What is inomaskitchen.com?
In Oma’s Kitchen—Back to Banat* was created as a venue to tell the true story of my grandmother, Elizabeth Loch, and her mother, Anna Schwarz.
Vertreibung (Expulsion) By Stefan Jäger
My Oma (which is German for Grandmother) shared our family’s story with me over the course of many interviews that took place between 1997 and 2001, as we sat together and talked in the fragrant haven of her kitchen. However, it’s important to note that this is also the story of countless other ethnic German men, women and children – known as Donauschwaben** – who suffered persecution, expulsion and extermination/ethnic cleansing at the hands of Tito in many other parts of Eastern Europe following the end of World War II.
Perhaps most of all this is a story of survival and strength… Of never letting go of that which is most dear – even in the face of terrible adversity and almost certain death.
Interestingly, this dark chapter of Eastern European history is rarely discussed in the United States today, despite the fact that many of the surviving misplaced Donauschwaben people chose to settle in North America. Perhaps this is yet another function of the humble, hardworking, uncomplaining nature of the Donauschwaben culture. Never before have I personally met a people who are as self-effacing and quick to pick up the slack as those from my Oma’s lost homeland. Resigned to their fate, survivors came together and helped one another pick up the pieces of shattered lives.
Banat in Europe
The Donauschwaben, who in the years and months following World War II endured imprisonment and slaughter at worst—or were forcibly displaced at best—have asked for nothing in repayment for what they lost. Instead they are seemingly grateful simply to be alive and free. Here, by sharing the struggles of my own family, we hope to help shed some light on what happened to the millions of Donauschwaben who lost their 700-year old homeland as a result of decisions that were made at the Potsdam Conference in July and August, 1945.***
* The area of Eastern Europe that encompasses the Balkans/what was formerly Yugoslavia and Serbia.
** Germans who had previously settled in southeastern Europe, also commonly referred to as Danube Swabians.
*** For more information about the historical record concerning the Donauschwaben extermination and expulsion following World War II, please CLICK HERE.
18 Responses to “What is inomaskitchen.com?”
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Fantastic..thanks so much for your efforts to keep the story alive!
Kirsten,
The website is coming along. I’m so happy those who have posted have enjoyed their reading and look forward to a continuation of this story.
I too had an Oma (she has been gone for many years now) and am of Donauschwaben decent. Thanks for sharing your story.
Very cool indeed. It’s so important to perpetuate the truth through these stories and to keep alive the memories of your Oma.
Enjoyed…very nice…put some more…
Appreciated !