You are about to take a journey through a series of poignant stories about lives impacted by war, genocide and displacement. Born to Holocaust survivors, the 12 writers whose stories appear in these pages explore themes of resilience, identity, memory and healing, as they grapple with the lasting impact of their family histories. From tense tales of escapes to tales of hope, family, love, compassion and the miracle of life - these heart-felt personal narratives are a powerful testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit.
With several stories contributed by each writer, the reader is given an in-depth view into the unique life of each contributor, set in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, the stories span the globe. Some writers grew up aware of their Jewish history; others only became aware of their Jewish identity as adults. Some spent their early years in Communist countries and fled during times of revolution; others grew up in the relative safety of North America. Despite these differences in circumstance, common threads run throughout the stories included here. Readers will discover examples of intergenerational transmission of trauma, resilience, post-traumatic growth and feel each writer's profound sensitivity to their parents' pain and loss.
Importantly for current times, the anthology is a compelling read and a valuable teaching tool, stimulating discussion through historical, political and psychological lenses. It holds appeal for those unfamiliar with the Holocaust, for those searching for a more personal perspective on this previously covered subject, as well as for those wishing to revisit the topic in light of recent world dynamics.
The renowned historian Chris Friedrichs contributes an essay that provides historical context. Given the personal nature of the narratives, he also contributes profiles of the countries where each writers' parents were born. Two maps provide graphic illustrations of how the families dispersed throughout the world in their desperate attempts to survive. In his foreword, the internationally recognized psychiatrist and hidden child survivor Robert Krell offers a rich psychological perspective. This combination of the historical and psychological perspectives provides a compelling description of the ways in which the Holocaust impacted Jewish families in various circumstances and countries.
Given current world events, and a mandate for secondary schools in British Columbia and elsewhere to include Holocaust education, this anthology will resonate with diverse student and adult audiences keen on exploring the universal effects of displacement, war, and genocide.
Krell, Robert: - Dr. Robert Krell was born in Holland and survived the Holocaust in hiding. In 1951, his family moved to Vancouver, Canada. Robert became professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, often treating Holocaust survivor families and Dutch survivors of Japanese concentration camps. He established a Holocaust Education program for high schools in 1976, an audio-visual documentation program recording survivor testimony in 1978, and helped found child Holocaust survivor groups in 1982. He was founding President of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre which teaches 20,000 students annually. Robert has authored and co-edited ten books plus numerous book chapters and articles. He continues to write and speak on Holocaust related concerns. For his life-long work in Holocaust education, remembrance and human rights, his recognitions include the Elie Wiesel Holocaust Remembrance Medal and the Order of Canada. Robert is married to Marilyn and they have three children and nine grandchildren.
Ross-Grayman, Deborah (Devora): - "Deborah grew up in Berkeley, California. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated a natural proclivity for facilitating and working with individuals and groups in diverse settings. After university, she worked as a real estate agent, obtained her broker's license, and co-founded a real estate company with eight other women. Deborah served as president and managing broker, while obtaining her master's degree in clinical psychology, and becoming vitally engaged as a family, child, and play therapist. She emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1993.Fifteen years ago, Deborah perceived a need for activities designed to provide emotional and creative support for children of Holocaust survivors like herself. She continues to co-facilitate Vancouver's Second-Generation Group and assisted in touring the Gesher exhibit of artwork produced by the combined creative efforts of Holocaust survivors, child survivors, and the second-generation. Motivated to honour those who saved lives through acts of civil courage, Deborah co-founded the Wallenberg-Sugihara Civil Courage Society (WSCCS) in Vancouver.Deborah is a mixed-media artist, with works appearing in private and public collections. Currently, she has turned her creative focus towards writing - facilitating a Second-Generation writing group, and working on a memoir. Organizing this anthology has been profoundly meaningful for her.Stepchildren and their families are a blessing in Deborah's life. She and her husband, Henry Ross-Grayman, are active participants in Jewish meditation and members of Or Shalom. Along with their two dogs, they split their time between Vancouver and Salt Spring Island."
