In recent years, Hana’s story has spread via radio, a book, television, on stage and even through school projects around the globe. Just when I thought the story had been told in every medium, Larry Weinstein proposed making a film that would be both documentary and drama. And in the end he managed to respectfully and powerfully bring the story to life onscreen.

The film’s technique of telling the story through the perspective of children from around the world captures the heart of our message. That, combined with interviews with those who knew Hana and those who have been by my side as the story has come to light, is especially illuminating. Bringing to life a story that began over 70 years ago is not an easy task. I told Larry that I would want to attend many of the film shoots even though he warned me that some of the scenes might be quite painful for me. But I thought, how often do you get to see your own childhood recreated? I was really touched by so many of these scenes and I was struck by how remarkably reminiscent they were of our experiences – how they reflected my own memories. Yes, many were very sad, but there was something beautiful about the experience.

Since the completion of the film, I have had the opportunity to watch it with audiences and I see how much they are affected. The extent of their reaction continues to renew my faith in how one person’s life can change millions. My little sister was murdered at 13, but her story continues to resonate more than six decades after the fact. And, most importantly, it gives me great hope that in light of the state of current world events, INSIDE HANA’S SUITCASE will become more and more relevant by reminding future generations of the importance of family, freedom, compassion and respect for others. I hope Hana’s tragedy encourages people to explore history and learn more about the consequences of hatred and intolerance.

INSIDE HANA’S SUITCASE answers many of the questions that Fumiko, Lara and I are often asked as we travel. Our emphasis has always been on how it is the next generation that has the opportunity and the responsibility to create a better world. It is up to the young people. I lost many family members and friends as a result of the Holocaust - so did millions of others, but I’ve come to believe that our story speaks for those who have no one to tell theirs. It speaks for the millions whose stories could never be told. - George Brady

George Brady grew up in the small town of Nove Mesto, Czechoslovakia. Due to Nazi occupation and war, George’s parents were arrested in 1941 and eventually, their two children, George, aged 14, and his sister Hana, 11, were deported to Terezin in 1942. It was there that George learned his skills as a plumbing apprentice. Two years later, both were deported to Auschwitz. George worked in slave labour until he was liberated from the Death March in January of 1945. George returned home to find that his parents and beloved sister had been murdered by the Nazis. As the only survivor of his immediate family, George decided to leave Czechoslovakia because of the Communist takeover, eventually making his way to Canada. Two years later, he and another Holocaust survivor founded a successful plumbing business; when he retired, over 40 years later, the business had over 200 employees. Having promised himself when he was a helpless prisoner that he would help those in need if he survived the war, George partakes in various charitable organizations and maintains an active role in his community.