No One Saw Us Leave: Childhood was snatched away

No One Saw Us Leave : The Truth About Tamara Trottner’s Real Kidnapping

Synopsis

In 1968, when Tamara Trottner was just five years old, her life suddenly changed.

Her father, Leo Saltzman, took Tamara and her brother, Isaac Saltzman, from her mother, Valeria Goldberg and secretly kept them in different countries for three years.

This horrific reality is the basis of the Netflix series, No One Saw Us Leave, adapted from Tamara’s memoir, “Nadie nos vio partir.”

The story begins with the children’s naiveté, thinking it’s just a trip, but then gradually realize something deeper and more dangerous is going on.

Why did Leo do it?

Leo took this step out of revenge. When he discovered Valeria was having an affair, he used the children as weapons to torment their mother.

This behavior is known as “vicarious violence,” where a father targets the children to hurt his wife.

Tamara now says that at the time, she had no words to understand such actions, but later, the book and series revealed this harsh reality from the children’s perspective.

Mother Valeria’s Search and Passion

Valeria didn’t give up. She enlisted the help of an ex-Mossad agent and began searching for her children worldwide.

Eventually, the children were found in Italy, France, and South Africa, and in a kibbutz in Israel.

This feat was made possible not only by her mother’s courage, but also by the support of the Jewish community and a legal process that brought the children back to Mexico and established parental rights.

What Happened Next

Valeria eventually won custody of the children, and the family slowly reunited. Tamara wrote her story in 2024 and published another book in 2025.

She explained that years later, she reconciled with her father, Leo, and now feels at peace with the pain.

Brother Isaac hasn’t appeared in public much, but Tamara has spoken out, proving that even the remaining wounds can be heard and justice can be found.

A Final Word

This story isn’t just a thriller, but a blend of family, violence, and courage that shows that hope and bravery can find a way through pain.

Tamara’s story reminds us that speaking and sharing the truth is sometimes the greatest bravery.