Stadhoudersweg. An eyewitness recalls, 'The Fresco family lived at Stadhoudersweg 110c. As I remember them, Mr and Mrs Fresco were friendly people with strong principles. Their son 'Brammetje' was an energetic, cheerful, sweet little boy with dark brown eyes and black, curly hair. He looked like his father.
Mr Fresco was a member of the Jewish Council in Rotterdam (though it could also have been Amsterdam). Shortly before the family were taken away, they had another son, who was named Johnny. He had red hair and looked like his mother. The family had already been summoned, but because of the birth of the baby, they received an additional six weeks. Acquaintances suggested that they go into hiding, but they refused, saying that they did not wish to endanger others.
One night they were taken from their home, without any of the neighbours noticing. Later, one neighbour remembered hearing Brammetje crying. The house was sealed; through the window in the door, we could see all their wedding photos lying on the floor in the hallway. One of the neighbours received a single letter from Westerbork. After that, nobody heard from them again. We suspected they had been killed.’
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