My name is Marcus Degen. I was born 24 October 1942.
It is now more than a year ago that you allowed me to tell you the reason to be in this court of law in Munich.
After being in court for the case against Iwan Demanjuk multiple times, now the time for the court to decide upon the verdict will be there.
It is my belief that Iwan Demjanjuk is guilty of aiding in the death by gassing of my parents and younger brother:
Louis Degen Born 12 February 1916
Rebecca Degen-Berger Born 18 September 1916
Isaias Degen Born 13 December 1939
They were taken from Westerbork 6 April 1943 via train to Sobibor where they were killed 9 April 1943.
My grandparents:
Marcus Degen Born 22 March 1885
Sientje Degen-van der Glas Born 31 March 1893
They were taken from Westerbork 30 March 1943 via train to Sobibor where they were killed 2 April 1943.
I have not just lost my parents and my younger brother, I have lost everything. I am the only surviving Degen in my entire family.
You can never learn to cope with the loss of your parents, younger brother and grandparents. There is not a day that passes where I don’t think of them.
Their tragedy was, is, and always will be a part of my life. I will always have that bond.
On behalf of my entire family, I hope that you, Iwan Demjanjuk, are found guilty.
Marcus Degen
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Netherlands
