The stolen children of East Germany

Young children and babies were taken away from their parents in East Germany when the state deemed it necessary. This video shows which methods were used and how the interest of the state was placed above that of each individual. Many parents are still looking for their children today.

Thanks to Paul Webster for his support.

Sources:

Book:

Youtube:

Web:

Pictures:
Kinderwochenheim DDR - By Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-27645-0027 / Klein

[wilfamos]

Another aspect of DDR life I knew nothing about. Thank you for producing such informative videos and and an excellent channel.

[ArisMN]

“..doesnt disturb their sleep”. Careful, frugal words, hitting the nail on its head. Very well put!

[mojzivotjenovival]

Thanks for this really interesting story! Similar stories happened in SFR Yugoslavia (mainly in the Serbian Socialist Republic) during the 60s-70s-80s, when the medical staff stolen some newborns from the hospitals, and sold them for hard currency (especially for dollars) to the West.
I read that these child stolen cases still unresolved.
I really like your channel, you should write a book about the former GDR!
Greetings from Czech Republic!

[TheYizuman]

It's a shame that the German Government prefers to bury the sins of the GDR and not revisit the issue of allowing parent to find their missing children. To disallow parents to find their missing children is pure evil.

[pdlagasse]

Thanks for bringing this story to the attention of your audience!

[KETTINGAFK]

Top, goed onderwerp heb je naar het licht gebracht. Ik kijk uit naar je volgende aflevering.

[jsomhorst]

Very informative video once again. Thanks for this

[matheuspinho]

Your work is very much needed, God bless

[darrenchin_]

i can't imagine the burdens that the searching parents bear for years and years

[Eurobazz]

You briefly mentioned Spain. The Republic of Ireland also did the same. Both countries were influenced by the Catholic Church in this awful act.

[emmcee]

It’s good to see you back - I always enjoy your videos

[richardshiggins]

Very interesting . One can say that the same happened in "holy catholic Ireland" in the 60s and 70s .

[andyambrose]

Having just seen this video makes me wonder and wonder. I wrote a novel about an East German girl, who told me she did not know her parents and was bought up in children's homes. She thought her parents had died in a car crash, maybe they did. But now, I wonder. Things never fitted together with this girl, and now, even 40 years later, it is seemingly impossible to get at the truth of many things that happened in East Germany. There is such a lot of evil in this world.

[laikanbarth]

This is so sad. I never heard of this about East Germany during the dictatorship. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I’m a huge history buff. I hope these people can be reunited with their families.

[peterpeterholt]

Thank you for another excellent - if depressing - video. As well as providing interesting historical perspectives, this channel also raises issues which are still current and require action today from the relevant authorities. This video is a case in point. Please keep up the good work!

[vauxpedia]

Another interesting video Olaf, I was surprised you didn't mention the children forced into sports programmes & the use of body enhancing drugs. Keep up the great work!

[ChefEarthenware]

So dreadful. How can people be so evil?

[glenncheatham]

Your ch is always fascinating and well investigated.

[docBZA]

Wow, what a horrendous practice by the GDR. Thank you for your research

[JerusnamWien]

Another great video that sheds light on this issue. I only came across this while watching the second season of “Weissensee”—I didn’t know the GDR took away dissidents’ children!