Getting Together with Agnes Hirschi

Agnes Hirschi Lutz 

May 2023. During my extensive journey across Europe, I experienced immense joy when reuniting with dear friend Agnes Hirschi in Bern, Switzerland’s picturesque city. After years, the reunion was a truly heartwarming experience.

Agnes graciously fetched me from the train station. Together, we indulged in a delightful rendezvous at the charming Rose Garden – a serene haven with breathtaking vistas of the city below. The sun graciously illuminated our surroundings, enhancing the beauty of the day, and leaving an indelible mark on my memory. Agnes Hirschi Lutz 

During our conversation, we got into the various ventures in which Agnes is actively engaged. I couldn’t help but admire her indomitable spirit, as she fearlessly traverses the globe at the remarkable age of 85. Merely a few days after our encounter, she found herself participating in a radio interview for a Swiss audience, a testament to her unwavering dedication. In this captivating dialogue, Agnes eloquently recounts her poignant experiences as a young girl amidst the tumultuous backdrop of war-ravaged Budapest.

She recounts her arduous ordeal of seeking refuge in a basement for a harrowing seven weeks, seeking shelter from relentless bombings and the impending arrival of Soviet forces, which ultimately engulfed the city. For those interested, I invite you to listen to this profound account in Swiss German by clicking the link provided, here. Agnes Hirschi Lutz 

Subsequently, we adjourned to Agnes’s abode, where she skillfully prepared a delectable midday feast, replete with a tantalizing assortment of flavors. The culinary affair culminated with an exquisite homemade peach mousse, an ethereal delicacy that delighted our palates. Our gastronomic journey reached its zenith with a sublime pairing of coffee and schnapps, providing a fitting conclusion to the sensory symphony of tastes. The experience was truly a gustatory delight!

As previously mentioned, Agnes finds herself immersed in a multitude of forthcoming projects, each presenting an array of challenges infused with state-of-the-art technologies. The prospect of embarking upon such ventures surely evokes an exhilarating sense of anticipation. Moreover, let us not overlook the profound significance of bearing witness to the living legacies of war and the Holocaust, as their recollections serve as an indelible testament to our shared history.

Within the ravaged walls of the Swiss residence and the enchanting city of Budapest, a treasure trove of photographs captured by the esteemed Swiss consul, Carl Lutz, unveiled itself before my eyes.

These captivating snapshots, previously unseen by the public, stood as a testament to Lutz’s unwavering passion and remarkable photographic prowess. With meticulous care, he immortalized the essence of Budapest during the summers and winters of 1944, as well as the nascent stages of post-war existence, crafting an unparalleled visual narrative. Agnes Hirschi Lutz 

Moreover, amidst this captivating collection, I had the pleasure of beholding the British passport of a youthful Agnes, a mere 22 years old at the time, alongside a selection of her aged Swiss passports. These documents provided a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Agnes’s personal history, offering both intrigue and admiration.

 

As the hours slipped through my grasp like grains of sand, a sense of urgency gripped me, for it was time to bid farewell and embark on my journey towards the airport. Dear Agnes, the moments we shared were nothing short of extraordinary.

I am profoundly grateful for your boundless hospitality, which transformed my stay into a cherished memory. May destiny align our paths once more at my forthcoming destination, where I eagerly anticipate our next encounter.

Short biography of Agnes Hirschi

 

 

 

 

Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
"Want to go deeper? My book Let Pass or Die covers the full 400-year history"

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