Hilde Zimmermann, born Wundsam on September 12, 1920, emerged as a formidable figure in the Austrian Resistance against fascism. Her courageous efforts to combat the oppressive regime led to her arrest, alongside her mother and childhood friend, by Nazi officials. This harrowing experience culminated in their deportation to the Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany.
Despite the grim circumstances, Hilde's resilience shone through as she survived both her imprisonment and a subsequent death march. Her experiences in the concentration camp profoundly shaped her perspective, leading her to identify as a 'persecuted person' rather than a mere 'victim'.
In the aftermath of her liberation, Hilde dedicated herself to educating future generations about the atrocities committed by the Nazis. She co-founded the Österreichische Lagergemeinschaft Ravensbrück & FreundInnen, an organization committed to preserving the memory of those who suffered in Ravensbrück and advocating for awareness among young people.